Optical collimator device utilizing an integrated lens/spacer element

The present invention provides an improved optical collimator. The optical collimator includes: a glass plate including a first face and a second face opposite to the first face; and a lens/spacer element optically coupled to the second face of the first glass plate. The lens/spacer element includes: a basal surface coupled to the second face of the glass plate, a lens optically coupled to the second face of the glass plate and coupled to the basal surface, a top surface opposite to the basal surface, and a first and a second side walls each coupled to the basal surface and the top surface. The present invention facilitates physical alignment and proper spacing relative to optical fibers and optical components, provides a simple means for constructing linear and two-dimensional arrays of collimators, and leads to improved utilization of space, decreased fabrication cost, and increased system-level yield.