Optical fibre array manufacture using electrostatic actuation

A novel method to manufacture two-dimensional bundles of single mode optical fibres at sub-micron pitch accuracy is presented. An array of holes, each surrounded by four electrodes has been produced using the UV-LIGA process. Electrostatic fields between the electrodes and a metal coated optical single mode fibre inserted into such a hole, are used to position the fibre. The position of the fibre core can be monitored and moved to its ideal position. Using thermal or UV activation a cement filling the hole around the fibre is cured to fix the fibre in place.