US 11,867,957 B2
High-precision method for coupling an optical fiber with a photonic device and implementation microstructure
Florian Pastier, Paris (FR); Niccolo Somaschi, Paris (FR); and Valérian Giesz, Massy (FR)
Assigned to QUANDELA, Palaiseau (FR)
Filed by QUANDELA, Palaiseau (FR)
Filed on Apr. 21, 2022, as Appl. No. 17/725,841.
Claims priority of application No. 2104457 (FR), filed on Apr. 28, 2021.
Prior Publication US 2022/0350094 A1, Nov. 3, 2022
Int. Cl. G02B 6/42 (2006.01)
CPC G02B 6/4227 (2013.01) 12 Claims
OG exemplary drawing
 
1. A method for coupling an optical fiber (FOM) with a photonic device (PIL), said optical fiber (FOM) having one fiber end facing a sensitive surface (FA) of said photonic device (PIL), characterized in that said coupling being configured to be insensitive to temperature, and in that it comprises the successive steps of
A) providing said fiber end with an added microstructure (MS) arranged so as to provide support on a surrounding structure forming a support (SE) distinct from said photonic device (PIL) and to prevent any contact with said sensitive surface (FA) of said photonic device (PIL),
B) optimally aligning, at room temperature, in position and in angle, said fiber end with said sensitive surface (FA) by performing an active alignment, and
C) exerting on said microstructure (MS) and/or said optical fiber (FOM) a bearing pressure (P) against said surrounding structure forming a support (SE) so as to maintain a spacing distance (D) and an optimal alignment between said fiber end and said sensitive surface (FA) over a temperature range from an ambient temperature of 300K to a cryogenic operating temperature about 5K.