DSPE boardmember received his PhD degree

Matthijs van Gastel recently received his PhD degree for his thesis “Automated sub-micron accurate #optical #fiberalignment for #photonic applications”.

Research from Matthijs has shown an improved method of constructing #fiberarrays, which could significantly improve efficiency and lower the cost of developing #photonicchips.

Matthijs’ fiber array positions fibers next to one another and affixes them to a glass plate with glue. To test the suitability of this method, Matthijs performed simulations and experiments. Results showed high predictability of the glue’s behavior, making it a suitable technique for the #alignment of #opticalfibers.

The method employs an entirely new machine setup to align fibers with #nanometer accuracy. In testing a prototype of the machine, Matthijs demonstrated that it is able to assemble a 16-fiber array within minutes and with less alignment errors compared with current systems.

Dutch Society for Precision Engineering congratulates Matthijs (board member of our society) with his PhD degree! More info: News item on www.tue.nl