US 12,332,485 B2
Methods and systems for alignment and positioning of optical fibers
Joseph Lawson, Rochester, NY (US)
Assigned to RAM Photonics Industrial, LLC, Webster, NY (US)
Filed by RAM Photonics Industrial, LLC, Webster, NY (US)
Filed on Mar. 14, 2023, as Appl. No. 18/121,448.
Claims priority of provisional application 63/320,027, filed on Mar. 15, 2022.
Prior Publication US 2023/0296847 A1, Sep. 21, 2023
Int. Cl. G02B 6/36 (2006.01); G02B 6/024 (2006.01); G02B 6/38 (2006.01); G02B 6/42 (2006.01)
CPC G02B 6/3803 (2013.01) [G02B 6/3684 (2013.01); G02B 6/024 (2013.01); G02B 6/4221 (2013.01)] 20 Claims
OG exemplary drawing
 
1. An optical fiber alignment and positioning system comprising:
a vacuum stage having a first end and second end, wherein the vacuum stage comprises:
a vacuum inlet operable to be in fluid communication with a vacuum source;
one or more passages extending through the vacuum stage; and
a plurality of vacuum ports in fluid communication with the one or more passages;
an optical fiber channel extending from the first end of the vacuum stage to the second end of the vacuum stage, wherein:
the plurality of vacuum ports pass through the optical fiber channel;
the optical fiber channel comprises a first wall and a second wall;
the first wall and the second wall comprise a directional friction surface;
the directional friction surface is characterized by a first friction factor in a first direction and a second friction factor in a second direction; and
the first friction factor is higher than the second friction factor; and
an image sensor configured to generate an image of an emission face of an optical fiber disposed within the optical fiber channel.