Automatic Alignment of Multiple Optical Components Using Genetic Algorithm

Abstract

We propose and demonstrate a method of automatic alignment for multiple optical components using a genetic algorithm. The connection between two optical components requires extremely precise alignment in the order of sub-micron-meters. It, therefore, typically takes an experienced technician around 30 to 60 minutes to manually align optical components. Although automatic fiber alignment systems are being developed, they are not practical for use when the degrees of freedom in the alignment of multiple optical components are large. To overcome this difficulty, we have devised a method of automatic alignment for multiple optical components using a genetic algorithm. In a conducted experiment, we successfully connected three optical components within a short span of time (3 minutes) through simultaneous alignment