Novel automatic alignment of specialty optical fibers

This paper presents the development of an automatic alignment system for specialty optical fibers. Based on a XY coordinates system, the alignment is achieved by the control of stepping motors through displacement algorithms. A hexagonal shape arrangement of SMF´s fibers generates a map location of the spot light. This photo-detection system enables to analyze the launching of the beam into the fiber. Through an USB based PC interface and software to automate the alignment process the device's performance has been improved in time and in optical coupling efficiency. The results obtained are 2 or 3 seconds in the alignment process and roughly 80% coupling efficiency.