Self-aligning optical connectors, systems, and methods for connecting
optically-transmissive elements are described. In one embodiment, a
connector includes a first component, a second component connected to the
first component, and an optomechanical element. The optomechanical
element is positioned adjacent and between said first and second
components such that a portion of the optomechanical element is exposed
to a leakage light when the first and second components are misaligned.
The exposed portion includes a photosensitive material configured to at
least attempt to change a dimension when exposed to the leakage light. In
operation, the optomechanical element exerts an alignment force on at
least one of the first and second components tending to align the first
and second components when the exposed portion of the optomechanical
element is exposed to the leakage light.