DEVICE PACKAGING AND METHOD

A packaging system includes a medium which transports energy in a first form away from a radiation point in a device to where the energy can be converted to a second form without damaging the device or effecting other devices. In certain embodiments, the medium can inhibit the propagation of energy in the second form. For example, in an optical coupling device, the medium includes a substrate adjacent to the radiation point which transports light energy away from the radiation point to a housing which converts the light energy into thermal energy away from the radiation point. In accordance with another aspect, the packaging system suspends at least a portion of the device, for example, to protect the device against a third form of energy. For example, in the optical coupling device, the medium includes an air gap which separates the radiation point from the substrate to suspend at least a portion of the device. The air gap enables the device to be protected against the mechanical energy resulting from the expansion or contraction of the packaged device due to changing temperature. In certain embodiments, the housing is provided with at least one opening in which a pliable seal is inserted which can absorb the mechanical energy resulting from the expansion or contraction of the packaged device due to changing temperature.