a method for aligning optical fibers with leads from electro - optical components . the method comprises the steps of completely severing a single crystallographic substrate into discrete first and second pieces ; on the first piece , fabricating at least one electro - optical component having an elongated lead ; on the second piece fabricating at least one elongated groove adapted to hold an optical fiber ; and abutting the first and second piece against each other on a flat surface so that each lead abuts a groove . a film layer , e . g ., comprising a thin - film polymer , may be placed on top surface of crystallographic substrate . the electro - optical component may be an array of electro - optical components comprising one or more integrated electro - optical components . at least one alignment channel is formed in the upper surface of the substrate . the alignment channel traverses the first piece and the second piece . a rod or pin is placed in each alignment channel to provide for lateral alignment .