Dynamic alignment of small optical components

A new technique for automatic alignment of Small optical components is presented. It involves vibrating one of the components, and analyzing the resulting fluctuations in the coupled light to steer the components into alignment using a negative feedback network. A feedback approach enables the use of compact, inexpensive transducers, and electronics. Automatic aligners fabricated in the lab have demonstrated simultaneous dual axis alignment, have achieved optimum alignment in times as short as 2 ms, and have been able to operate on as little as -80 dBm of peak coupled power.