Modular workstation for micro-lens assembly

Modular workstation for micro.lens assembly Designed for a wide range of precision micro-assembly tasks, the modular workstation from Sifam can be used for assembling micro-lenses and for optical fibre applications. Though designed primarily for use with single-mode optical fibres, the workstation is suitable for multimode fibres as well as for other micro-assembly applications. The basis of the workstation is a rugged precision-ground optical table, onto which various specialized modules, according to the needs of the application, are located. Many of the modules are controlled by an IBM micro-computer using a menustructured software program. Because it is equiped with highresolution computer-controlled translation stages, an orthogonal view microscope and other optical and mechanical positioning devices, the workstation is suitable for many tasks. Examples include laser and detector pigtailing, assembling micro-lenses, and the mounting of fibres to a range of passive and active optical elements, including integrated optical modules. For fibre splicing the system employs two basic jointing techniques--fusion and gluing. Fusion splicing employs an electric arc module, and parameters are supplied for a range of standard fibres, For glue-sticking, a kit is

provided for using ultra-violet curing adhesives. A range of different optical sources and detectors is available, including a local light injection and detection facility which allows optical power to be coupled into and out of a fibre without the need for access to the ends. Alignment is normally performed using automatically controlled piezoelectric micro-translation stages which can routinely achieve splices with excess losses of less than 0.1 dB. Sifam Ltd, Woodland Road, Torquay, Devon TQ2 7AY, UK

Centring and touch probes A range of centring and touch probes manufactured in Japan by Nisshin, are to be imported/distributed by George Kuikka. The probes are designed to be spindle mounted in a milling or boring type machine and the two types differ in that the centring probe has a rigid rod stylus, whilst the swing type probe has a ball stylus with overtravel on all axes. The mode of operation in both cases is the same. Upon touching the workpiece an electrical circuit is completed through the probe/machine/workpiece and a red indicator light illuminates. At the point where this light flickers.

Micro-assembly work can be carried out with the workstation available from Sifam

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Touch probes (upper figure) and centring probes (lower), which are manufactured by Nisshin, are available from George Kuikka indicating point of contact, the digita~ read-out on the machine is interrogated. The probes act mnall three axes (x, y and z) and position can be monitored to within 1 ,~Lm. George Kuikka Ltd, Hill Farm Avenue. Leavesden. Watford, Hertfordshire WD2 7BL UK

Vibration measurement system is laser based Designed for vibration measurement the model 1941 diode laser vibrometer can be used on almost any type of surface. Introduced by Bristol Industria and Research Associates (BIRAL) the instrument consnsts of a probe containing the laser diode and optics. a power supply/signal processing unit, and a cable to connect the two units. The vibrometer functions Jn a frequency range of 1 Hz to 100 kHz and uses a near-infra red, singlemode laser diode as the light source. It can be used to obtain difficult vibration measurements, where access or mounting of traditional sensors is not possible. The sensor has alignment aids for fast and easy assembly without mounting. The system is smple to use and operates =n most production environments. Bristol Industrial&Research Associates Ltd (BIRAL), PO Box 2 Portishead, Bristol. UK

OCTOBER 1988 VOL 10 NO 4