Optical connector and optical transmission module

Abstract

The invention is used for reducing the position offset of the optical axis of the optical transmission path. The present technology provides an optical connector (1) for a plurality of arrayed optical transmission paths (2), the optical connector (1) being provided with: a main body section (12) to which each of the plurality of optical transmission paths (2) is fixed; and an optical axis correction unit (11) that corrects the position of the optical axis of the light transmitted through the plurality of light transmission paths (2), the main body unit (12) having: a light guide unit (13) that guides the light transmitted through the plurality of light transmission paths (2); and a holding unit (14) that holds each of the plurality of light transmission paths (2), the light guide unit (13), the optical axis correction unit (11), and the holding unit (14) are arranged in this order, the optical axis correction unit (11) has a plurality of first insertion units (111) into which the plurality of light transmission paths (2) are inserted, and the holding unit (14) has a plurality of second insertion units (141) into which the plurality of light transmission paths (2) are inserted.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present technology relates to an optical connector and an optical transmission module. Background Art

[0002] In recent years, among the optical transmission technologies that have received attention, there is a technology for achieving large capacity by using a plurality of arranged optical transmission paths (optical fibers). In this technology, an optical connector that can connect a plurality of arranged optical transmission paths to a connection object is required.

[0003] For example, in Patent Document 1, an optical connector suitable for connecting a plurality of two-dimensionally arranged optical transmission paths is disclosed. This optical connector connects a plurality of optical transmission paths in parallel with respect to a connection object surface. Prior Art Documents Patent Documents

[0004] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Laid-Open Publication No. 2017-134282

[0005] For example, when inserting an optical transmission path into the optical connector disclosed in Patent Document 1 or the like, it is necessary to position the optical axis of the optical transmission path with a high precision of the order of micrometers. If the position of the optical axis is slightly deviated, the coupling loss increases.

[0006] On the other hand, such optical connectors may be mass-produced. Therefore, it is difficult to position the optical axis of the optical transmission path with a high precision of the order of micrometers. Summary of the Invention

[0007] Therefore, the main object of the present technology is to provide an optical connector and an optical transmission module that reduce the deviation of the position of the optical axis of the optical transmission path.

[0008] The present technology provides an optical connector for a plurality of arranged optical transmission paths, the optical connector including: a main body portion that fixes each of the plurality of optical transmission paths; and an optical axis correction portion that corrects the position of the optical axis of light transmitted through the plurality of optical transmission paths, the main body portion having: a light guiding portion that guides light transmitted through the plurality of optical transmission paths; and a holding portion that holds each of the plurality of optical transmission paths, the light guiding portion, the optical axis correction portion, and the holding portion being arranged in this order, the optical axis correction portion having a plurality of first insertion portions into which the plurality of optical transmission paths are inserted, the holding portion having a plurality of second insertion portions into which the plurality of optical transmission paths are inserted. It may be that the first insertion portion has: A guiding portion, formed in a conical shape such that its inner diameter decreases as it moves away from the holding portion; and A fixing portion, having an inner diameter substantially the same as the outer diameter of the optical transmission path. The inner diameter of the fixing portion may be smaller than the inner diameter of the second insertion portion. The inner diameter of the guiding portion on the holding portion side may be larger than the inner diameter of the second insertion portion. The optical axis correction portion and the holding portion may be fixed to each other. In the main body portion, a through hole may be formed between the light guiding portion and the holding portion, penetrating in a direction orthogonal to the direction in which the optical transmission path is inserted. The optical axis correction portion may be composed of one or more components having the plurality of first insertion portions. The first insertion portion may be a through hole or a recess. The optical axis correction portion may contain a semiconductor material. The optical axis correction portion may contain Si. It may be that each of the plurality of first insertion portions corresponds to each of the plurality of second insertion portions, and the pitch between the plurality of first insertion portions is different from the pitch between the plurality of second insertion portions. The length of the optical axis correction portion in the light traveling direction may be within the range of 100 μm to 600 μm. The plurality of optical transmission paths may be arranged in a one-dimensional manner. The plurality of optical transmission paths may be arranged in a two-dimensional manner. The optical transmission path may be a single-mode optical fiber. The optical transmission path may be a multi-mode optical fiber. The optical connector may further include a lens that refracts the light transmitted through the plurality of optical transmission paths. The optical connector may further include a hole portion for determining the position of the main body portion.

[0009] In addition, the present technology provides an optical transmission module, comprising: The optical connector; and A main body substrate, On the main body substrate, an optical element and an optical system are provided, The optical connector and the optical element are optically coupled to each other via the optical system.

[0010] In addition, the present technology provides an optical transmission module, comprising: A plurality of arranged optical transmission paths; and An optical connector for the plurality of optical transmission paths The optical connector includes: A main body portion that fixes each of the plurality of optical transmission paths; and An optical axis correction portion that corrects the position of the optical axis of light transmitted through the plurality of optical transmission paths, The main body portion has: A light guiding portion that guides light transmitted through the plurality of optical transmission paths; and A holding portion that holds each of the plurality of optical transmission paths, The light guiding portion, the optical axis correction portion, and the holding portion are arranged in sequence, The optical axis correction portion has a plurality of first insertion portions into which the plurality of optical transmission paths are inserted, The holding portion has a plurality of second insertion portions into which the plurality of optical transmission paths are inserted.

[0011] According to the present technology, an optical connector and an optical transmission module capable of reducing the position deviation of the optical axis of an optical transmission path can be provided. Additionally, the effects described herein are not necessarily restrictive and may be any of the effects described in the present disclosure. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0012] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram showing a structural example of an optical connector 1 according to an embodiment of the present technology. Figure 2 is a perspective view showing a structural example of an optical connector 1 according to an embodiment of the present technology. Figure 3 is a front view showing a structural example of a holding portion 14 according to an embodiment of the present technology. Figure 4 is a front view showing a structural example of an optical axis correction portion 11 according to an embodiment of the present technology. Figure 5 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a step of arranging an optical axis correction portion 11 according to an embodiment of the present technology. Figure 6 is a front view showing a structural example of an optical axis correction portion 11 according to an embodiment of the present technology. Figure 7 is a front view showing a structural example of an optical axis correction portion 11 according to an embodiment of the present technology. Figure 8 is a schematic diagram showing a structural example of an optical connector 1 according to an embodiment of the present technology. Figure 9 is a schematic diagram showing a structural example of an optical connector 1 according to an embodiment of the present technology. Figure 10It is a schematic diagram showing a structural example of the optical system 37 through which the optical connector 1 of one embodiment of the present technology passes. Figure 11 It is a schematic diagram showing a structural example of the optical system 37 through which the optical connector 1 of one embodiment of the present technology passes. Figure 12 It is a schematic diagram showing a structural example of the optical system 37 through which the optical connector 1 of one embodiment of the present technology passes. Figure 13 It is a schematic diagram showing a structural example of the optical system 37 through which the optical connector 1 of one embodiment of the present technology passes. Figure 14 It is a schematic diagram showing a structural example of the optical connector 1 and the main body substrate 3 of one embodiment of the present technology. Detailed Embodiments

[0013] Hereinafter, preferred embodiments for implementing the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In addition, the embodiments described below show an example of a representative embodiment of the present invention, and the scope of the present invention is not limited thereby. Furthermore, the present invention can combine any one of the following examples and their modified examples.

[0014] In the following description of the embodiments, structures may sometimes be described using terms with "substantially" such as substantially parallel and substantially orthogonal. For example, substantially parallel not only means completely parallel, but also means substantially parallel, that is, a state shifted by, for example, about a few percent from the completely parallel state. The same applies to other terms with "substantially". In addition, each figure is a schematic diagram and is not necessarily a strictly drawn figure.

[0015] Unless otherwise specified, in the drawings, "up" refers to the upper direction or upper side in the figure, "down" refers to the lower direction or lower side in the figure, "left" refers to the left direction or left side in the figure, and "right" refers to the right direction or right side in the figure. In addition, regarding the drawings, the same reference numerals are assigned to the same or equivalent elements or components, and repeated descriptions are omitted.

[0016] The description will proceed in the following order. 1. First Embodiment (Example 1 of Optical Connector) 2. Second Embodiment (Example 2 of Optical Connector) 3. Third Embodiment (Example 3 of Optical Connector) 4. Fourth Embodiment (Example 4 of Optical Connector) 5. Fifth Embodiment (Example 5 of Optical Connector) 6. Sixth Embodiment (Example 1 of Optical Transmission Module) 7. Seventh Embodiment (Example 2 of Optical Transmission Module)

[0017] [1. First Embodiment (Example 1 of Optical Connector)] The present technology provides an optical connector for a plurality of optical transmission paths to be arranged. The optical connector includes: a main body portion that fixes each of the plurality of optical transmission paths; and an optical axis correction portion that corrects the position of the optical axis of light transmitted through the plurality of optical transmission paths. The main body portion has: a light guiding portion that guides the light transmitted through the plurality of optical transmission paths; and a holding portion that holds each of the plurality of optical transmission paths. The light guiding portion, the optical axis correction portion, and the holding portion are arranged in sequence. The optical axis correction portion has a plurality of first insertion portions into which the plurality of optical transmission paths are inserted. The holding portion has a plurality of second insertion portions into which the plurality of optical transmission paths are inserted.

[0018] Refer to Figure 1 and Figure 2 An optical connector according to an embodiment of the present technology will be described. Figure 1 is a schematic diagram showing a structural example of an optical connector 1 according to an embodiment of the present technology. As Figure 1 shown, the optical connector 1 is an optical connector for a plurality of optical transmission paths 2 to be arranged. Although not shown in the figure, the optical transmission paths 2 are arranged from the front side to the inside of the figure. That is, in this structural example, the optical transmission paths 2 are arranged two-dimensionally. Thereby, the optical connector 1 can transmit and receive a large amount of data in a short time. In addition, the optical transmission paths 2 may be arranged two-dimensionally or one-dimensionally. Further, the optical transmission paths 2 may be arranged in two upper and lower stages in the manner of this structural example, or may be arranged in three or more stages.

[0019] The optical connector 1 includes a main body portion 12 and an optical axis correction portion 11. The main body portion 12 fixes each of the plurality of optical transmission paths 2. The optical axis correction portion 11 corrects the position of the optical axis of light transmitted through the plurality of optical transmission paths 2.

[0020] The main body portion 12 has a light guiding portion 13 and a holding portion 14. The light guiding portion 13 guides the light transmitted through the plurality of optical transmission paths 2. The holding portion 14 holds each of the plurality of optical transmission paths 2. The light guiding portion 13, the optical axis correction portion 11, and the holding portion 14 are arranged in sequence.

[0021] The optical connector 1 further includes a lens 15 that refracts the light transmitted through the plurality of optical transmission paths 2. The lens 15 faces a main body substrate (not shown in Figure 1 )

[0022] The light guide portion 13 has a surface that is inclined with respect to the insertion direction (left - right direction in the figure) of the optical transmission path 2. For example, this surface reflects the light from the optical transmission path 2 towards the lens 15. Or, for example, this surface reflects the light from the lens 15 towards the optical transmission path 2. This surface can be a total reflection mirror or a metal mirror, and a thin film containing a material with high light reflectivity such as aluminum or stainless steel is formed on the metal mirror. The inclination angle of this surface can be set to 45 degrees or 50 degrees, for example. Additionally, a reflection lens can be provided at the position on this surface that reflects light.

[0023] The material of the light guide portion 13 is not particularly limited, but a material with high light transmittance and light resistance is preferred. As the material of the light guide portion 13, for example, PPS (polyphenylene sulfide) can be used.

[0024] The lens 15, for example, makes the light from the optical transmission path 2 into parallel light and emits it towards the main body substrate. Or, the lens 15 condenses the parallel light from the main body substrate. The diameter of the lens 15 can be set to 240μm, for example.

[0025] In order to prevent deformation of the light guide portion 13 caused by applying force to the light guide portion 13, the main body portion 12 further includes a reinforcing portion 16.

[0026] The optical axis correction portion 11 has a plurality of first insertion portions 111 into which each of the plurality of optical transmission paths 2 is inserted. The holding portion 14 has a plurality of second insertion portions 141 into which each of the plurality of optical transmission paths 2 is inserted. In this structural example, the first insertion portions 111 and the second insertion portions 141 are through - holes, but are not limited to this shape, and can also be in the shape of a groove, for example.

[0027] Figure 2 is a perspective view showing a structural example of an optical connector 1 according to an embodiment of the present technology. As Figure 2 shown, the optical transmission paths 2 arranged in a two - dimensional shape are inserted into the optical connector 1.

[0028] The optical connector 1 includes a main body portion 12 and an optical axis correction portion 11. The main body portion 12 has a light guide portion 13 and a holding portion 14. A cover 17 for dust prevention is installed on the main body portion 12.

[0029] The optical axis correction portion 11 is preferably a component separate from the main body portion 12. The optical axis correction portion 11 and the holding portion 14 are preferably fixed to each other. In this structural example, the optical axis correction portion 11 and the holding portion 14 are aligned and bonded to each other. Thus, the optical axis correction portion 11 is installed with respect to the main body portion 12 that is mass - produced by processing, for example, a resin material. As a result, the optical axis correction portion 11 can correct the position deviation of the optical axis that inevitably occurs in the holding portion 14 due to mass production.

[0030] In addition, the method of fixing the optical axis correction unit 11 and the holding unit 14 to each other is not particularly limited. For example, they can be bonded to each other or welded to each other.

[0031] The material of the optical axis correction unit 11 is not particularly limited. However, in order to form the first insertion portion 111 with high precision on the micron level, it is preferable that the optical axis correction unit 11 contains a semiconductor material and is manufactured by a MEMS (Micro Electro Mechanical Systems) process. In particular, the optical axis correction unit 11 preferably contains Si. The plurality of first insertion portions 111 included in the optical axis correction unit 11 can be formed through processes such as photolithography, for example.

[0032] The length t of the optical axis correction unit 11 in the light traveling direction is preferably included in the range of 100 μm to 600 μm. When this length t is less than 100 μm, the strength of the optical axis correction unit 11 becomes small, and the optical axis correction unit 11 is likely to be damaged. When this length t is greater than 600 μm, it is difficult to form the first insertion portion 111 through processes such as photolithography, for example.

[0033] Refer to again Figure 1 The features of the first insertion portion 111 and the second insertion portion 141 will be described. As Figure 1 shown, the first insertion portion 111 has a guiding portion 112 and a fixing portion 113. The guiding portion 112 is formed in a conical shape such that the inner diameter becomes smaller as it moves away from the holding unit 14. In addition, the inner diameter ΦC of the guiding portion 112 on the holding unit 14 side is larger than the inner diameter ΦA of the second insertion portion. Thereby, when the optical transmission path 2 is inserted, the optical transmission path 2 does not touch and hook on the optical axis correction unit 11 and can be easily inserted.

[0034] In addition, the inner diameter ΦB of the fixing portion 113 is substantially the same as the outer diameter of the optical transmission path 2. In addition, the inner diameter ΦB of the fixing portion 113 is smaller than the inner diameter ΦA of the second insertion portion 141. Thereby, the fixing portion 113 can reliably fix the optical transmission path 2.

[0035] Based on the above situation, it is preferable to satisfy the relationship of ΦB < ΦA < ΦC.

[0036] In the main body portion 12, it is preferable that a through hole 18 penetrating in a direction (the up-down direction in the figure) orthogonal to the direction (the left-right direction in the figure) in which the optical transmission path 2 is inserted is formed between the light guiding portion 13 and the holding unit 14. The optical axis correction unit 11 can be inserted and fixed in this through hole 18.

[0037] In the case where instead of forming the through-hole 18, a bag-shaped recess with an upper opening in the figure is formed, the bottom surface of the recess has a curvature. Therefore, there is a problem that it is difficult to ensure the flatness of the contact surface between the optical axis correction unit 11 inserted from the upper side of the recess and the holding unit 14. Since the size of the main body unit 12 is very small, this flatness may deteriorate.

[0038] In addition, when fixing the optical axis correction unit 11 to the holding unit 14, it is necessary to clamp the optical axis correction unit 11 from the upper side and the lower side of the optical axis correction unit 11 to determine the position. Assuming that the optical axis correction unit 11 is supported only from the upper side, an adsorption structure is required on the supporting member, or a region for being adsorbed by the optical axis correction unit 11 is required. Therefore, there is a problem that the sizes of the main body unit 12 and the optical axis correction unit 11 become large.

[0039] Refer to Figure 3 A structural example of the holding unit 14 will be described. Figure 3 It is a front view showing a structural example of the holding unit 14 according to an embodiment of the present technology. As Figure 3 shown, the holding unit 14 has a plurality of second insertion portions 141 into which each of the plurality of optical transmission paths 2 is inserted. The inner diameter ΦA of the second insertion portion 141 is shown. The pitch P2 of the second insertion portions 141 is shown. The pitch P2 is the distance between the central axes of the optical transmission paths 2. The pitch P2 can be set to 250 μm, for example.

[0040] In addition, in this structural example, the holding unit 14 has eight second insertion portions 141, but the number of the second insertion portions 141 is not particularly limited. In addition, since this figure is schematic, although the second insertion portions 141 are separated from each other, the second insertion portions 141 may also be adjacent to each other.

[0041] Next, refer to Figure 4 A structural example of the optical axis correction unit 11 will be described. Figure 4 It is a front view showing a structural example of the optical axis correction unit 11 according to an embodiment of the present technology. As Figure 4 shown, the optical axis correction unit 11 has a plurality of first insertion portions 111 into which each of the plurality of optical transmission paths 2 is inserted. The inner diameter ΦB of the fixing portion 113 and the inner diameter ΦC of the holding portion 14 side of the guiding portion 112 are shown. The pitch P1 of the first insertion portions 111 is shown. The pitch P1 is the distance between the central axes of the optical transmission paths 2. The pitch P1 can be set to 250 μm, for example. However, as will be described later, the pitch P1 and the pitch P2 are preferably different from each other.

[0042] In addition, in this structural example, the optical axis correction unit 11 has eight first insertion portions 111, but the number of the first insertion portions 111 is not particularly limited. In addition, since this figure is schematic, although the first insertion portions 111 are separated from each other, the first insertion portions 111 may also be adjacent to each other.

[0043] Figure 4 Each of the plurality of first insertion portions 111 shown and Figure 3 each of the plurality of second insertion portions 141 shown corresponds to each other. For example, from Figure 3 the optical transmission path 2 inserted into the second insertion portion 141 located second from the left in the upper stage of the holding portion 14 shown is inserted into Figure 4 the first insertion portion 111 located second from the left in the upper stage of the optical axis correction portion 11 shown.

[0044] At this time, it is preferable that the pitch P1 of the plurality of first insertion portions 111 and the pitch P2 of the plurality of second insertion portions 141 are different from each other. Thus, even if a position shift of the second insertion portion 141 occurs due to mass production and a position shift of the optical axis of the optical transmission path 2 occurs, the first insertion portion 111 can correct the position shift of the optical axis.

[0045] Refer to Figure 5 An example of the step of arranging the optical axis correction portion 11 will be described. Figure 5 It is a schematic diagram showing an example of the step of arranging the optical axis correction portion 11 of one embodiment of the present technology.

[0046] As Figure 5 shown in A, first, parallel light is irradiated from a light source (not shown in the figure) arranged on the lower side of the figure. Then, the position of the focal point is measured from the right side of the figure using a beam analyzer or the like. The optical axis correction portion 11 is manufactured in which the first insertion portion 111 is formed to match the position of the focal point. Figure 5

[0047] As Figure 5 shown in B, next, the optical axis correction portion 11 is fixed to the holding portion 14. At this time, the position of the optical axis correction portion 11 is adjusted so that the amount of light transmitted through the first insertion portion 111 is maximized.

[0048] As Figure 5 shown in C, finally, the optical transmission path 2 is inserted into the second insertion portion 141 and the first insertion portion 111.

[0049] The optical transmission path 2 can be a multimode optical fiber or a single-mode optical fiber.

[0050] The above description of the optical connector of the first embodiment of the present technology can also be applied to other embodiments of the present technology as long as there is no particular technical contradiction.

[0051] [2. Second Embodiment (Example 2 of Optical Connector)] In Figure 4In the structural example shown, the optical axis correction unit 11 is composed of one component having a plurality of first insertion parts 111. On the other hand, the optical axis correction unit 11 may also be composed of a plurality of components having a plurality of first insertion parts 111. Refer to Figure 6 This case will be described. Figure 6 FIG. is a front view showing a structural example of the optical axis correction unit 11 according to an embodiment of the present technology.

[0052] As Figure 6 shown, the optical axis correction unit 11 is composed of two components 11A and 11B having a plurality of first insertion parts 111. In addition, in this structural example, the optical axis correction unit 11 is composed of two components, but it may also be composed of three or more components.

[0053] If the data capacity transmitted by the optical connector 1 becomes very large, the number of optical transmission paths 2 inserted into the optical axis correction unit 11 becomes very large. In this case, if the optical axis correction unit 11 is composed of one component, the area of the optical axis correction unit 11 becomes large and it may be damaged. Therefore, if the optical axis correction unit 11 is composed of a plurality of components, the manufacture of the optical connector 1 becomes easy.

[0054] The above description of the optical connector according to the second embodiment of the present technology can also be applied to other embodiments of the present technology as long as there is no particular technical contradiction.

[0055] [3. Third Embodiment (Example 3 of Optical Connector)] In Figure 4 the structural example shown, the first insertion part 111 is a through hole. On the other hand, the first insertion part 111 may also be a concave part. Refer to Figure 7 This case will be described. Figure 7 FIG. is a front view showing a structural example of the optical axis correction unit 11 according to an embodiment of the present technology.

[0056] As Figure 7 shown, the first insertion part 111 is a concave part. A part of this concave part is a conical shape as in the above embodiment. Therefore, the inner diameter ΦB of the fixing part 113 and the inner diameter ΦC of the holding part 14 side of the guiding part 112 are shown in the same way as in the embodiment where the first insertion part 111 is a through hole.

[0057] The above description of the optical connector according to the third embodiment of the present technology can also be applied to other embodiments of the present technology as long as there is no particular technical contradiction.

[0058] [4. Fourth Embodiment (Example 4 of Optical Connector)] In Figure 1 and Figure 2In the illustrated structural example, the plurality of optical transmission paths 2 inserted into the optical connector 1 are arranged two-dimensionally. On the other hand, the plurality of optical transmission paths 2 may also be arranged one-dimensionally. Refer to Figure 8 This case will be described. Figure 8 It is a schematic diagram showing a structural example of the optical connector 1 according to an embodiment of the present technology.

[0059] As Figure 8 shown, the plurality of optical transmission paths 2 inserted into the optical connector 1 are arranged one-dimensionally. When the data capacity transmitted by the optical connector 1 is small, the optical transmission paths 2 may be arranged one-dimensionally.

[0060] The above description of the optical connector according to the fourth embodiment of the present technology can also be applied to other embodiments of the present technology as long as there is no particular technical contradiction.

[0061] [5. Fifth Embodiment (Example 5 of Optical Connector)] The optical connector 1 may further include hole portions for determining the position of the main body portion 12 of the main body portion 12. Refer to Figure 9 This case will be described. Figure 9 It is a schematic diagram showing a structural example of the optical connector 1 according to an embodiment of the present technology.

[0062] As Figure 9 shown, the optical connector 1 is connected to the main body substrate 3. The main body substrate 3 includes a transparent substrate 31, an optical element 32, and a drive element 33.

[0063] The optical element 32 is disposed on the back side of the transparent substrate 31. The optical element 32 may be a light-emitting element or a light-receiving element.

[0064] The main body substrate 3 has a front surface and a back surface. The back side of the main body substrate 3 can be connected to the mother board 42 via bumps 35. In addition, the main body substrate 3 itself may also be a mother board.

[0065] The transparent substrate 31 is disposed between the optical connector 1 and the main body substrate 3. The transparent substrate 31 has an optical system (such as a lens, etc.) 37 formed opposite to the optical connector 1.

[0066] The optical connector 1 includes hole portions 19A and 19B for determining the position of the main body portion 12. The positioning pin 39A is inserted into the positioning hole portion 19A. The positioning pin 39B is inserted into the positioning hole portion 19B. Thereby, the main body substrate 3 and the optical connector 1 are relatively disposed and fixed in a pluggable manner. By providing the hole portions 19A and 19B, the positions of the lens 15, the optical system 37, and the optical element 32 are determined with high precision.

[0067] The materials of pins 39A and 39B are preferably metals such as brass, copper, and aluminum, etc., but can also be resin materials formed with high precision. A plurality of pins 39A and 39B are provided around the transparent substrate 31 on the main body substrate 3. It is preferable to arrange four or more pins 39A and 39B at positions surrounding the lens 15 and the optical system 37. However, in the case where the optical transmission paths 2 are arranged in a one-dimensional row, two pins 39A and 39B can also be arranged at positions sandwiching the optical system 37 arranged in a row.

[0068] The lens 15 included in the optical connector 1 is preferably made of an injection resin material that is transparent to the propagating optical signal. Since the lens 15 and the hole portions 19A and 19B require a high-precision positional relationship, it is preferable to integrally form the lens 15 and the hole portions 19A and 19B.

[0069] The optical element 32 is arranged between the back surface of the transparent substrate 31 and the main body substrate 3. The optical element 32 is electrically connected to the main body substrate 3 via bumps 34A, wirings 38A, bumps 34B, and wirings 38B.

[0070] The drive element 33 is arranged between the surface of the optical connector 1 and the main body substrate 3. The drive element 33 is electrically connected to the main body substrate 3 via a bump 34C and a wiring 38C.

[0071] In addition, in this structural example, the bumps 34A, 34B, 34C, and 35 are solder bumps.

[0072] The wirings 38A, 38B, and 38C not only have the function of electrical connection, but can also have the function of transferring heat generated by the transparent substrate 31 and the optical element 32 as a heat source element to the main body substrate 3.

[0073] The transparent substrate 31 is transparent to the wavelength of the light used in optical transmission. The type of the transparent substrate 31 is not limited as long as it is a substrate that is transparent to the wavelength of the optical signal propagating in the optical connector 1. For example, the transparent substrate 31 can include materials such as resin, glass, or quartz, etc.

[0074] The above content that has described the optical connector of the fifth embodiment of the present technology can also be applied to other embodiments of the present technology as long as there is no particular technical contradiction.

[0075] [6. Sixth Embodiment (Example 1 of Optical Transmission Module)] The above optical connector 1 can be mounted on the main body substrate via an optical system that deforms the light transmitted through the optical transmission path 2. This optical system can be, for example, a lens, a diffraction grating, a metasurface having a photonic structure, a mirror, a wavelength-selective transmission film (such as a band-pass filter, etc.).

[0076] That is, the present technology provides an optical transmission module, which includes an optical connector 1 and a main body substrate. An optical element and an optical system are provided on the main body substrate, and the optical connector and the optical element are optically coupled to each other via the optical system.

[0077] The structure of the optical system can be, for example, a structure of parallel optical coupling with the optical system (such as a lens, etc.) of the main body substrate on which the optical connector 1 is mounted, a structure of condensing optical coupling, a structure of diffusive coupling, or a structure of multi-wavelength coupling, etc.

[0078] Refer to Figure 10 to describe the structural examples of the optical system. Figure 10 It is a schematic diagram showing a structural example of the optical system 37 through which the optical connector 1 in one embodiment of the present technology passes.

[0079] As Figure 10 shown, the optical connector 1 is mounted on the main body substrate 3 via the optical system 37. The main body substrate 3 includes a lens as the optical system 37, an optical element 32, and solder bumps 34.

[0080] In this structural example, the optical connector 1 and the main body substrate 3 are optically coupled in parallel with each other via the optical system 37. The optical element 32 can be a light-emitting element or a light-receiving element. When the optical element 32 is a light-emitting element, the optical system 37 makes the light emitted by the optical element 32 into parallel light. The lens 15 provided in the optical connector 1 condenses the parallel light, and the light guiding portion 13 guides the light to the optical transmission path 2. In addition, when the optical element 32 is a light-receiving element, the light guiding portion 13 guides the light emitted from the optical transmission path 2 to the lens 15. The lens 15 makes the light into parallel light. The optical system 37 provided in the main body substrate 3 condenses the parallel light, and the optical element 32 receives the light.

[0081] Refer to Figure 11 to describe the structural example of the condensing optical coupling between the optical connector 1 and the main body substrate 3. Figure 11 It is a schematic diagram showing a structural example of the optical system 37 through which the optical connector 1 in one embodiment of the present technology passes.

[0082] As Figure 11 shown, the optical connector 1 and the main body substrate 3 are optically coupled by condensing with each other via the optical system 37. The lens 15 provided in the optical connector 1 and the optical system 37 provided in the main body substrate 3 condense with each other.

[0083] Refer to Figure 12 to describe other structural examples of the optical system 37. Figure 12 It is a schematic diagram showing a structural example of the optical system 37 through which the optical connector 1 in one embodiment of the present technology passes.

[0084] As Figure 12As shown, the optical connector 1 is mounted on the main body substrate 3 via the optical system 37. In this case, the main body substrate 3 can be, for example, a silicon substrate. The optical system 37 can be, for example, a diffraction grating or a metasurface, etc.

[0085] Refer to Figure 13 Another structural example of the optical system 37 will be described. Figure 13 FIG. is a schematic diagram showing a structural example of the optical system 37 through which the optical connector 1 of one embodiment of the present technology passes.

[0086] As Figure 13 shown, the optical connector 1 and the main body substrate 3 are mutually multi-wavelength coupled. The wavelength of the light transmitted through the first optical transmission path 2 is different from the wavelength of the light transmitted through the second optical transmission path 2.

[0087] The optical connector 1 can be fixed to the main body substrate 3. Refer to Figure 14 This case will be described. Figure 14 FIG. is a schematic diagram showing a structural example of the optical connector 1 and the main body substrate 3 of one embodiment of the present technology.

[0088] As Figure 14 shown, the main body substrate 3 includes, for example, an optical element 32 and a circuit element 40. The optical connector 1 is fixed to the main body substrate 3 through the bonding portion 41. In addition, the method of mutually fixing the optical connector 1 and the main body substrate 3 is not particularly limited. For example, they can be bonded to each other or welded to each other.

[0089] As long as there is no particular technical contradiction, the above content that has described the optical transmission module of the sixth embodiment of the present technology can also be applied to other embodiments of the present technology.

[0090] [7. Seventh Embodiment (Example 2 of Optical Transmission Module)] The present technology provides an optical transmission module, which includes: a plurality of arranged optical transmission paths; and an optical connector for the plurality of optical transmission paths. The optical connector includes: a main body portion that fixes each of the plurality of optical transmission paths; and an optical axis correction portion that corrects the position of the optical axis of the light transmitted through the plurality of optical transmission paths. The main body portion has: a light guiding portion that guides the light transmitted through the plurality of optical transmission paths; and a holding portion that holds each of the plurality of optical transmission paths. The light guiding portion, the optical axis correction portion, and the holding portion are arranged in sequence. The optical axis correction portion has a plurality of first insertion portions into which the plurality of optical transmission paths are inserted, and the holding portion has a plurality of second insertion portions into which the plurality of optical transmission paths are inserted.

[0091] Refer to again Figure 1 An optical transmission module of one embodiment of the present technology will be described. As Figure 1As shown, the optical transmission module 10 includes a plurality of arranged optical transmission paths 2 and optical connectors 1 for the plurality of optical transmission paths 2.

[0092] The optical connector 1 includes: a main body portion 12 that fixes each of the plurality of optical transmission paths 2; and an optical axis correction portion 11 that corrects the position of the optical axis of the light transmitted through the plurality of optical transmission paths 2.

[0093] The main body portion 12 has: a light guiding portion 13 that guides the light transmitted through the plurality of optical transmission paths 2; and a holding portion 14 that holds each of the plurality of optical transmission paths 2. The light guiding portion 13, the optical axis correction portion 11, and the holding portion 14 are arranged in sequence.

[0094] The optical axis correction portion 11 has a plurality of first insertion portions 111 into which the plurality of optical transmission paths 2 are inserted. The holding portion 14 has a plurality of second insertion portions 141 into which the plurality of optical transmission paths 2 are inserted.

[0095] The above description of the optical transmission module according to the seventh embodiment of the present technology can also be applied to other embodiments of the present technology as long as there is no particular technical contradiction.

[0096] In addition, the embodiments of the present technology are not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various modifications can be made without departing from the gist of the present technology.

[0097] Furthermore, the present technology can also adopt the following structure. [1] An optical connector for a plurality of arranged optical transmission paths, the optical connector comprising: a main body portion that fixes each of the plurality of optical transmission paths; and an optical axis correction portion that corrects the position of the optical axis of the light transmitted through the plurality of optical transmission paths, wherein the main body portion has: a light guiding portion that guides the light transmitted through the plurality of optical transmission paths; and a holding portion that holds each of the plurality of optical transmission paths, wherein the light guiding portion, the optical axis correction portion, and the holding portion are arranged in sequence, wherein the optical axis correction portion has a plurality of first insertion portions into which the plurality of optical transmission paths are inserted, and wherein the holding portion has a plurality of second insertion portions into which the plurality of optical transmission paths are inserted. [2] The optical connector according to [1], wherein the first insertion portion has: a guiding portion formed in a conical shape such that the inner diameter decreases as it moves away from the holding portion; and The fixing part has an inner diameter substantially the same as the outer diameter of the optical transmission path. [3] The optical connector according to [2], wherein the inner diameter of the fixing part is smaller than the inner diameter of the second insertion part. [4] The optical connector according to [2] or [3], wherein the inner diameter of the holding part side of the guiding part is larger than the inner diameter of the second insertion part. [5] The optical connector according to any one of [1] to [4], wherein the optical axis correction part and the holding part are fixed to each other. [6] The optical connector according to any one of [1] to [5], wherein in the main body part, a through hole penetrating in a direction orthogonal to the insertion direction with respect to the optical transmission path is formed between the light guiding part and the holding part. [7] The optical connector according to any one of [1] to [6], wherein the optical axis correction part is composed of one or more components having the plurality of first insertion parts. [8] The optical connector according to any one of [1] to [7], wherein the first insertion part is a through hole or a recess. [9] The optical connector according to any one of [1] to [8], wherein the optical axis correction part contains a semiconductor material.

[10] The optical connector according to any one of [1] to [9], wherein the optical axis correction part contains Si.

[11] The optical connector according to any one of [1] to

[10] , wherein each of the plurality of first insertion parts corresponds to each of the plurality of second insertion parts, the pitch of the plurality of first insertion parts is different from the pitch of the plurality of second insertion parts.

[12] The optical connector according to any one of [1] to

[11] , wherein the length of the optical axis correction part in the light traveling direction is included in the range of 100 μm to 600 μm.

[13] The optical connector according to any one of [1] to

[12] , wherein the plurality of optical transmission paths are arranged in a one-dimensional shape.

[14] The optical connector according to any one of [1] to

[13] , wherein the plurality of optical transmission paths are arranged in a two-dimensional shape.

[15] The optical connector according to any one of [1] to

[14] , wherein, the optical transmission path is a single-mode optical fiber.

[16] The optical connector according to any one of [1] to

[15] , wherein, the optical transmission path is a multi-mode optical fiber.

[17] The optical connector according to any one of [1] to

[16] , wherein, the optical connector further includes a lens that refracts the light transmitted through the plurality of optical transmission paths.

[18] The optical connector according to any one of [1] to

[17] , wherein, the optical connector further includes a hole portion for determining the position of the main body portion.

[19] An optical transmission module, comprising: the optical connector according to any one of [1] to

[18] ; and a main body substrate, an optical element and an optical system are provided on the main body substrate, the optical connector and the optical element are optically coupled to each other via the optical system.

[20] An optical transmission module, comprising: a plurality of arranged optical transmission paths; and an optical connector for the plurality of optical transmission paths, the optical connector includes: a main body portion that fixes each of the plurality of optical transmission paths; and an optical axis correction portion that corrects the position of the optical axis of the light transmitted through the plurality of optical transmission paths, the main body portion has: a light guiding portion that guides the light transmitted through the plurality of optical transmission paths; and a holding portion that holds each of the plurality of optical transmission paths, the light guiding portion, the optical axis correction portion, and the holding portion are sequentially arranged, the optical axis correction portion has a plurality of first insertion portions into which the plurality of optical transmission paths are inserted, the holding portion has a plurality of second insertion portions into which the plurality of optical transmission paths are inserted. Description of Reference Numerals

[0098] 1 Optical connector 10 Optical transmission module 11 Optical axis correction portion 111 First insertion portion 112 Guide portion 113 Fixing part 12 Main body part 13 Light guide part 14 Holding part 141 Second insertion part 15 Lens 16 Reinforcing part 17 Cover 18 Through hole 19A, 19B Hole parts 2 Optical transmission path 3 Main body substrate 31 Transparent substrate 32 Optical element 33 Driving element 37 Optical system 41 Bonding part

Claims

1. An optical connector for a plurality of arranged optical transmission paths, the optical connector comprising: A main body portion that fixes each of the plurality of optical transmission paths; and An optical axis correction portion that corrects the position of the optical axis of light transmitted through the plurality of optical transmission paths, The main body portion has: A light guiding portion that guides light transmitted through the plurality of optical transmission paths; and A holding portion that holds each of the plurality of optical transmission paths, The light guiding portion, the optical axis correction portion, and the holding portion are arranged in sequence, The optical axis correction portion has a plurality of first insertion portions into which the plurality of optical transmission paths are inserted, The holding portion has a plurality of second insertion portions into which the plurality of optical transmission paths are inserted.

2. The optical connector according to claim 1, wherein The first insertion portion has: A guiding portion formed in a conical shape such that the inner diameter decreases as it moves away from the holding portion; and A fixing portion having an inner diameter substantially the same as the outer diameter of the optical transmission path.

3. The optical connector according to claim 2, wherein, The inner diameter of the fixing portion is smaller than the inner diameter of the second insertion portion.

4. The optical connector according to claim 2, wherein, The inner diameter of the guiding portion on the holding portion side is larger than the inner diameter of the second insertion portion.

5. The optical connector according to claim 1, wherein, The optical axis correction portion and the holding portion are fixed to each other.

6. The optical connector according to claim 1, wherein, In the main body portion, a through hole is formed between the light guiding portion and the holding portion and penetrates in a direction orthogonal to the direction in which the optical transmission path is inserted.

7. The optical connector according to claim 1, wherein, The optical axis correction portion is composed of one or more components having the plurality of first insertion portions.

8. The optical connector according to claim 1, wherein, The first insertion portion is a through hole or a recess.

9. The optical connector according to claim 1, wherein, The optical axis correction portion contains a semiconductor material.

10. The optical connector according to claim 1, wherein, The optical axis correction portion contains Si.

11. The optical connector according to claim 1, wherein Each of the plurality of first insertion portions corresponds to each of the plurality of second insertion portions, The pitch of the plurality of first insertion portions is different from the pitch of the plurality of second insertion portions.

12. The optical connector according to claim 1, wherein, The length of the optical axis correction portion in the light traveling direction is in the range of 100 μm to 600 μm.

13. The optical connector according to claim 1, wherein, The plurality of optical transmission paths are arranged in a one-dimensional shape.

14. The optical connector according to claim 1, wherein, The plurality of optical transmission paths are arranged in a two-dimensional shape.

15. The optical connector according to claim 1, wherein, The optical transmission path is a single-mode optical fiber.

16. The optical connector according to claim 1, wherein, The optical transmission path is a multi-mode optical fiber.

17. The optical connector according to claim 1, wherein The optical connector further includes a lens that refracts light transmitted through the plurality of optical transmission paths.

18. The optical connector according to claim 1, wherein, The optical connector further includes a hole portion for determining the position of the main body portion.

19. An optical transmission module, comprising: The optical connector according to claim 1; and A main body substrate, An optical element and an optical system are provided on the main body substrate, The optical connector and the optical element are optically coupled to each other via the optical system.

20. An optical transmission module, comprising: A plurality of arranged optical transmission paths; and An optical connector for the plurality of optical transmission paths, The optical connector comprises: A main body portion that fixes each of the plurality of optical transmission paths; and An optical axis correction portion that corrects the position of the optical axis of light transmitted through the plurality of optical transmission paths, The main body portion has: A light guiding portion that guides light transmitted through the plurality of optical transmission paths; and A holding portion that holds each of the plurality of optical transmission paths, The light guide unit, the optical axis correction unit, and the holding unit are arranged in sequence. The optical axis correction unit has a plurality of first insertion parts for inserting the plurality of light transmission paths. The holding unit has a plurality of second insertion parts for inserting the plurality of light transmission paths.

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