Align FiberPorts on a FiberBench (Viewer Inspired) | Thorlabs Insights

This video demonstrates a complete procedure for aligning two FiberPorts on a FiberBench. The procedure takes into account the coupled functionality of the various adjustment screws, such as the ZΘ screws. Adjusting any of the three ZΘ screws individually affects both the angular orientation and Z-axis position of the lens. When all three ZΘ screws are adjusted as a set, it is possible to move the lens such that the final position corresponds to only a change in angular orientation or shift in position along the Z-axis.

For example, adjusting each of the three ZΘ screws by the exact same amount in the same direction translates the lens along the Z-axis without affecting the lens' angular orientation. The different techniques used to complete this and other adjustments are shown during the demonstration, so that this alignment procedure can be customized according to preference.

Before aligning the FiberPorts to one another, the lens in each should be pre-aligned to collimate light from a coupled optical fiber. The pre-alignment step should not be necessary if the FiberPort has not been used, since FiberPorts are provided pre-aligned. The alignment procedure begins by tuning the X-axis and Y-axis adjusters and progresses to the ZΘ adjusters. To avoid complicating the alignment procedure, it is recommended that the X- and Y-axis adjuster positions are not changed after beginning work with the ZΘ adjusters.

The optical power collected by the coupling fiber is used to monitor the progress of the alignment procedure. However, it should be noted that a drop in power after an adjustment may not indicate a misstep in the procedure. Instead, the drop may correspond to a local minimum en route to a global maximum. This demonstration provides tips for interpreting and investigating the progress of the alignment, as well as advice for making consistent adjustments.

00:00 - Introduction
01:12 - FiberPort Adjuster Overview
02:51 - Pre-Align First FiberPort
05:29 -Collimate First FiberPort
08:58 - Pre-Align Second FiberPort
11:11 - Collimate Second FiberPort
12:22 - Configure for Rough Alignment (Multimode Fiber)
14:29 - X-Y Adjustment
15:00 - Z-Axis and Angular Adjustment
17:19 - Configure for Fine Alignment (Single Mode Fiber)
19:10 - X-Y Adjustment
20:04 - Z-Axis and Angular Adjustment
20:29 - Unscrew Fiber Connector Nut Test
21:04 -Z-Axis Steps Followed by Angle Corrections
23:11 - Conclude Alignment

Key Components used in this Demonstration Include:
- PAF2-2B FiberPorts: https://www.thorlabs.com/newgrouppage...
- FB-76W SM1 FiberBench: https://www.thorlabs.com/newgrouppage...
- SM1D12D Iris Diaphragm: https://www.thorlabs.com/newgrouppage...
- LMR1 Mount with SM1 Threads (for Iris Assembly): https://www.thorlabs.com/newgrouppage...
- RS05P8 Pillar Post (for Iris Assembly): https://www.thorlabs.com/newgrouppage...
- BA2F Flexure Clamping Base (for Iris Assembly): https://www.thorlabs.com/newgrouppage...

Other Components:
- S1FC637 Benchtop Laser Source: https://www.thorlabs.com/newgrouppage...
- P5-630A-PCAPC-1 Single Mode Patch Cable FC/PC to FC/APC: https://www.thorlabs.com/newgrouppage...
- M42L01 Multimode Fiber Patch Cable: https://www.thorlabs.com/newgrouppage...
- P1-630A-FC-1 Single Mode Patch Cable FC/PC to FC/PC: https://www.thorlabs.com/newgrouppage...
- PM400 Power Meter: https://www.thorlabs.com/newgrouppage...
- S130C Power Sensor: https://www.thorlabs.com/newgrouppage...
- SM1A29 SM1 Thread Adapter (for Power Sensor Assembly): https://www.thorlabs.com/newgrouppage...
- S120-FC2 Adapter Cap (for Power Sensor Assembly): https://www.thorlabs.com/newgrouppage...
- BHM3 Ruler: https://www.thorlabs.com/newgrouppage...
- FS201 Fiber Inspection Scope: https://www.thorlabs.com/newgrouppage...
- FCC-7020 Fiber Connector Cleaner: https://www.thorlabs.com/newgrouppage...
- TC4 Balldriver Caddy: https://www.thorlabs.com/newgrouppage...

For more photonics how-to videos, visit https://www.thorlabs.com/newgrouppage...