Optical and optoelectronic assembly services design assemblies and systems for optical and optoelectronic devices. They provide optical and optoelectronic interfacing between devices, facilitate optical and optoelectronic data transfers across networks, and provide optical and optoelectronic packaging. Most optical and optoelectronic assembly services specialize in the packaging of active and passive components with different optical properties, materials, shapes and sizes. In many optoelectronic systems, electrical and optical inputs/outputs (I/O) must be packaging together in order to provide electrical-to-optical and optical-to-electrical conversion. High-resolution optical encoders are used with servo-controlled, direct-drive brushless DC motors. Optical switches are used to provide network connectivity through a series of micro-electrical-mechanical-system (MEMS) mirrors and lenses that direct light between I/O fibers.

Optical and optoelectronic assembly services perform processes such as metallization, soldering, alignment and sealing. Hermeticity or air tightness is an important consideration because of the sensitivity of optical and optoelectronic devices. Contaminants can scratch the lenses in optical equipment and obstruct optical-to-electrical communication pathways. Consequently, optical and optoelectronic assembly services maintain cleanroom-type environments and follow strict production procedures. Inspectors who work for optical and optoelectronic assembly services use optical instruments such as spectrometers, polarimeters and photometers to identify defects. In many cases, an optical assembly service or optoelectronic assembly service may also manufacture semiconductors, integrated circuits (IC), printed circuit boards (PCBs) or other components that require high-purity conditions.

Optical and optoelectronic assembly services are located across North America and around the world. They may be certified by the International Standards Organization (ISO) and/or the IPC, a trade association formerly known as the Institute for Interconnecting and Packaging Electronic Circuits. ISO 9001:2000 certification is a part of the larger ISO 9000 standard. It contains the actual requirements with which optical assembly services and optoelectronic assembly services must comply. IPC-A-610 certification is often required for inspectors, manufacturing personnel, and other employees of optical and optoelectronic assembly services who examine products for defects.