Alignment arrangement for aligning a plurality of fibers, in a fiber array, with an optical component, as well as a corresponding system

Abstract

Alignment arrangement for aligning a plurality of fibers, in a fiber array, with an optical component, wherein the alignment arrangement comprises actuator arrays, wherein each of said actuator arrays comprises a plurality of spaced apart receptables, wherein each of said plurality of spaced apart receptables is arranged to support one of said plurality of fibers, respectively, wherein a spacing between neighbouring receptables, being a receptables pitch, is larger than a spacing between neighbouring fibers in the fiber array, being a fiber pitch, wherein said actuator arrays are positioned to one another such that neighbouring fibers are supported by different actuator arrays.

Description

[0001] Title

[0002] Alignment arrangement for aligning a plurality of fibers, in a fiber array, with an optical component, as well as a corresponding system.

[0003] Technical field

[0004] The present disclosure is related to the field of optics and, more specifically, to an alignment arrangement for aligning a plurality of fibers with an optical component.

[0005] Background

[0006] Photonic packaging is the assembly procedure encapsulating photonic chips in reliable protection packages, providing electrical and / or optical interfaces between the photonic chip and the user. Photonic packaging can in part rely on the experience of the electronics industry to successfully implement several assembly operations, however, the connection between photonic chips and optical components like optical fibers and lenses requires submicron-scale alignment accuracy and represents a critical assembly challenge.

[0007] Optical fibers are often used to create connectivity with and between photonic chips. The efficient connection between a single on-chip port and an optical fiber requires submicron scale and controlled alignment, commonly performed by means of micro-manipulators. Connectivity with a photonic chip with multiple ports can be established through an array of optical fibers, which is commercially available as a single unit containing pre-aligned optical fibers. Each on-chip port has to be geometrically mated with a fiber port, typically named as fiber core.

[0008] The optical transmission and the alignment between the on-chip ports (typically ideally distributed) and the array of optical fibers is compromised by the imperfect position of each fiber core in the array, therefore, alternative solutions are required. This motivates the investigation of efficient methods for the alignment of multiple optical fibers with multi-port photonic chips.

[0009] Typically, to align fibers in an array, an array of actuators may be used. It is foreseen that the pitch of a fiber array, i.e. the distance between neighbouring fibers, will get smaller and smaller in the future. This will make it progressively more challenging to design and manufacture such an array of actuators.

[0010] Summary

[0011] It is an object of the present disclosure to provide for an alignment arrangement that is able to cope with fiber arrays that have a relatively small pitch. It is a further object of the present disclosure to provide for a corresponding system.

[0012] In a first aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided an alignment arrangement for aligning a plurality of fibers, in a fiber array, with an optical component, wherein the alignment arrangement comprises: actuator arrays, wherein each of said actuator arrays comprises a plurality of spaced apart receptables, wherein each of said plurality of spaced apart receptables is arranged to support one of said plurality of fibers, respectively, wherein a spacing between neighbouring receptables, being a receptables pitch, is larger than a spacing between neighbouring fibers in the fiber array, being a fiber pitch, wherein said actuator arrays are positioned to one another such that neighbouring fibers are supported by different actuator arrays.

[0013] The inventors have found that it might be beneficial to, instead of putting effort in designing and developing small pitched receptables in an actuator array, it may be beneficial to use multiple actuator arrays. The requirements for the receptables pitch of an actuator array can then be more relaxed, as one actuator array does not need to support all fibers. One actuator array only needs to support half, or one-third, or on-fourth, etc., of all the fibers.

[0014] Here below, an example is provided for two actuator arrays. It is however emphasized that the present disclosure is also related to three, four, five, or even more actuator arrays.

[0015] A first actuator array comprises receptables, wherein the receptables are arranged to support the first, third, fifth, seventh, etc., fiber of the plurality of fibers. As such, the receptables pitch of the first actuator array may equal two times the fiber pitch. The second actuator array comprises receptables, wherein the receptables are arranged to support the second, fourth, sixth, etc., fiber of the plurality of fibers. As such, the receptables pitch of the second actuator array may also equal two times the fiber pitch.

[0016] These two actuator arrays cannot physically be positioned at exactly the same position. As such, the actuator arrays are placed either behind each other, on top of each other, opposing each other, or a combination of these. These examples will be explained later below with reference to the figures.

[0017] In the context of the present disclosure, cantilevers may refer to a type of mechanical structure used to support and position / align the optical fibers. Cantilevers may consist of consist of a relatively thin, deformable mechanical fingers that are anchored at one end and free at the other end. The optical fiber is typically supported by the free end of a corresponding cantilever, which allows it to be moved and positioned / aligned with high precision.

[0018] The receptables are arranged in an array having a particular pitch, being referred to in this disclosure as the receptables pitch. The receptables could be manipulated using different features. For example, the receptables could be comprised by an array of membranes, or an array of elastic mechanisms. Preferably, the receptables are comprised by an array of spaced apart cantilevers, as elucidated here below.

[0019] Alternatively worded, the receptables could be attached to the cantilevers, to an array of membranes or to an array of elastic mechanisms, or the like.

[0020] In an example, each of the actuator arrays comprises a plurality of spaced apart cantilevers, wherein each of said plurality of spaced apart cantilevers comprises one of said receptables, respectively, for supporting one of said plurality of fibers.

[0021] The receptable could, for example, be a groove provided at a free end of the cantilever, in which groove a particular fiber is to be supported. Typically, the groove may have a V-shape.

[0022] The deflection of a cantilever, and thus also the receptable comprised by the cantilever (and the fiber supported by that receptable), can be realized in several manners. One of the possibilities is to use piezoelectric elements, which comprise a material that generates an electric charge in response to applied mechanical stress. The reverse effect can also be achieved: by applying a voltage to the material, the material expands or contracts and can be used as an actuator to move objects with high accuracy. Such a material can be used to deflect the cantilevers for aligning purposes.

[0023] Typically, an actuator array may comprise a base from which the cantilevers extend. The cantilevers are thus mounted to the base. The cantilevers may extend from the base in a comb-like fashion. The cantilevers may be oriented such that they are parallel to one another. The cantilevers may have the same length.

[0024] In an example, the cantilevers extend in a longitudinal direction, wherein said actuator arrays are placed one behind the other, in said longitudinal direction, and wherein said plurality of cantilevers of a first of said actuator arrays are offset, in a direction perpendicular to said longitudinal direction, with said plurality of cantilevers of a second of said actuator arrays, by an integer multiple of said fiber pitch.

[0025] In this particular example, the actuator arrays may be oriented in a single plane. The free ends of the cantilevers of a first actuator array may be pointed towards the base of a second actuator array.

[0026] The actuator arrays may, preferably, engage the fibers from a same direction, for example from the bottom side of the fibers. Accordingly, the actuator arrays are slightly offset, by multiple of the fiber pitch, in a direction perpendicular to said longitudinal direction, and by a larger distance in the longitudinal direction.

[0027] In a further example of the alignment arrangement: each of a plurality of receptables of a first of said actuator arrays is arranged to engage with one of said plurality of fibers from a bottom side of said plurality of fibers; each of a plurality of receptables of a second of said actuator arrays is arranged to engage with one of said plurality of fibers from a top side of said plurality of fibers, wherein said plurality of receptables of said first of said actuator arrays are offset, in a direction perpendicular to a longitudinal direction, said longitudinal direction being a direction in which said fibers extend, relative to said plurality of receptables of said second of said actuator arrays, by an integer multiple of said fiber pitch. In the context of the present disclosure, a cantilever supports a corresponding fiber by engaging that particular fiber from a particular side. The cantilever may, for example, comprise a groove, such as a v-groove, wherein the fiber is placed inside that v-groove. That groove may be considered the receptable of the cantilever.

[0028] The present examples are intentionally directed to receptables. The receptables are the features of the actuator array that actually support the fiber. It does not define how the receptables are being manipulated as this can be performed in a variety of ways. A typical example to do so is by utilizing a plurality of cantilevers, wherein the free ends of such cantilevers comprise receptables. Other options include an array of membranes or an array of elastic mechanisms or the like.

[0029] The actuator arrays may, for example, be mirrored. A first actuator array may engage the fibers from a bottom side of the fibers and a second actuator array may engage the fibers from a top side of the fibers. This allows the actuator arrays to be closely positioned to one another, i.e. on top of one another. This allows the actuator arrays to be aligned in longitudinal direction. The actuator arrays, or at least the receptables, or - for example the cantilevers -, of the actuator arrays, are offset by the fiber pitch in the direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction.

[0030] In a further example: each of said plurality of receptables of said actuator arrays is arranged to engage with one of said plurality of fibers from a same side of said plurality of fibers, said actuator arrays are placed on top of one another; wherein said plurality of receptables of a first of said actuator arrays are offset, in a direction perpendicular to a longitudinal direction, said longitudinal direction being a direction in which said fibers extend, with said plurality of receptables of a second of said actuator arrays, by an integer multiple of said fiber pitch.

[0031] This particular example describes that the actuator arrays are placed on top of one another, but still engage the fibers from the same side. The actuator arrays may be considered as an angular arrangement of actuator arrays. The actuator arrays may be mounted and aligned to one another. This can be achieved either in a passive or in an active manner. This is elucidated in more detail with the examples provided below.

[0032] In an example: a longitudinal direction of a plurality of cantilevers of a first actuator array have an acute angle with a longitudinal direction of a plurality of cantilevers of a second actuator array.

[0033] The example allows the free ends of the cantilevers of the first actuator array to be close to the free ends of the cantilevers of the second actuator array. The benefit hereof is that the fibers do not need to extend far from the point at which they are supported.

[0034] In an example, the acute angle is between 5° - 30°, preferably between 5° - 15°.

[0035] In a further example, the plurality of cantilevers of a first actuator engage said plurality of fibers at first contact positions, and wherein a plurality of cantilevers of a second actuator engage said plurality of fibers at second contact positions, using said receptables, wherein said second contact positions are staggered with respect to said first contact positions, in a longitudinal direction of said fibers.

[0036] In a further example, a distance between said first contact points and said second contact points is between 10% - 50% of a length of said plurality of cantilevers of said actuator arrays.

[0037] In yet another example, the alignment arrangement comprises a frame, wherein said frame comprises: a first receiving section for receiving, and mounting, a first actuator array; a second receiving section for receiving, and mounting, a second actuator array; wherein said first receiving section and said second receiving section are arranged such that said first and second actuator array have said acute angle.

[0038] In another example, at least one of said first receiving section and said second receiving section comprises alignment features for aligning said first and / or said second actuator array, respectively. In yet a further example, the frame further comprises an array of stationary fiber receptables, oriented between said optical component and positions at which said cantilevers engage said plurality of fibers, wherein said fiber receptable is arranged for initially positioning said plurality of fibers with respect to said optical component.

[0039] In an even further example, the alignment arrangement further comprises: positioning stages for actively controlling positions of said actuator arrays.

[0040] In another example, the positioning stages are arranged for controlling positions of said actuator arrays using rotation and translation.

[0041] In an example, the optical component is any of an fiber array, optical lens(es), ports of an optical chip, optical waveguides or optical apertures.

[0042] In a second aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a system for optically aligning a plurality of fibers with on-chip optical ports of a chip, wherein the system comprises a plurality of fibers and an alignment arrangement in accordance with any of the previous examples for aligning the plurality of fibers with on-chip optical ports.

[0043] It is noted that the advantages as explained with reference to the first aspect of the present disclosure, being the alignment arrangement, are also applicable to the second aspect of the present disclosure, being the system for optically aligning a plurality of fibers, and comprising such an alignment arrangement.

[0044] The present disclosure is described in conjunction with the appended figures. It is emphasized that, in accordance with the standard practice in the industry, various features are not drawn to scale. In fact, the dimensions of the various features may be arbitrarily increased or reduced for clarity of discussion.

[0045] In the appended figures, similar components and / or features may have the same reference label. Further, various components of the same type may be distinguished by following the reference label by a dash and a second label that distinguishes among the similar components. If only the first reference label is used in the specification, the description is applicable to any one of the similar components having the same first reference label irrespective of the second reference label. The above and other aspects of the disclosure will be apparent from and elucidated with reference to the examples described hereinafter.

[0046] Brief description of the drawings

[0047] Fig. 1 discloses a first example of an alignment arrangement according to the present disclosure;

[0048] Fig. 2 discloses a second example of an alignment arrangement according to the present disclosure;

[0049] Fig. 3 discloses a third example of an alignment arrangement according to the present disclosure;

[0050] Fig. 4 discloses a fourth example of an alignment arrangement according to the present disclosure;

[0051] Fig.5 discloses a fifth example of an alignment arrangement according to the present disclosure;

[0052] Fig. 6 discloses a sixth example of an alignment arrangement according to the present disclosure.

[0053] Detailed Description

[0054] It is noted that in the description of the figures, same reference numerals refer to the same or similar components performing a same or essentially similar function.

[0055] A more detailed description is made with reference to particular examples, some of which are illustrated in the appended drawings, such that the manner in which the features of the present disclosure may be understood in more detail. It is noted that the drawings only illustrate typical examples and are therefore not to be considered to limit the scope of the subject matter of the claims. The drawings are incorporated for facilitating an understanding of the disclosure and are thus not necessarily drawn to scale. Advantages of the subject matter as claimed will become apparent to those skilled in the art upon reading the description in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. The ensuing description above provides preferred exemplary embodiment(s) only, and is not intended to limit the scope, applicability or configuration of the disclosure. Rather, the ensuing description of the preferred exemplary embodiment(s) will provide those skilled in the art with an enabling description for implementing a preferred exemplary embodiment of the disclosure, it being understood that various changes may be made in the function and arrangement of elements, including combinations of features from different embodiments, without departing from the scope of the disclosure.

[0056] Unless the context clearly requires otherwise, throughout the description and the claims, the words "comprise," "comprising," and the like are to be construed in an inclusive sense, as opposed to an exclusive or exhaustive sense; that is to say, in the sense of "including, but not limited to." As used herein, the terms "connected," "coupled," or any variant thereof means any connection or coupling, either direct or indirect, between two or more elements; the coupling or connection between the elements can be physical, logical, electromagnetic, or a combination thereof. Additionally, the words "herein," "above," "below," and words of similar import, when used in this application, refer to this application as a whole and not to any particular portions of this application. Where the context permits, words in the Detailed Description using the singular or plural number may also include the plural or singular number respectively. The word "or," in reference to a list of two or more items, covers all of the following interpretations of the word: any of the items in the list, all of the items in the list, and any combination of the items in the list.

[0057] These and other changes can be made to the technology in light of the following detailed description. While the description describes certain examples of the technology, and describes the best mode contemplated, no matter how detailed the description appears, the technology can be practiced in many ways. Details of the system may vary considerably in its specific implementation, while still being encompassed by the technology disclosed herein. As noted above, particular terminology used when describing certain features or aspects of the technology should not be taken to imply that the terminology is being redefined herein to be restricted to any specific characteristics, features, or aspects of the technology with which that terminology is associated. In general, the terms used in the following claims should not be construed to limit the technology to the specific examples disclosed in the specification, unless the Detailed Description section explicitly defines such terms. Accordingly, the actual scope of the technology encompasses not only the disclosed examples, but also all equivalent ways of practicing or implementing the technology under the claims.

[0058] As stated above, the present disclosure relates in a first aspect to an alignment arrangement for aligning a plurality of fibers, in a fiber array, with an optical component. The optical component may be a further array of fibers, may comprise multiple optical ports of an optical chip, or anything alike.

[0059] The alignment arrangement can be scaled to comprise any number of optical fibers. For example, the alignment arrangement may be arranged for aligning 1 to 64 fibers.

[0060] Each of the actuator arrays comprises a plurality of spaced apart receptables. The number of receptables for each actuator array is therefore at least two. Preferably, the receptables are comprised by cantilevers such that one cantilever comprise one receptable. The receptable may then be considered as the feature of the cantilever that is arranged for supporting a corresponding fiber. The receptable may, for example, be implemented as a V-groove at a free end tip of the cantilever.

[0061] Each cantilever may be fixed at one end to a base of the actuator array, and may have an opposite free end. The opposite free end of a cantilever may comprise a receptable, for example a support tip having a groove for receiving a respective optical fiber that is to be aligned.

[0062] Each cantilever is arranged for deflecting in an X-direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the cantilever, and in a Y-direction perpendicular to the X-direction and perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the cantilever.

[0063] Each cantilever may, for example, comprise at least one piezoelectric element for providing said deflection in the X- and Y- direction by actuating the piezoelectric element with at least two electrodes. In an example, each cantilever comprises two active electrodes and a common electrode.

[0064] In case the electrical control is based on two active electrodes, two independent electrodes may be applied to the piezo material. The electrodes are elongated along the length of the cantilever, and can be as long as the cantilever or shorter. The two electrodes are positionally on the right and left side with respect to the centre of the groove.

[0065] It is noted that course alignment may be obtained by deflecting the corresponding actuator array itself, thus including all receptables of the actuator array. This allows for coarse alignment of the actuator array with all the different fibers. Individual alignment of all receptables is performed independently, for example using the piezoelectric elements as described above.

[0066] Fig. 1 discloses an alignment arrangement 1 for aligning a plurality of fibers 4a, 4b, 4c, in a fiber array, with an optical component. The optical component is not shown in figure 1 but may be any of an array of further optical fibers, an optical chip having a plurality of optical ports, or anything alike.

[0067] The alignment arrangement 1 comprises actuator arrays 2, 3, wherein each of said actuator arrays 2, 3 comprises a plurality of spaced apart cantilevers 5, 6, wherein each of said plurality of spaced apart cantilevers 5, 6 is arranged to support, using respective receptables, one of said plurality of fibers 4a, 4b, 4c, respectively, wherein a spacing between neighbouring receptables, being a receptables pitch, is larger than a spacing between neighbouring fibers in the fiber array, being a fiber pitch.

[0068] The receptables pitch may, in this particular example, be viewed as a cantilever pitch.

[0069] The actuator arrays 2, 3 are positioned to one another such that neighbouring fibers are supported by different actuator arrays.

[0070] The above is made clear in that the cantilevers of a first actuator array 6 are offset with respect to the cantilevers of a second actuator array 5. The offset may equal the fiber pitch 8.

[0071] More specifically, the cantilevers 5, 6 extend in a longitudinal direction, wherein said actuator arrays 5, 6 are placed one behind the other, in said longitudinal direction, and wherein said plurality of cantilevers 6 of a first 2 of said actuator arrays are offset, in a direction perpendicular to said longitudinal direction, with said plurality of cantilevers 5 of a second 3 of said actuator arrays, by an integer multiple of said fiber pitch.

[0072] This particular example shows two actuator arrays 2, 3 placed one behind the other. It is emphasized that the present disclosure also relates to three, four, or even more actuator arrays in said alignment arrangement. The alignment arrangement 1 is arranged for aligning the plurality of fibers 4a, 4b, 4c with the optical component and, more specifically, the tips 7a, 7b, 7c, 7d of these fibers 4a, 4b, 4c with the optical component.

[0073] Fig. 2 discloses a second example 21 of an alignment arrangement according to the present disclosure.

[0074] Each of the plurality of cantilevers of a first 23 of said actuator arrays is arranged to engage with one of said plurality of fibers from a bottom side 27 of said plurality of fibers.

[0075] Each of a plurality of cantilevers 24a, 24b, 24c, 24d of a second 22 of said actuator arrays is arranged to engage with one of said plurality of fibers from a top side 28 of said plurality of fibers. The tips of the fibers are referenced by the reference numerals 26a, 26b.

[0076] The advantage of this particular example is that all fibers extend with more or less a same extension depth 25, irrespective of whether the fiber is supported by the first of the second actuator array.

[0077] The plurality of cantilevers of said first of said actuator arrays are offset, in a direction perpendicular to a longitudinal direction, said longitudinal direction being a direction in which said cantilevers extend, with said plurality of cantilevers of said second of said actuator arrays, by an integer multiple of said fiber pitch.

[0078] Fig. 3 discloses a third example of an alignment arrangement according to the present disclosure.

[0079] The actuator arrays 42, 43 are placed on top of each other, and shifted to one another a bit in longitudinal direction.

[0080] Fig. 4 discloses a fourth example of an alignment arrangement 51 according to the present disclosure.

[0081] The actuator arrays consist of multiple cantilevers 55, 57 attached to a single base 53, 56. A single frame 52 may be used to mount the base 53, 56 of each of multiple actuator arrays to. The frame 52 may have multiple slots to receive the bases of the actuator arrays.

[0082] The bases 53, 56 can be designed and manufactured to have alignment features, or reference planes, 54 which accurately define the position of the actuator tips relative to those alignment features. The base can then be attached to the frame, also having alignment features, or reference planes, in each of its slots. By mating the alignment features from the bases to those of the slots, the tips from different actuator arrays can be accurately aligned to each other, provided that the alignment features in the different slots are also accurately aligned relative to each other.

[0083] Figure 4 discloses additional features, for example stationary receptables, in the frame to guide the fibers 58, 59, e.g., a V-groove 60 similar to the ones at the tip of the actuator. When using such a guide feature 60, the initial position of the fiber 58, 59 is much better defined, and already rather close to its optimal position. For example, after initial passive alignment of the fiber by the additional V- groove 60, the fiber is 10 pm below its optimal position. In such an embodiment, the actuator only needs to move approx. 10 pm upward to bring the fiber into its optimal position. This reduced stroke allows increasing the stiffness of the actuator, enabling a higher force or a more compact design.

[0084] The stationary receptables may be an integral part of the frame. In an alternative example, those receptables may instead be mounted to the frame as a separate part, provided that they can be accurately aligned to the frame. In another embodiment, those receptables are mounted to, either one or both of, the actuator base(s), or are an integral part or, (or attached to, either one or both of, the actuator base(s).

[0085] By using such a frame in which the actuator arrays are oriented in an acute angle to one another, the distance between the free end points of the different cantilevers 55, 57 can be reduced. This distance is reference by the numeral 61.

[0086] Multiple actuator arrays may be positioned and aligned using rotation and translation using mechanical positioning stages. In the following example the array of fibers is the reference to which the two actuator arrays are aligned. For each actuator array the position and rotation is adjusted separately after which the fiber is “loaded” to the actuator array by moving the actuator array up.

[0087] This way, any rotational or translational inaccuracies during assembly can be adjusted for. Rotation along the horizontal axis is not adjusted; translation along the direction of the fibers is not adjusted. This is to reduce complexity; these directions are least important for the performance of the alignment.

[0088] After aligning the actuator arrays, the mechanical positioning stages may be removed provided that the actuator arrays are fixed. The alignment is then performed only once, after assembly of the machine. Alternatively, the positioning stages are a part of the machine, and alignment is performed regularly, e.g., once every day or for every new fiber array.

[0089] Fig. 5 discloses a fifth example of an alignment arrangement 71 according to the present disclosure. The alignment arrangement 71 is divided into two alignment arrangements 73, 74. The first alignment arrangement 73 comprises an actuator array 75, comprising a plurality of cantilevers, that is under a particular angle, and approaches the fibers 72 to be supported from a left side. The first alignment arrangement 71 may be arranged to support, by their respective receptables, all odd numbered fibers.

[0090] The second alignment arrangement 74 comprises an actuator array 74, comprising a plurality of cantilevers, that is under a particular second angle, and approaches the fibers 72 to be supported from a right side. The second alignment arrangement 74 may be arranged to support, by their respective receptables, all even numbered fibers.

[0091] Fig. 6 discloses a sixth example of an alignment arrangement according to the present disclosure.

[0092] This example is included to visualize that an actuator array at the left hand side may support a first set of fibers, for example the odd numbered fibers. This is visualized using reference numeral 82. The actuator array at the right hand side may support a second set of fibers, for example the even numbered fibers. This is visualized using reference numeral 81.

[0093] To reduce the number of claims, certain aspects of the technology are presented below in certain claim forms, but the applicant contemplates the various aspects of the technology in any number of claim forms. For example, while some aspect of the technology may be recited as a computer-readable medium claim, other aspects may likewise be embodied as a computer-readable medium claim, or in other forms, such as being embodied in a means-plus-function claim.

[0094] In the description above, for the purposes of explanation, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of implementations of the disclosed technology. It will be apparent, however, to one skilled in the art that embodiments of the disclosed technology may be practiced without some of these specific details. Other variations to the disclosed embodiments can be understood and effected by those skilled in the art in practicing the claimed invention, from a study of the drawings, the disclosure and the appended claims. In the claims, the word “comprising” does not exclude other elements or steps, and the indefinite article “a” or “an” does not exclude a plurality. The mere fact that certain measures are recited in mutually different dependent claims does not indicate that a combination of these measures cannot be used to advantage. Any reference signs in the claims should not be construed as limiting the scope thereof.

Claims

CLAIMS1. Alignment arrangement for aligning a plurality of fibers, in a fiber array, with an optical component, wherein the alignment arrangement comprises: actuator arrays, wherein each of said actuator arrays comprises a plurality of spaced apart receptables, wherein each of said plurality of spaced apart receptables is arranged to support one of said plurality of fibers, respectively, wherein a spacing between neighbouring receptables, being a receptables pitch, is larger than a spacing between neighbouring fibers in the fiber array, being a fiber pitch, wherein said actuator arrays are positioned to one another such that neighbouring fibers are supported by different actuator arrays.

2. Alignment arrangement in accordance with claim 1 , wherein each of said actuator arrays comprises a plurality of spaced apart cantilevers, wherein each of said plurality of spaced apart cantilevers comprises one of said receptables, respectively, for supporting one of said plurality of fibers.

3. Alignment arrangement in accordance with claim 2, wherein said cantilevers extend in a longitudinal direction, wherein said actuator arrays are placed one behind the other, in said longitudinal direction, and wherein said plurality of cantilevers of a first of said actuator arrays are offset, in a direction perpendicular to said longitudinal direction, relative to said plurality of cantilevers of a second of said actuator arrays, by an integer multiple of said fiber pitch.

4. Alignment arrangement in accordance with any of the previous claims, wherein: each of a plurality of receptables of a first of said actuator arrays is arranged to engage with one of said plurality of fibers from a bottom side of said plurality of fibers; each of a plurality of receptables of a second of said actuator arrays is arranged to engage with one of said plurality of fibers from a top side of said plurality of fibers,wherein said plurality of receptables of said first of said actuator arrays are offset, in a direction perpendicular to a longitudinal direction, said longitudinal direction being a direction in which said fibers extend, relative to said plurality of receptables of said second of said actuator arrays, by an integer multiple of said fiber pitch.

5. Alignment arrangement in accordance with any of the previous claims, wherein: each of said plurality of receptables of said actuator arrays is arranged to engage with one of said plurality of fibers from a same side of said plurality of fibers, said actuator arrays are placed on top of one another; wherein said plurality of receptables of a first of said actuator arrays are offset, in a direction perpendicular to a longitudinal direction, said longitudinal direction being a direction in which said fibers extend, relative to said plurality of receptables of a second of said actuator arrays, by an integer multiple of said fiber pitch.

6. Alignment arrangement in accordance with claim 5 in combination with at least claim 2, wherein: a longitudinal direction of a plurality of cantilevers of a first actuator array have an acute angle with a longitudinal direction of a plurality of cantilevers of a second actuator array.

7. Alignment arrangement in accordance with claim 6, wherein said acute angle is between 5° - 30°, preferably between 5°- 15°.

8. Alignment arrangement in accordance with any of the claims 5 - 7, and at least in combination with claim 2, wherein a plurality of cantilevers of a first actuator engage said plurality of fibers at first contact positions, and wherein a plurality of cantilevers of a second actuator engage said plurality of fibers at second contact positions, wherein said second contact positions are staggered with respect to said first contact positions, in a longitudinal direction of said fibers.

9. Alignment arrangement in accordance with claim 8, wherein a distance between said first contact points and said second contact points is between 10% - 50% of a length of said plurality of cantilevers of said actuator arrays.

10. Alignment arrangement in accordance with any of the claims 5 - 9, and at least in combination with claim 2, wherein said alignment arrangement comprises a frame, wherein said frame comprises: a first receiving section for receiving, and mounting, a first actuator array; a second receiving section for receiving, and mounting, a second actuator array; wherein said first receiving section and said second receiving section are arranged such that said first and second actuator array have said acute angle.

11. Alignment arrangement in accordance with claim 10, wherein at least one of said first receiving section and said second receiving section comprises alignment features for aligning said first and / or said second actuator array, respectively.

12. Alignment arrangement in accordance with any of the claims 10 - 11 , wherein said frame further comprises a fiber receptable, oriented between said optical component and positions at which said cantilevers engage said plurality of fibers, wherein said fiber receptable is arranged for initially position said plurality of fibers with respect to said optical component.

13. Alignment arrangement in accordance with any of the previous claims, wherein said alignment arrangement further comprises: positioning stages for actively controlling positions of said actuator arrays.

14. Alignment arrangement in accordance with claim 13, wherein said positioning stages are arranged for controlling positions of said actuator arrays using rotation and translation.

15. Alignment arrangement in accordance with any of the previous claims, wherein said optical component is any of an fiber array, optical lens(es), ports of an optical chip, optical waveguides or optical apertures.

16. Alignment arrangement in accordance with any of the previous claims, wherein said actuator arrays are placed one behind the other, in said longitudinal direction, such that receptables of a first actuator arrays are facing receptables of a second actuator array.

17. System for optically aligning a plurality of fibers with on-chip optical ports of a chip, wherein the system comprises a plurality of fibers and an alignment arrangement in accordance with any of the previous claims for aligning the plurality of fibers with on-chip optical ports.

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