Abstract

Optical fiber communication systems based on graded-index fibers have reached a certain degree of sophistication and have stimulated the development of effective packaging of GaAs laser diodes. Until now, the primary design approach has been the encapsulation of laser diodes that are already coupled to the optical fibers.^1-3 These packaging procedures require the use of special and unusual parts and the use of a fiber-to-metal hermetic seal. However, the fabrication of reliable seals is a critical procedure, and production of these packages is very costly. Common industrial packaging procedure for mass production of low-cost components includes a welding step, which is done in a glove-box filled with dry gas, and the presence of a vulnerable fiber pigtail is very inconvenient at this stage.

© 1979 Optical Society of America