US3968564A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Alignment of optical fibers to light emitting diodes
Assignee: Nortel Networks Ltd
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Filing: 1975-04-30
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Granted: 1976-07-13
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Expires: 1995-04-30
Abstract
Abstract Accurate alignment between an optical fiber and a light emitting diode -- having a double heterostructure -- is obtained by building the multilayer heterostructure on a substrate surface on which has previously been formed a mesa. After formation of the structure, and forming of a contact on the outermost layer of the structure, in alignment with the mesa, the substrate is etched to form a clearance hole centered on the mesa, which is also removed. The mesa is of the same diameter as the optical fiber and removal of the mesa provides a recess which accurately locates the fiber relative to the light emitting area.
Inventors
- 👤 Anthony John Springthorpe
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-23 14:25
CPC Classifications
G; G02; G02B; G02B6/00; G02B6/24; G02B6/42; G02B6/4201; G02B6/4219; G02B6/4228; G02B6/423; G02B6/4202; G02B6/4204; G02B6/4249
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 5
Claim 1
Independent Claim
131 words
A method of aligning optical fibres to light emitting diodes, comprising; forming a mesa on a surface of a semiconductor substrate; said mesa of a diameter equal to the diameter of an optical fibre; sequentially forming a plurality of layers on said one surface, said layers including first and second confining layers and an active layer between said confining layers; forming a contact on an outer layer of said plurality of layers, said contact aligned with said mesa; forming an electrical contact layer on the surface of the substrate remote from said one surface; forming a clearance hole in said substrate, said clearance hole surrounding and being larger than said mesa, and removing said mesa to form a locating recess in the first of said plurality of layers for said fibre.
Claim 2
Independent Claim
131 words
A method of aligning optical fibres to light emitting diodes, comprising; forming a mesa on a surface of a semiconductor substrate; said mesa of a diameter equal to the diameter of an optical fibre; sequentially forming a plurality of layers on said one surface, said layers including first and second confining layers and an active layer between said confining layers; forming a contact on an outer layer of said plurality of layers, said contact aligned with said mesa; forming an electrical contact layer on the surface of the substrate remote from said one surface; forming a clearance hole in said substrate, said clearance hole surrounding and being larger than said mesa, and removing said mesa to form a locating recess in the first of said plurality of layers for said fibre.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
44 words
A method as claimed in claim 1, wherein a plurality of mesas are formed on said one surface; a plurality of contacts are formed, a contact aligned with each mesa, and a plurality of clearance holes and locating recesses are formed in said substrate.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
19 words
A method as claimed in claim 1, wherein said plurality of layers are sequentially grown by liquid phase epitaxy.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
27 words
A method as claimed in claim 2, wherein said plurality of layers includes a capping layer forming an outer layer, said contact being on said capping layer.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1979-07-13 | 1980-01-12 | 1980-07-13 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1983-07-13 | 1984-01-12 | 1984-07-13 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1987-07-13 | 1988-01-12 | 1988-07-13 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |