Alignment of an array of N elements, such as optical fibers, within a
preselected tolerance value is obtained using a primary substrate with a
plurality of N apertures extending therethrough from a first surface to a
second opposing surface. Each aperture, at its narrowest point, has a
cross-section that is greater than a cross-section of an element to be
inserted therethrough. Each of the elements passes through its
corresponding aperture and rests against the same corresponding point
and/or sidewall of the aperture so as to result in the desired alignment.
A directing arrangement directs the elements toward the primary substrate
at a predetermined angle to cause a spring-like action to occur in each of
the elements when threaded through its associated aperture for aligning
the elements to engage the same corresponding point and/or sidewall of the
aperture.
