Coupling device and electronic device including the same

Abstract

A coupling device is disclosed. The disclosed coupling device comprises a first coupling portion; and a second coupling portion; wherein the first coupling portion comprises an optical bridge provided spaced apart from the substrate; and a first optical element; and the second coupling portion comprises at least one second optical element provided between the substrate and the optical bridge; and at least one optical fiber provided spaced apart from the first optical element; and the light output from the at least one light source may be configured to be sequentially incident on the at least one second optical element, the optical bridge, the at least one first optical element, and the at least one optical fiber.

Description

Technology Field

[0001] The disclosed embodiments relate to a coupling device and an electronic device including the same. Background Technology

[0002] Optical interconnect is a technology that converts electrical data into optical signals for transmission. Starting with intercontinental optical communication (thousands of km) in the 1980s, it has gradually expanded to shorter distances, connecting cities (tens to hundreds of km), data centers (several to tens of km), and racks within data centers (tens to several km). This expansion is driven by the exponentially increasing demand for data transmission.

[0003] Electrical interconnects transmit electric charge by conducting copper wires, but they suffer from reduced power efficiency due to the skin effect, where wire resistance increases as transmission speeds increase. On the other hand, optical interconnects do not have this problem and have replaced electrical interconnects, starting with long-distance communication where their advantages are distinct.

[0004] In such optical communication, light transmitted through optical fibers must be converted back into electrical signals; therefore, various technologies are being explored to connect optical fibers with photonic ICs (PICs) equipped with optical components for photoelectric conversion. The problem to be solved

[0005] A coupling device that can be used for connecting optical fibers and PICs is provided. means of solving the problem

[0006] A coupling device according to an exemplary embodiment comprises: a substrate having a thickness in a third direction and arranged in a first direction and a second direction, and including at least one light source; a first coupling portion; and a second coupling portion; wherein the first coupling portion includes an optical bridge arranged spaced apart from the substrate in a third direction; and at least one first optical element arranged in the first direction of the optical bridge; and wherein the second coupling portion includes at least one second optical element arranged between the substrate and the optical bridge; and at least one optical fiber arranged spaced apart from the first optical element in the first direction; and the light output from the at least one light source may be configured to be sequentially incident on the at least one second optical element, the optical bridge, the at least one first optical element, and the at least one optical fiber.

[0007] The first coupling member includes a first member connecting the optical bridge and the at least one first optical element, and the second coupling member includes a second member connecting the at least one second optical element and the at least one optical fiber, and the first member and the second member may have contact surfaces.

[0008] The optical bridge and the at least one first optical element may be configured to move together along the contact surface, and the at least one second optical element and the at least one optical fiber may be configured to move together along the contact surface.

[0009] The above contact surface may form an angle of 5 to 80 degrees with the plane formed by the second direction and the third direction.

[0010] The above contact surface may form a 45-degree angle with the plane formed by the second direction and the third direction.

[0011] At least one of the first coupling part and the second coupling part may be configured to be detachable from the substrate.

[0012] The above at least one first optical element and the above at least one second optical element may be optical elements having a positive refractive power.

[0013] At least one of the above at least one first optical element and at least one second optical element may be one of a convex lens and a concave mirror.

[0014] Light output from the above at least one light source can be output from the substrate in the third direction.

[0015] The above substrate may include an edge coupler.

[0016] The above at least one optical fiber may be arranged obliquely with respect to the second direction.

[0017] The light output from the above at least one light source may be output obliquely from the substrate with respect to the third direction.

[0018] The above substrate may include a grating coupler.

[0019] The at least one first optical element, the optical bridge, and the at least one second optical element may be arranged obliquely with respect to the third direction.

[0020] The first coupling part may include a plurality of first optical elements, and the second coupling part may include a plurality of second optical elements and a plurality of optical fibers.

[0021] The light source comprises N x M light sources arranged in an N x M array, the first coupling part comprises N x M first optical elements arranged in an N x M array, and the second coupling part may comprise N x M second optical elements arranged in an N x M array and N x M optical fibers arranged in an N x M array.

[0022] An electronic device according to an exemplary embodiment comprises: a coupling device; an optical fiber array connected to one end of the coupling device; and an optical integrated circuit connected to the other end of the coupling device; wherein the coupling device comprises: a substrate having a thickness in a third direction and arranged in a first direction and a second direction, and including at least one light source; a first coupling portion; and a second coupling portion; wherein the first coupling portion comprises: an optical bridge arranged spaced apart from the substrate in a third direction; and at least one first optical element arranged in the first direction of the optical bridge; and wherein the second coupling portion comprises: at least one second optical element arranged between the substrate and the optical bridge; and at least one optical fiber arranged spaced apart from the first optical element in the first direction; and wherein light output from the at least one light source may be configured to be sequentially incident on the at least one second optical element, the optical bridge, the at least one first optical element, and the at least one optical fiber.

[0023] The first coupling member includes a first member connecting the optical bridge and the at least one first optical element, and the second coupling member includes a second member connecting the at least one second optical element and the at least one optical fiber, and the first member and the second member may have contact surfaces.

[0024] The optical bridge and the at least one first optical element may be configured to move together along the contact surface, and the at least one second optical element and the at least one optical fiber may be configured to move together along the contact surface.

[0025] The above contact surface may form an angle of 5 to 80 degrees with the plane formed by the second direction and the third direction.

[0026] At least one of the first coupling part and the second coupling part may be configured to be detachable from the substrate. Effects of the invention

[0027] A coupling device according to an exemplary embodiment can provide a coupling device having an extended tolerance, improved coupling efficiency, and a detachable structure. Brief explanation of the drawing

[0028] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing the schematic structure of a coupling device according to an exemplary embodiment. FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing the detailed structure of a coupling device according to an exemplary embodiment of FIG. 1. FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram illustrating an exemplary arrangement of the coupling device of FIG. 1. FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram illustrating another exemplary arrangement of the coupling device of FIG. 1. Figure 5 is a diagram of an exemplary arrangement of the coupling device of Figure 1 viewed from the +Z direction. FIG. 6 is a drawing of another exemplary arrangement of the coupling device of FIG. 1 viewed from the +Z direction. FIG. 7 is a drawing of another exemplary arrangement of the coupling device of FIG. 1 viewed from the Z direction. FIGS. 8 and 9 are drawings showing the schematic structure of a coupling device according to other exemplary embodiments. FIG. 10 is a diagram showing the schematic structure of a coupling device according to another exemplary embodiment. FIG. 11 is a diagram showing the schematic structure of a coupling device according to another exemplary embodiment. FIG. 12 is a diagram showing the schematic structure of a coupling device according to another exemplary embodiment. FIG. 13 schematically shows an electronic device according to an exemplary embodiment. FIG. 14 schematically shows an electronic device according to another exemplary embodiment. Specific details for implementing the invention

[0029] Hereinafter, embodiments will be described in detail with reference to the attached drawings. The described embodiments are merely illustrative, and various modifications are possible from these embodiments. In the following drawings, the same reference numerals refer to the same components, and the size of each component in the drawings may be exaggerated for clarity and convenience of explanation.

[0030] In the following, terms described as "upper" or "upper" may include not only those directly above in contact, but also those above without contact.

[0031] Terms such as first, second, etc., may be used to describe various components, but are used solely for the purpose of distinguishing one component from another. These terms do not limit the difference in the material or structure of the components.

[0032] A singular expression includes a plural expression unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. Furthermore, when a part is said to "include" a certain component, this means that, unless specifically stated otherwise, it does not exclude other components but may include additional components.

[0033] Additionally, terms such as “...part,” “module,” etc., as described in the specification refer to a unit that processes at least one function or operation, and this may be implemented in hardware or software, or as a combination of hardware and software.

[0034] The use of the term “above” and similar descriptive terms may apply to both the singular and plural forms.

[0035] Unless there is an explicit statement that the steps constituting the method must be performed in the described order, they may be performed in a suitable order. Furthermore, the use of all exemplary terms (e.g., etc.) is merely intended to describe the technical concept in detail and, unless limited by the claims, such terms do not limit the scope of the rights.

[0036] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing the schematic structure of a coupling device according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0037] Referring to FIG. 1, the coupling device (1000) may include a first coupling part (100) and a second coupling part (200). The first coupling part (100) and the second coupling part (200) may be attached to a substrate (10) or detached from the substrate (10). That is, the first coupling part (100) and the second coupling part (200) may be detachable.

[0038] The first coupling portion (100) may include a first optical element (110) and an optical bridge (120). The substrate (10) may include at least one light source (20). The substrate (10) may be provided along a first direction (X direction) and a second direction (Y direction), and may have thickness in a third direction (Z direction). The optical bridge (120) may be provided spaced apart from the light source (20) in the third direction (Z direction). The optical bridge (120) may include a first optical element (110). The first optical element (110) may be provided in the first direction (X direction) of the optical bridge (120). The first optical element (110) may be an optical element having positive refractive power (e.g., a convex lens or a concave mirror).

[0039] The second coupling portion (200) may include a second optical element (210) and an optical fiber (220). The second optical element (210) may be provided between the substrate (10) and the optical bridge (120). The second optical element (210) may be an optical element having a positive refractive power (e.g., a convex lens or a concave mirror). The optical fiber (220) may be provided spaced apart from the first optical element (110) in a first direction (X direction). The optical fiber (220) may include a core (221) having a high refractive index through which light is transmitted by total internal reflection, and a cladding (222) having a lower refractive index than the core (221) described above.

[0040] Light output from a light source (20) can be configured to sequentially enter a second optical element (210), an optical bridge (120), a first optical element (110), and an optical fiber (220). That is, light output from a light source (20) of a substrate (10) can be concentrated while passing through the second optical element (220) and enter the optical bridge (120), and the light entered to the optical bridge (120) can be reflected or totally reflected by the inclined surface (S) of the optical bridge (120) and directed toward the first optical element (110). Light entered to the first optical element (110) can be concentrated while passing through the first optical element (110) and enter the core (221) of the optical fiber (220).

[0041] The line (dotted line in FIG. 1) connecting the first optical element (110) and optical bridge (120) of the first coupling part (100) and the substrate (10) indicates that the first optical element (110) and the optical bridge (120) are connected and can move together and can be fixed to the substrate (10). Additionally, the line (dotted line in FIG. 1) connecting the second optical element (210) and the optical fiber (220) of the second coupling part (200) is a virtual line shown for convenience of explanation and indicates that the second optical element (210) and the optical fiber (220) are connected and can move together. Below, the detailed structure of the coupling device (1000) will be described with reference to the perspective view.

[0042] FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing the detailed structure of a coupling device according to an exemplary embodiment of FIG. 1.

[0043] Referring to FIG. 2, the first coupling portion (100) may include at least one first member (130a, 130b), and the second coupling portion (200) may include at least one second member (230a, 230b).

[0044] The first member (130a, 130b) may be provided spaced apart from the first optical element (110) and the optical bridge (120). The first member (130a, 130b) may be provided spaced apart from the first optical element (110) and the optical bridge (120), for example, in the +X direction or the -X direction. The first member (130a, 130b) may be attached to the substrate (10) of FIG. 1 or detachable from the substrate (10). The first member (130a, 130b) may be physically connected to the first optical element (110) and the optical bridge (120) of the first coupling part (100). The first optical element (110) and the optical bridge (120) of the first coupling part (100) may move together with the first member (130a, 130b).

[0045] The second member (230a, 230b) may be provided spaced apart from the second optical element (210) and the optical fiber (220). The second member (230a, 230b) may be provided spaced apart from the second optical element (210) and the optical fiber (220), for example, in the +X direction or the -X direction. The second member (230a, 230b) may be physically connected to the second optical element (210) and the optical fiber (220) of the second coupling part (200). The second optical element (210) and the optical fiber (220) of the second coupling part (200) may move together with the second member (230a, 230b).

[0046] The first member (130a, 130b) and the second member (230a, 230b) may have a contact surface. For example, the first member (130a, 130b) and the second member (230a, 230b) may have a contact surface having a 45-degree angle with respect to the YZ plane. Each of the first coupling part (100) and the second coupling part (200) may move along the contact surface described above. Each of the first coupling part (100) and the second coupling part (200) may move at a 45-degree angle with respect to the YZ plane along the contact surface of the first member (130a, 130b) and the second member (230a, 230b). For example, the first optical element (110) and the optical bridge (120) of the first coupling part (100) can move at an angle of 45 degrees with respect to the YZ plane along the contact surface between the first member (130a, 130b) and the second member (230a, 230b). Additionally, the second optical element (210) and the optical fiber (220) of the second coupling part (200) can move at an angle of 45 degrees with respect to the YZ plane along the contact surface between the first member (130a, 130b) and the second member (230a, 230b).

[0047] Below, an arrangement of the coupling device (1000) is described by way of example when the second optical element (210) and the optical fiber (220) of the second coupling part (200) of the coupling device (1000) of FIG. 1 are moved downward at a 45-degree angle with respect to the YZ plane or moved upward at a 45-degree angle.

[0048] FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram illustrating an exemplary arrangement of the coupling device of FIG. 1.

[0049] Referring to FIG. 3, the second coupling member (200) can move downward at an angle of 45 degrees with respect to the YZ plane along the contact surface between the first member (130a, 130b) and the second member (230a, 230b) of FIG. 2. The center axis of the second optical element (210) and the center axis of the light source (20) may not be aligned, and the center axis of the optical bridge (120) and the optical fiber (220) may not be aligned. For example, the second optical element (210) may be provided in the -Y direction of the light source (20), and the optical fiber (220) may be provided in the -Z direction of the optical bridge (120).

[0050] In this case, compared to FIG. 1, the second optical element (210) of the second coupling part (200) may be provided at a location spaced apart from the light source (20) in the -Y direction, and light output from the light source (20) may be incident at a location spaced apart from the center axis of the second optical element (210) in the +Y direction. Compared to the point where light transmitted through the second optical element (210) of FIG. 1 is reflected on the reflective surface (S), the light transmitted through the second optical element (210) of FIG. 3 is reflected at a location spaced apart in the -Y direction and the -Z direction, and compared to the light reflected on the reflective surface (S) of the optical bridge (120) of FIG. 1, the light reflected on the reflective surface (S) of the optical bridge (120) of FIG. 3 may be directed relatively toward the -Z direction.

[0051] Meanwhile, since the optical fiber (220) of the second coupling part (200) moves downward at an angle of 45 degrees with respect to the YZ plane together with the second optical element (210), the optical fiber (220) of FIG. 3 can be provided at a location relatively spaced apart in the -Z direction compared to the optical fiber (220) of FIG. 1. Accordingly, light reflected from the reflective surface (S) of the optical bridge (120) of FIG. 3 can be incident on the core (221) of the optical fiber (220).

[0052] FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram illustrating another exemplary arrangement of the coupling device of FIG. 1.

[0053] Referring to FIG. 4, the second coupling member (200) can move downward at an angle of 45 degrees with respect to the YZ plane along the contact surface between the first member (130a, 130b) and the second member (230a, 230b) of FIG. 2. The center axis of the second optical element (210) and the center axis of the light source (20) may not be aligned, and the center axis of the optical bridge (120) and the optical fiber (220) may not be aligned. For example, the second optical element (210) may be provided in the +Y direction of the light source (20), and the optical fiber (220) may be provided in the +Z direction of the optical bridge (120).

[0054] In this case, compared to FIG. 1, the second optical element (210) of the second coupling part (200) may be provided at a location spaced apart from the light source (20) in the +Y direction, and light output from the light source (20) may be incident at a location spaced apart from the center axis of the second optical element (210) in the -Y direction. Compared to the point where light transmitted through the second optical element (210) of FIG. 1 is reflected on the reflective surface (S), the light transmitted through the second optical element (210) of FIG. 4 is reflected at a location spaced apart in the +Y direction and the +Z direction, and compared to the light reflected on the reflective surface (S) of the optical bridge (120) of FIG. 1, the light reflected on the reflective surface (S) of the optical bridge (120) of FIG. 4 may be directed relatively in the +Z direction.

[0055] Meanwhile, since the optical fiber (220) of the second coupling part (200) moves upward at an angle of 45 degrees with respect to the YZ plane together with the second optical element (210), the optical fiber (220) of FIG. 4 can be provided at a location relatively spaced apart in the +Z direction compared to the optical fiber (220) of FIG. 1. Accordingly, light reflected from the reflective surface (S) of the optical bridge (120) of FIG. 4 can be incident on the core (221) of the optical fiber (220).

[0056] The angle of the contact surface of the first member (130a, 130b) and the second member (230a, 230b) of FIG. 2 described above, and the direction in which the first connecting part (100) and the second connecting part (200) move are merely exemplary for convenience of explanation, and the angle of the contact surface of the first member (130a, 130b) and the second member (230a, 230b) may have various angles other than 45 degrees. For example, the angle of the contact surface of the first member (130a, 130b) and the second member (230a, 230b) may have an angle of 5 to 85 degrees, and the first connecting part (100) and the second connecting part (200) may move along the contact surface described above.

[0057] According to an embodiment, as seen with reference to FIGS. 1 to 4, the first coupling part (100) and the second coupling part (200) move along the contact surface of the first member (130a, 130b) and the second member (230a, 230b), thereby relaxing the allowable tolerance of the coupling device (1000) and improving coupling efficiency, and providing a coupling device (1000) having a detachable structure.

[0058] FIG. 5 is a diagram of an exemplary arrangement of the coupling device of FIG. 1 viewed from the +Z direction. For convenience of explanation, the light paths of the light source (20) and the second optical element (220) are unfolded and shown on the same plane.

[0059] Referring to FIG. 5, when the first coupling part (100) and the second coupling part (200) are aligned in a straight line, that is, when the light source (20), the second optical element (210), the first optical element (110), and the optical fiber (22) are aligned in a straight line, light output from the light source (20) is incident on the central axis of the second optical element (210), light incident on the second optical element (210) is concentrated on the central axis of the first optical element (110), and light transmitted through the first optical element (110) can be incident on the core (221) of the optical fiber (220).

[0060] FIG. 6 is a view of another exemplary arrangement of the coupling device of FIG. 1 seen from the +Z direction. For convenience of explanation, the light paths of the light source (20) and the second optical element (220) are unfolded and shown on the same plane.

[0061] Referring to FIG. 6, when the second coupling part (200) is arranged in the +X direction relative to the first coupling part (100), and when the second optical element (210) and the optical fiber (220) are moved in the +X direction relative to the first optical element (110) and the light source (20), light output from the light source (20) can be incident at a location spaced apart in the -X direction from the center axis of the second optical element (210). Light incident at a location spaced apart in the -X direction from the center axis of the second optical element (210) can be concentrated at a location spaced apart in the +X direction from the center axis of the first optical element (110), and light transmitted through the first optical element (110) can be incident on the core (221) of the optical fiber (220) that has moved in the +X direction.

[0062] FIG. 7 is a drawing of another exemplary arrangement of the coupling device of FIG. 1 viewed from the Z direction. For convenience of explanation, the light paths of the light source (20) and the second optical element (220) are unfolded and shown on the same plane.

[0063] Referring to FIG. 7, when the second coupling part (200) is arranged in the -X direction relative to the first coupling part (100), that is, when the second optical element (210) and the optical fiber (220) are moved in the -X direction relative to the first optical element (110) and the light source (20), light output from the light source (20) can be incident at a location spaced apart in the +X direction from the center axis of the second optical element (210). Light incident at a location spaced apart in the +X direction from the center axis of the second optical element (210) can be concentrated at a location spaced apart in the -X direction from the center axis of the first optical element (110), and light transmitted through the first optical element (110) can be incident on the core of the optical fiber (220) that has moved in the -X direction.

[0064] As described with reference to FIGS. 5 to 7, even when the alignment of the first coupling part (100) and the second coupling part (200) is misaligned in the X direction, light emitted from the light source (20) can be incident on the core (221) of the optical fiber (220), thereby relaxing the allowable tolerance of the coupling device (1000) and improving the coupling efficiency.

[0065] Meanwhile, although the light output from the light source (20) of the substrate (10) is exemplarily shown to be incident on the optical fiber (220) through the second optical element (210), the optical bridge (120), and the first optical element (110), conversely, the light emitted from the optical fiber (220) may be input to the substrate (10) through the first optical element (110), the optical bridge (120), and the second optical element (210).

[0066] FIGS. 8 and 9 are drawings showing the schematic structure of a coupling device according to other exemplary embodiments. The differences are described with reference to FIG. 1, and the same reference numerals indicate the same components.

[0067] Referring to FIG. 8, compared to FIG. 1, light from the light source (20) of the coupling device (1100) can travel obliquely in a direction perpendicular to one surface of the substrate (10) (e.g., Z direction), and the center axis of the second optical element (210') can be provided obliquely with respect to the Z direction. By providing the center axis of the first optical element (110') and the optical bridge (120') obliquely, light output from the light source (20) can be incident on the core (221) of the optical fiber (220) through the second optical element (210'), the optical bridge (120'), and the first optical element (110'). At this time, the reflective surface (S) of the optical bridge (120') can be provided at an angle less than 45 degrees, equal to the angle that the center axis of the second optical element (210') makes with the Z direction.

[0068] Referring to FIG. 9, compared to FIG. 1, the optical fiber (220') of the coupling device (1200) may be provided obliquely with respect to a direction parallel to one surface of the substrate (10) (e.g., the Y direction). In this case, the reflective surface (S) of the optical bridge (120) may be provided at an angle greater than 45 degrees, equal to the angle that the center axis of the optical fiber (220') makes with the Y direction.

[0069] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing the schematic structure of a coupling device according to another exemplary embodiment. It is described with reference to FIG. 1, focusing on the differences, and identical components are indicated by the same reference numerals.

[0070] Referring to FIG. 10, the coupling device (1300) may include a buried oxide layer (11) provided on a substrate (10), a Si waveguide (12) provided on the buried oxide layer, and a SiN waveguide (13) provided on the Si waveguide (12). Light output from a light source may travel along the Si waveguide (12) and be coupled to the SiN waveguide (13). Light traveling along the SiN waveguide (13) may have its direction of travel changed by the inclined cross-section of an edge coupler (14) provided at one end of the SiN waveguide (13) and having an inclined cross-section, and may be output in a direction perpendicular to one surface of the substrate (10) (e.g., Z direction).

[0071] Light output from the substrate (10) by the edge coupler (14) can be incident along the central axis of the second optical element (210), and light transmitted along the central axis of the second optical element (210) is reflected by the reflective surface (S) of the optical bridge (120) and incident along the central axis of the first optical element (110), and light transmitted through the first optical element (110) can be incident on the core (221) of the optical fiber (220).

[0072] FIG. 11 is a drawing showing the schematic structure of a coupling device according to another exemplary embodiment. It is described with reference to FIG. 8, focusing on the differences, and identical components are indicated by the same reference numerals.

[0073] Referring to FIG. 11, the coupling device (1400) may include a waveguide (12) provided on a substrate (10) and a grating coupler (15) provided at one end of the waveguide (12). Light output from a light source may be output at an angle that is not perpendicular to one surface of the substrate (10) (e.g., an angle tilted approximately 7 to 8 degrees with respect to the Z-axis). In this case, as described in FIG. 8, the second optical element (210'), the first optical element (110'), and the optical bridge (120') may be provided at an angle, and the reflective surface (S) of the optical bridge (120') may be provided at an angle smaller than 45 degrees with respect to the X-axis (e.g., an angle tilted 7 to 8 degrees with respect to 45 degrees).

[0074] Light that is obliquely output from the substrate (10) by the grating coupler (15) can be incident along the central axis of the second optical element (210), and light transmitted along the central axis of the second optical element (210) is reflected by the reflective surface (S) of the optical bridge (120) and incident along the central axis of the first optical element (110), and light transmitted through the first optical element (110) can be incident on the core (221) of the optical fiber (220).

[0075] FIG. 12 is a drawing showing the schematic structure of a coupling device according to another exemplary embodiment. It is described with reference to FIG. 1, focusing on the differences, and identical components are indicated by the same reference numerals.

[0076] Referring to FIG. 12, the coupling device (1500) may have a multilayer structure. For example, the coupling device (1500) may include a plurality of light sources (20a, 20b, ...), the first coupling part (100) of the coupling device (1500) may include a plurality of first optical elements (110a, 110b, ...) and an optical bridge (120), and the second coupling part (200) of the coupling device (1500) may include a plurality of second optical elements (210a, 210b, ...) and a plurality of optical fibers (220a, 220b, ...).

[0077] For example, a plurality of light sources (20a, 20b, ...) may include N x M light sources arranged in an N x M array, a first optical element (110a, 110b, ...) may include N x M optical elements arranged in an N x M array, a second optical element (210a, 210b, ...) may include N x M optical elements arranged in an N x M array, and a plurality of optical fibers (220a, 220b, ...) may include N x M optical fibers arranged in an N x M array.

[0078] A plurality of first optical elements (110a, 110b, ...) and an optical bridge (120) of the first coupling part (100) may be physically connected and move together and may be attached to a substrate (10), and a plurality of second optical elements (210a, 210b, ...) and a plurality of optical fibers (220a, 220b, ...) of the second coupling part (200) may be physically connected and move together.

[0079] Light output from a plurality of light sources (20a, 20b, ...) can each be incident on a plurality of optical fibers (220a, 220b, ...). For example, light emitted from a first light source (20a) can be incident on the core of a first optical fiber (220a) through a second-first optical element (210a), an optical bridge (120), and a first-first optical element (110a), and light emitted from a second light source (20b) can be incident on the core of a second optical fiber (220b) through a second-second optical element (210b), an optical bridge (120), and a first-second optical element (112a).

[0080] FIG. 13 schematically shows an electronic device according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0081] The electronic device (2000) may include a coupling device (1000), an optical fiber array (2100) and a photonic integrated circuit (2200) each connected to both sides of the coupling device (1000).

[0082] The coupling device (1000) may include any one of the aforementioned coupling devices (1000, 1100, 1200, 1300, 1400, 1500), or a coupling device having a structure in which these are combined or modified. The optical fiber array (2100) includes a plurality of optical fibers, and their output ends may each be coupled to ends arranged in a plurality of rows at one end of the coupling device (1000).

[0083] The photonic integrated circuit (2200) may include a plurality of photoelectric conversion elements that convert light into an electrical signal, and may include planar waveguides that transmit light transmitted through the coupling device (1000) to each of the plurality of photoelectric conversion elements.

[0084] These electronic devices (2000) can be used for memory-to-memory communication, XPU (e.g., CPU (central processing unit), GPU (graphic processing unit), etc.)-to-memory communication, or XPU-to-XPU data transfer.

[0085] FIG. 14 schematically shows an electronic device according to another embodiment.

[0086] The electronic device (3000) may be a processor unit package. The electronic device (3000) may include a circuit board (3100), a photonic integrated circuit (3600) formed on the circuit board (3100), a coupling device (1000), a driving circuit (EIC) (3700) for driving the photonic integrated circuit (3600), a processor (3800), and a memory (3900). The memory (1900) may be a high bandwidth memory (HBM). In addition, the electronic device (3000) may further include an input interface, an output interface, etc.

[0087] The coupling device (1000) includes a plurality of coupling waveguides (3210), and one end (3200a) of the coupling device (1000) may be connected to a photonic integrated circuit (3700), and the other end (3200b) may be connected to an optical fiber array (3500). The optical fiber array (3500) includes a plurality of optical fibers (3510), and the output ends of the plurality of optical fibers (3510) may be arranged in a two-dimensional manner, that is, in a plane parallel to the YZ plane, in a plurality of columns with different positions in the Z direction. The output ends arranged in such a two-dimensional manner may each be coupled to the ends of the coupling waveguides (3210) arranged in a two-dimensional manner corresponding thereto. The optical fiber array (3500) may also have a guide pin (3530) to be coupled to a guide pin hole (3200) of the coupling device (1000).

[0088] Light from the optical fiber array (3500) input to the coupling device (1000) in this manner can pass through the coupling waveguide (3210) and be transmitted to a plurality of planar waveguides provided in the photonic integrated circuit (3600), and thereby be incident on a photoelectric conversion element. The light can be converted into an electrical signal by the photoelectric conversion element.

[0089] The above-described embodiments are summarized as follows.

[0090] (1) A coupling device according to an exemplary embodiment comprises: a substrate having a thickness in a third direction and arranged in a first direction and a second direction, and including at least one light source; a first coupling part; and a second coupling part; wherein the first coupling part comprises an optical bridge arranged spaced apart from the substrate in a third direction; and at least one first optical element arranged in the first direction of the optical bridge; and the second coupling part comprises at least one second optical element arranged between the substrate and the optical bridge; and at least one optical fiber arranged spaced apart from the first optical element in the first direction; and the light output from the at least one light source may be configured to be sequentially incident on the at least one second optical element, the optical bridge, the at least one first optical element and the at least one optical fiber.

[0091] (2) The first coupling member includes a first member connecting the optical bridge and the at least one first optical element, and the second coupling member includes a second member connecting the at least one second optical element and the at least one optical fiber, and the first member and the second member may have contact surfaces.

[0092] (3) The optical bridge and the at least one first optical element may be configured to move together along the contact surface, and the at least one second optical element and the at least one optical fiber may be configured to move together along the contact surface.

[0093] (4) The contact surface may form an angle of 5 to 80 degrees with the plane formed by the second direction and the third direction.

[0094] (5) The above contact surface may form a 45-degree angle with the plane formed by the second direction and the third direction.

[0095] (6) At least one of the first coupling part and the second coupling part may be configured to be detachable from the substrate.

[0096] (7) The at least one first optical element and the at least one second optical element may be optical elements having a positive refractive power.

[0097] (8) At least one of the first optical element and at least one second optical element may be one of a convex lens and a concave mirror.

[0098] (9) Light output from at least one light source can be output from the substrate in the third direction.

[0099] (10) The above substrate may include an edge coupler.

[0100] (11) The above at least one optical fiber may be arranged obliquely with respect to the second direction.

[0101] (12) Light output from at least one light source may be output obliquely from the substrate with respect to the third direction.

[0102] (13) The above substrate may include a grating coupler.

[0103] (14) The at least one first optical element, the optical bridge, and the at least one second optical element may be arranged obliquely with respect to the third direction.

[0104] (15) The first coupling part may include a plurality of first optical elements, and the second coupling part may include a plurality of second optical elements and a plurality of optical fibers.

[0105] (16) An electronic device according to an exemplary embodiment comprises: a coupling device; an optical fiber array connected to one end of the coupling device; and an optical integrated circuit connected to the other end of the coupling device; wherein the coupling device comprises: a substrate having a thickness in a third direction and arranged in a first direction and a second direction, and including at least one light source; a first coupling part; and a second coupling part; wherein the first coupling part comprises: an optical bridge arranged spaced apart from the substrate in the third direction; and at least one first optical element arranged in the first direction of the optical bridge; and wherein the second coupling part comprises: at least one second optical element arranged between the substrate and the optical bridge; and at least one optical fiber arranged spaced apart from the first optical element in the first direction; and wherein light output from the at least one light source may be configured to be incident sequentially on the at least one second optical element, the optical bridge, the at least one first optical element, and the at least one optical fiber.

[0106] (17) The first coupling member includes a first member connecting the optical bridge and the at least one first optical element, and the second coupling member includes a second member connecting the at least one second optical element and the at least one optical fiber, and the first member and the second member may have contact surfaces.

[0107] (18) The optical bridge and the at least one first optical element may be configured to move together along the contact surface, and the at least one second optical element and the at least one optical fiber may be configured to move together along the contact surface.

[0108] (19) The contact surface may form an angle of 5 to 80 degrees with the plane formed by the second direction and the third direction.

[0109] (20) At least one of the first coupling part and the second coupling part may be configured to be detachable from the substrate.

[0110] The coupling device and the electronic device including it described above have been described with reference to the embodiments illustrated in the drawings, but this is merely illustrative and those skilled in the art will understand that various modifications and equivalent alternative embodiments are possible therefrom. Therefore, the disclosed embodiments should be considered in an illustrative rather than a limiting sense. The scope of this specification is defined by the claims, not by the foregoing description, and all variations within the scope of equivalents should be interpreted as being included. Explanation of the symbols

[0111] 1000: Coupling device 10: Substrate, 20: Light source 100: First connecting part 110: First optical element, 120: Optical bridge 200: Second connecting part 210: Second optical element, 220: Optical fiber

Claims

Claim 1 A substrate comprising at least one light source, arranged in a first direction and a second direction and having a thickness in a third direction; a first coupling portion; and a second coupling portion; wherein the first coupling portion is An optical bridge provided spaced apart from the substrate in a third direction; and At least one first optical element provided in the first direction of the optical bridge; and the second coupling part comprises At least one second optical element provided between the substrate and the optical bridge; and A coupling device comprising: at least one optical fiber spaced apart from the first optical element and the first direction; wherein light output from the at least one light source is configured to sequentially incise the at least one second optical element, the optical bridge, the at least one first optical element, and the at least one optical fiber. Claim 2 A coupling device according to claim 1, wherein the first coupling part comprises a first member connecting the optical bridge and the at least one first optical element, and the second coupling part comprises a second member connecting the at least one second optical element and the at least one optical fiber, and the first member and the second member have a contact surface. Claim 3 A coupling device according to paragraph 2, wherein the optical bridge and the at least one first optical element are configured to move together along the contact surface, and the at least one second optical element and the at least one optical fiber are configured to move together along the contact surface. Claim 4 A coupling device according to paragraph 2, wherein the contact surface forms an angle of 5 to 80 degrees with the plane formed by the second direction and the third direction. Claim 5 A coupling device according to paragraph 2, wherein the contact surface forms a 45-degree angle with the plane formed by the second direction and the third direction. Claim 6 A coupling device according to claim 1, wherein at least one of the first coupling part and the second coupling part is configured to be detachably attached to the substrate. Claim 7 A coupling device according to claim 1, wherein the at least one first optical element and the at least one second optical element are optical elements having a positive refractive power. Claim 8 A coupling device according to claim 1, wherein at least one of the at least one first optical element and at least one second optical element is one of a convex lens and a concave mirror. Claim 9 A coupling device according to claim 1, wherein light output from at least one light source is output from the substrate in the third direction. Claim 10 In claim 1, the substrate is a coupling device comprising an edge coupler. Claim 11 A coupling device according to claim 1, wherein at least one optical fiber is arranged obliquely with respect to the second direction. Claim 12 A coupling device according to claim 1, wherein light output from at least one light source is output obliquely from the substrate with respect to the third direction. Claim 13 In paragraph 12, the above substrate is a coupling device comprising a grating coupler. Claim 14 A coupling device according to claim 12, wherein the at least one first optical element, the optical bridge, and the at least one second optical element are arranged obliquely with respect to the third direction. Claim 15 A coupling device according to claim 1, wherein the first coupling part comprises a plurality of first optical elements, and the second coupling part comprises a plurality of second optical elements and a plurality of optical fibers. Claim 16 A coupling device; an optical fiber array connected to one end of the coupling device; and an optical integrated circuit connected to the other end of the coupling device; wherein the coupling device comprises A substrate comprising at least one light source, arranged in a first direction and a second direction, and having a thickness in a third direction; First connecting part; and Includes a second connecting part; and The above first coupling part is, An optical bridge provided spaced apart from the substrate in a third direction; and At least one first optical element provided in the first direction of the optical bridge; comprising, The second coupling part above is, At least one second optical element provided between the substrate and the optical bridge; and It includes at least one optical fiber spaced apart from the first optical element in the first direction; An electronic device configured such that light output from the at least one light source is sequentially incident on the at least one second optical element, the optical bridge, the at least one first optical element, and the at least one optical fiber. Claim 17 An electronic device according to claim 16, wherein the first coupling part comprises a first member connecting the optical bridge and the at least one first optical element, and the second coupling part comprises a second member connecting the at least one second optical element and the at least one optical fiber, and the first member and the second member have a contact surface. Claim 18 An electronic device according to claim 17, wherein the optical bridge and the at least one first optical element are configured to move together along the contact surface, and the at least one second optical element and the at least one optical fiber are configured to move together along the contact surface. Claim 19 An electronic device according to claim 17, wherein the contact surface forms an angle of 5 to 80 degrees with the plane formed by the second direction and the third direction. Claim 20 An electronic device according to claim 16, wherein at least one of the first coupling part and the second coupling part is configured to be detachable from the substrate.

Images