GLASS FIBER HOLE PLATES FOR 2D FIBER COLLIMATORS AND METHODS FOR ALIGNMENT AND FABRICATION FOR OPTICAL SWITCHING APPLICATIONS

摘要

An optical circuit switch (100) including a two-dimensional fiber collimator (134) includes a hole plate (610) to hold and align a plurality of optical fibers. Fiber pathways (612) within the hole plate (610) can be formed using a femtosecond laser irradiation chemical etching (FLICE) technique. The use of the FLICE technique allows for extremely precise channels to be formed which allows for fibers to be aligned more closely with their intended alignment. The technique also allows for the channels or fiber pathways (612) to be formed in a thicker material, which allows for greater structural support and robustness of the fiber collimator in use.