Researchers at Fraunhofer IZM have developed a laser welding process that works without adhesives to connect Photonic Integrated Circuits (PICs) with optical fibers. Uniquely, the technology can be used at cryogenic temperatures down to a mere four Kelvin, -269. 15°. Laser welding for the manufacturing of firmly bonded, fiber optic or microfluidic glass/glass interconnections Direct and robust fiber bonding to glass micro-optics, such as GRIN lenses and lens arrays (MLA), can be performed by using a laser welding process. The technology opens up a more reliable, faster. A 2 or 3-beam vertical configuration laser microwelding cell utilizing a fiber-coupled Nd:YAG laser. Additional features include automatic alignment, device characterization, testing capabilities and sophisticated component tracking throughout the entire assembly process. LASER WELD systems are. We report the results of fabricating fiber array unit (FAU) connectors using a near IR laser welding process, locking fibers in proper position on planar glass substrates and forming strong glass-to-glass bonds, followed by final assembly using lower coefficient of thermal expansion (CTE) epoxies. 15° centigrade below zero.
