New Compliant Mounting for Coupling Microlensed Fibers to Semiconductor Laser Diodes.

We demonstrate an optical fiber mounting device which allows microlensed fibers to be pressed repeatedly against the cleaved facets of semiconductor laser diodes without causing significant impact damage to the facet. The device operates by constraining the fiber against lateral movement while allowing for compliance along the fiber axis. Stability of the fiber is not affected. This device should make the use of microlensed-fiber laser coupling more attractive for use with high-performance lasers in a laboratory environment.