Stability effects on optical component assembly and measurement using an automation system

Alignment stability, maintaining a minimum loss state in optical power during product fabrication, is one factor in evaluating processes and equipment for assembly and testing of fiber-optic/optical components. Cost reduction through yield improvement will require some level of alignment automation. To illustrate the changes in optical power over time and dimensional change, a 6-axis commercially available alignment robot has been characterized by aligning a single mode fiber to a single mode fiber and to a planar lightguide circuit. Optical and mechanical performance (resolution, repeatability, and stability) is presented and correlated. External factors affecting the automation system's optical performance are discussed.