Automatic assembly of micro-optical components

Ulrich K. Gengenbach

doi:10.1117/12.260618

11 December 1996 Automatic assembly of micro-optical components

Ulrich K. Gengenbach

Proceedings Volume 2906, Microrobotics: Components and Applications; (1996) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.260618
Event: Photonics East '96, 1996, Boston, MA, United States

Abstract

Automatic assembly becomes an important issue as hybrid micro systems enter industrial fabrication. Moving from a laboratory scale production with manual assembly and bonding processes to automatic assembly requires a thorough re- evaluation of the design, the characteristics of the individual components and of the processes involved. Parts supply for automatic operation, sensitive and intelligent grippers adapted to size, surface and material properties of the microcomponents gain importance when the superior sensory and handling skills of a human are to be replaced by a machine. This holds in particular for the automatic assembly of micro-optical components. The paper outlines these issues exemplified at the automatic assembly of a micro-optical duplexer consisting of a micro-optical bench fabricated by the LIGA technique, two spherical lenses, a wavelength filter and an optical fiber. Spherical lenses, wavelength filter and optical fiber are supplied by third party vendors, which raises the question of parts supply for automatic assembly. The bonding processes for these components include press fit and adhesive bonding. The prototype assembly system with all relevant components e.g. handling system, parts supply, grippers and control is described. Results of first automatic assembly tests are presented.

Citation Download Citation

Ulrich K. Gengenbach "Automatic assembly of micro-optical components", Proc. SPIE 2906, Microrobotics: Components and Applications, (11 December 1996); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.260618

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