Optical fiber port with nanometer positioning precision for rapid prototyping of photonic devices

Prototyping of fiber-coupled integrated photonic device requires robust and reliable way of docking optical fibers to other structures, often with sub-micron accuracy. We have developed an optical fiber micro-connector 3D-printed with Direct Laser Writing on a planar substrate. The connector provides the fiber core precision positioning better than 120 nm and sustains cryogenic cycling without any signs of degradation. It can be fabricated and used on glass and non-transparent substrates, including photonic integrated circuits, semiconductor samples, and microfluidic systems.