Fully automatic system for the coupling alignment of optical fibres

Abstract

To realize the low-loss connection of two optical fibres intended as a transmission medium for optical signals, very tight tolerances have to be observed on account of the small geometrical dimensions involved. The present work describes a fully automatic system for the alignment of optical fibres in thex-y planes relative to a light source, which has only a single intensity peak, so that maximum optical power is launched into the fibre. The light source can be, for instance, the radiating end of a fibre, a semi-conductor laser or a light-emitting diode. The optical power coupled into the fibre serves as the control signal. Three precision displacement stages driven by stepping motors serve to align the fibres. Various sequential control algorithms for optimal coupling are investigated with reference to theory. Two algorithms are tested with the aid of a computer with reference to the alignment accuracy and speed requirements which have to be met and the one shown by theoretical simulation to be the more favourable is selected for technical realization. The resulting system was used for numerous alignment operations for the coupling of two graded-index fibres. The alignment time is below 1 s and the coupling efficiency compared with manual coupling alignment efficiency (= 100%) is above 99%, corresponding to an additional loss of <0.05 dB.