Importance

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Abstract

A microactuator for precisely positioning an optical fiber, such as in alignment with an optical device, includes an alignment support structure, a carrier movably mounted on the alignment support structure and at least one actuator which bends or deflects in response to a predetermined stimuli to thereby controllably position the carrier and, in turn, an optical fiber mounted on the carrier relative to the alignment support structure. The actuator can include a bimorphic actuator, an asymmetric monomorph, a diaphragm or a comb structure, for example. As a result, the actuator typically deflects in response to electrical or thermal stimuli. The carrier can include the actuator such that upon deflection the actuator is urged against a portion of the alignment support structure and the carrier is correspondingly moved relative to the alignment support structure. Alternatively, the alignment support structure can include the actuator such that upon deflection the actuator is urged against a portion of the carrier and the carrier is correspondingly moved relative to the alignment support structure. By maintaining the alignment support structure in a fixed relation to an optical device, however, the carrier and, in turn, the optical fiber mounted on the carrier can be positioned in precise alignment with the optical device.

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First Claim