Abstract
We have developed a microlaser encoder that can detect displacements relative to an external grating scale with a resolution on the order of 10 nm. Its size is only a few tens of a percent of a conventional encoder's. A long-lasting InP laser diode with a wavelength of 1550 nm was bonded, along with several photodiode chips, within an alignment accuracy of 1μm onto a silicon planar lightwave circuit chip. The chip is 2.3 mm × 1.7 mm and includes a fluorinated polyimide lightwaveguide fabricated in advance. A wide gap of more than 600 μm was obtained between the external grating scale and the encoder despite the tiny size of the sensor. When used as a rotary encoder, the number of rotations could also be detected. Thus, this microencoder satisfies the market requirements for practical use.
Original language | English |
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Pages (from-to) | 815-820 |
Number of pages | 6 |
Journal | Journal of Lightwave Technology |
Volume | 21 |
Issue number | 3 |
DOIs | |
Publication status | Published - Mar 1 2003 |
All Science Journal Classification (ASJC) codes
- Atomic and Molecular Physics, and Optics