Optical module apparatus, method for manufacturing optical module apparatus, and method for performing optical communication using optical module apparatus

Abstract

An embodiment disclosed herein provides an optical module device comprising: a first optical element; a second optical element separate and isolated from the first optical element; a first substrate mechanically coupled to the first optical element and the second optical element; a second substrate different from the first substrate, wherein the second substrate forms a plurality of grooves for supporting a plurality of optical fibers; and a third substrate different from the first substrate and the second substrate; wherein at least a portion of the first substrate is located between the second substrate and the third substrate.

Description

Technology Field

[0001] The disclosed embodiments relate to an optical module device, a method for manufacturing an optical module device, and a method for performing optical communication using an optical module device. Background Technology

[0003] Global internet data traffic is classified into internal data center traffic, inter-data center traffic, and traffic between data centers and users, based on the data generation and transmission paths. Of these, internal data center traffic accounts for the largest share, driven by the massive volume of data flow generated during processing operations such as data generation, processing, storage, and authentication within data centers. In particular, due to the proliferation of artificial intelligence technology, traffic generated within data centers is continuously and rapidly increasing.

[0004] One of the key technologies for efficiently handling such surging traffic is the advancement of data center optical connectivity solutions, at the heart of which are optical modules characterized by high speed, high density, and low power consumption. The critical factors determining the performance of optical modules are the precision of optical alignment, optical coupling efficiency, and optical signal integrity. To achieve this, various components are integrated at high density, and packaging structures are also required to be miniaturized and highly precise.

[0005] However, conventional optical module devices have a problem in that the alignment process between components is difficult and the efficient placement of the entire module is difficult due to the complex coupling structure of the substrate or the way components are dispersed and arranged on the substrate.

[0006] Therefore, while interest in optical module devices to solve these problems is increasing, practical research on this is currently insufficient. The problem to be solved

[0008] The purpose of the embodiments disclosed below is to provide an optical module device, a method for manufacturing an optical module device, and a method for performing optical communication using an optical module device, in order to solve the above-mentioned problems.

[0009] Another objective of the embodiment is to provide an optical module device capable of minimizing the length of an optical wire through a sandwich structure of substrates, a method for manufacturing an optical module device, and a method for performing optical communication using an optical module device.

[0010] Another objective of the embodiment is to provide an optical module device, a method for manufacturing an optical module device, and a method for performing optical communication using the optical module device, which can position an optical fiber close to an optical element through a combined structure of substrates. means of solving the problem

[0012] An embodiment disclosed herein provides an optical module device comprising: a first optical element; a second optical element separate and isolated from the first optical element; a first substrate mechanically coupled to the first optical element and the second optical element; a second substrate different from the first substrate, wherein the second substrate forms a plurality of grooves for supporting a plurality of optical fibers; and a third substrate different from the first substrate and the second substrate; wherein at least a portion of the first substrate is located between the second substrate and the third substrate.

[0013] The first optical element is characterized as being an optical emitter that emits a first optical signal, and the second optical element is characterized as being an optical receiver that receives a second optical signal.

[0014] The first optical element is characterized as being a first optical emitter that emits a first optical signal, and the second optical element is characterized as being a second optical emitter that emits a second optical signal.

[0015] The plurality of optical fibers are characterized by extending within a cavity formed between the second substrate and the third substrate.

[0016] The plurality of optical fibers is characterized by including a first optical fiber optically coupled to the first optical element and a second optical fiber that is different from the first optical fiber and optically coupled to the second optical element.

[0017] The first groove among the plurality of grooves is positioned to support the first optical fiber, and the second groove among the plurality of grooves, which is different from the first groove, is positioned to support the second optical fiber.

[0018] The length of the optical wire between the first optical element and the first optical fiber is characterized by being smaller than 100 micrometers.

[0019] The second substrate is characterized by including a first indentation for coupling with the first substrate.

[0020] The third substrate is characterized by including a second concave portion for coupling with the first substrate.

[0021] The second substrate comprises a first portion having a first thickness and a second portion having a second thickness greater than the first thickness, and is characterized in that the plurality of grooves are formed in the second portion.

[0022] The second substrate comprises a third portion having a third thickness smaller than the second thickness, wherein the third portion is distinguished from the first portion; and the second portion is located between the first portion and the third portion.

[0023] The above third thickness and the above first thickness are characterized by being substantially the same.

[0024] The first substrate comprises a first surface forming a first plane and a second surface opposite to the first surface and facing toward the second substrate, the distance between the first surface and the second surface defines the thickness of the first substrate, and the second substrate comprises a base surface oriented in the opposite direction to the first substrate and extending across at least a first portion and a second portion, the first portion comprises a top surface located adjacent to the second surface, and the second portion has a top surface that substantially extends to the first plane.

[0025] The first substrate comprises a portion of a rectangular u-channel shape having two arms and a base extending between the two arms, and the first optical element and the second optical element are mechanically coupled to the base of the first substrate.

[0026] The second part is characterized by substantially extending into a cavity partially enclosed by the two arms and the base.

[0027] At least one of the second substrate or the third substrate is characterized as being a glass substrate.

[0028] The above-described optical module device is characterized by further including a first electronic element for driving the first optical element.

[0029] The first substrate is characterized by being mechanically coupled to the first electronic element.

[0030] The above-described optical module device is characterized by further including a second electronic element that receives and amplifies an electrical signal generated by the second optical element.

[0031] The first substrate is characterized by being mechanically coupled to the second electronic element.

[0032] An embodiment disclosed herein provides a method for assembling an optical module, comprising: receiving a first substrate mechanically coupled to a first optical element and a second optical element that is separate and isolated from the first optical element; receiving a second substrate different from the first substrate, wherein the second substrate forms a plurality of grooves for supporting a plurality of optical fibers, and the second substrate includes a first recess for coupling with the first substrate; receiving a third substrate different from the first substrate and the second substrate, wherein the third substrate includes a second recess for coupling with the first substrate; coupling the first substrate to the second substrate; and coupling the first substrate to the third substrate.

[0033] The first optical element is characterized as being an optical emitter that emits a first optical signal, and the second optical element is characterized as being an optical receiver that receives a second optical signal.

[0034] The first optical element is characterized as being a first optical emitter that emits a first optical signal, and the second optical element is characterized as being a second optical emitter that emits a second optical signal.

[0035] The plurality of optical fibers are characterized by extending within a cavity defined between the second substrate and the third substrate.

[0036] The plurality of optical fibers is characterized by including a first optical fiber optically coupled to the first optical element and a second optical fiber that is different from the first optical fiber and optically coupled to the second optical element.

[0037] The first groove among the plurality of grooves is positioned to support the first optical fiber, and the second groove among the plurality of grooves is different from the first groove and is positioned to support the second optical fiber.

[0038] The length of the optical wire between the first optical element and the first optical fiber is characterized by being smaller than 100 micrometers.

[0039] The second substrate comprises a first concave portion for coupling with the first substrate, and the step of coupling the first substrate and the second substrate comprises the step of coupling the second substrate to the first substrate using the first concave portion.

[0040] The third substrate includes a second concave portion for coupling with the first substrate, and the step of coupling the first substrate and the third substrate includes the step of coupling the third substrate to the first substrate using the second concave portion.

[0041] The third substrate is characterized by being coupled to the first substrate after combining the first substrate and the second substrate.

[0042] The second substrate comprises a first portion having a first thickness and a second portion having a second thickness greater than the first thickness, and is characterized in that the plurality of grooves are formed in the second portion.

[0043] The second substrate comprises a third portion having a third thickness smaller than the second thickness, the third portion is distinguished from the first portion, and the second portion is located between the first portion and the third portion.

[0044] The above third thickness and the above first thickness are characterized by being substantially the same.

[0045] The first substrate comprises a first surface forming a first plane and a second surface opposite to the first surface and facing toward the second substrate, the distance between the first surface and the second surface defines the thickness of the first substrate, and the second substrate comprises a base surface that extends across at least a first portion and a second portion and is oriented away from the first substrate, and the step of coupling the first substrate to the second substrate comprises the step of positioning the first substrate or the second substrate such that the first portion has a top surface located adjacent to the second surface and the second portion has a top surface that substantially extends to the first plane.

[0046] The first substrate comprises a portion of a rectangular u-channel shape including two arms and a base extending between the two arms, and the first optical element and the second optical element are mechanically coupled to the base of the first substrate.

[0047] The step of coupling the first substrate to the second substrate is characterized by including the step of inserting at least a portion of the second part into a cavity partially surrounded by the two arms and the base.

[0048] At least one of the first substrate or the third substrate is a glass substrate.

[0049] An embodiment disclosed herein provides a method for performing optical communication, comprising: a step of emitting a first optical signal from a first optical element of an optical module; and a step of receiving a second optical signal from a second optical element different from the first optical element; wherein the first optical element and the second optical element are mechanically coupled to a first substrate, the first optical signal is transmitted through an optical fiber supported by the first substrate and a second substrate different from the first substrate, and at least a portion of the first substrate is located between the second substrate and the first substrate and between the second substrate and a third substrate different from the second substrate.

[0050] An embodiment disclosed herein provides an optical module device comprising: a first optical element including a first transmitting surface for emitting a first optical signal; a second optical element including a first receiving surface for receiving a second optical signal; a first electronic element configured to be electrically connected to the first optical element for driving the first optical element; a second electronic element configured to be electrically connected to the second optical element for amplifying an electrical signal from the second optical element; a first substrate configured to support at least one optical element and at least one electronic element; a second substrate configured to support at least one optical fiber; and a third substrate configured to sandwich the first substrate with the second substrate to form the location of at least one optical fiber. Effects of the invention

[0052] According to the disclosed embodiment, optical communication efficiency can be increased by minimizing the length of the optical wire between the optical device and the optical fiber through a coupling structure between substrates.

[0053] According to the disclosed embodiment, optical alignment and coupling can be improved through a coupling structure between substrates. Brief explanation of the drawing

[0055] FIG. 1 is a drawing disclosing an exploded view of an optical module device according to an embodiment. FIG. 2 is a drawing disclosing a coupling diagram of an optical module device according to an embodiment. FIG. 3 is a drawing disclosing an embodiment of the combination of an optical element and an optical fiber of an optical module device according to an embodiment. FIG. 4 is a drawing disclosing an embodiment of an optical communication system including an optical module device according to an embodiment. FIG. 5 is a drawing disclosing another embodiment of an optical communication system including an optical module device according to an embodiment. FIG. 6 is a drawing disclosing a method for assembling an optical module device according to an embodiment. FIG. 7 is a drawing disclosing a method for performing optical communication using an optical module device according to an embodiment. Specific details for implementing the invention

[0056] Hereinafter, embodiments will be described in detail with reference to the attached drawings.

[0057] The terms used in the embodiments of this disclosure have been selected to be as widely used as possible, taking into account the function of the invention; however, these may vary depending on the intent of those skilled in the art, case law, the emergence of new technologies, etc. The terms used in this invention should be defined not merely by their names, but based on their meanings and the overall content of the invention.

[0058] When a part of a specification is described as "including" a certain component, this means that, unless specifically stated otherwise, it does not exclude other components but may include additional components.

[0059] Additionally, terms such as “part,” “module,” “model,” and “unit” used in the specification refer to a unit that processes at least one function or operation, and may be implemented as software, a hardware component, or a combination of software and hardware. If an embodiment is implemented as software, it may be stored on a non-volatile storage medium, installed on a computer, etc., and executed by a processor. The terms “part,” “module,” “model,” and “unit” are not limited to software or hardware. “Part,” “module,” “model,” and “unit” may be configured to reside on an addressable storage medium or configured to run one or more processors. Accordingly, as an example, terms such as “part,” “module,” “model,” and “unit” may include components such as software components, object-oriented software components, class components, and task components, as well as processes, functions, attributes, procedures, subroutines, segments of program code, drivers, firmware, microcode, circuits, data, databases, data structures, tables, arrays, and variables.

[0060] Terms including ordinal numbers, such as "first," "second," etc., used in the embodiments of the present disclosure may be used to describe various components, but the terms are used for the purpose of distinguishing one component from another. Without departing from the scope of the rights of the present disclosure, the first component may be named the second component, and similarly, the second component may be named the first component. The term "and / or" includes a combination of a plurality of related items or any one of a plurality of related items.

[0061] Below, embodiments of the present invention are described in detail with reference to the attached drawings so that those skilled in the art can easily implement the invention. Additionally, parts of the drawings that are irrelevant to the description are omitted to clearly explain the invention.

[0063] FIG. 1 discloses an exploded view of an optical module device according to an embodiment.

[0064] In one embodiment, the optical module device may include at least one optical element (210), a first substrate (110) mechanically coupled to the at least one optical element, a second substrate (120) different from the first substrate (110), and a third substrate (130) different from the first substrate (110) and the second substrate (120).

[0065] In one embodiment, at least one optical element may include a first optical element and a second optical element that is separate and isolated from the first optical element. Here, the first optical element and the second optical element are merely examples, and the optical elements may be implemented in various numbers. In one embodiment, the first substrate (110) may be mechanically coupled to the first optical element and the second optical element.

[0066] In one embodiment, the first optical element may be a light emitter that emits a first optical signal, and the second optical element may be a light receiver that receives a second optical signal.

[0067] In one embodiment, the first optical element may be a first optical emitter that emits a first optical signal, and the second optical element may be a second optical emitter that emits a second optical signal.

[0068] In one embodiment, at least one optical element (210) may be connected to at least one optical fiber (220). In one embodiment, the optical element (210) may be optically coupled to the optical fiber (220) through an optical wire. In one embodiment, at least one optical element (210) may include a plurality of optical fibers. In one embodiment, the plurality of optical fibers may include a first optical fiber optically coupled to a first optical element and a second optical fiber that is different from the first optical fiber and optically coupled to a second optical element.

[0069] In one embodiment, the second substrate (120) may include at least one groove (121) for supporting at least one optical fiber (220). In one embodiment, the at least one groove (121) may include a plurality of grooves. In one embodiment, the second substrate (120) may form a plurality of grooves for supporting a plurality of optical fibers. In one embodiment, among the plurality of grooves, a first groove may be positioned to support a first optical fiber, and among the plurality of grooves, a second groove different from the first groove may be positioned to support a second optical fiber.

[0070] In one embodiment, the second substrate (120) may include a first portion (122) having a first thickness and a second portion (123) having a second thickness greater than the first thickness. In one embodiment, a plurality of grooves may be formed in the second portion (123). In one embodiment, the second substrate (120) may include a third portion (124) having a third thickness smaller than the second thickness. In one embodiment, the third portion (124) is distinguished from the first portion (122), and the second portion (123) may be located between the first portion (122) and the third portion (124). In one embodiment, the third thickness of the third portion (124) and the first thickness of the first portion (122) may be substantially the same.

[0071] In one embodiment, the second substrate (120) may include a flat portion and a protrusion protruding perpendicularly to the longitudinal direction of the flat portion from the center of the flat portion. In this case, the flat portion may correspond to the first portion (122) and the third portion (124), and the protrusion may correspond to the second portion (123).

[0072] In one embodiment, the first substrate (110) may include a portion of a rectangular u-channel shape having two arms and a base extending between the two arms. In one embodiment, the first optical element and the second optical element may be mechanically coupled to the base of the first substrate (110).

[0073] In one embodiment, the first substrate (110) may include a first surface (111) forming a first plane and a second surface (112) located opposite the first surface (111) and facing toward the second substrate (120). In one embodiment, the distance between the first surface (111) and the second surface (112) may define the thickness of the first substrate (110).

[0074] In one embodiment, the second substrate (12) may include a base surface (128) that is oriented in the opposite direction to the first substrate (110) and extends across at least the first portion (122) and the second portion (123). In one embodiment, the first portion (122) may include a top surface (125) located adjacent to the second surface (112). In one embodiment, the second portion (123) may include a top surface (126) that extends substantially to the first plane. In one embodiment, the third portion (124) may include a top surface (127) located adjacent to the second surface (112).

[0076] FIG. 2 discloses a combined diagram of an optical module device according to an embodiment.

[0077] In one embodiment, the optical module device may include a combined structure of a first substrate (110), a second substrate (120), and a third substrate (130). In one embodiment, at least a portion of the first substrate (110) may be located between the second substrate (120) and the third substrate (130).

[0078] In one embodiment, the first substrate (110) may include a portion of a rectangular u-channel shape having two arms and a base extending between the two arms.

[0079] In one embodiment, at least one optical element (210) located on the first substrate (110) may include a first optical element and a second optical element. In one embodiment, the first optical element and the second optical element may be mechanically coupled to the base of the first substrate (110).

[0080] In one embodiment, two arms of the first substrate (110) may be positioned on the first portion (122) and the third portion (124) of the second substrate (120). In one embodiment, the upper surface (125) of the first portion (122) may be adjacent to a portion corresponding to one arm on the second surface (112) of the first substrate (110). In one embodiment, the upper surface (127) of the third portion (124) may be adjacent to a portion corresponding to the remaining arm on the second surface (112) of the first substrate (110).

[0081] In one embodiment, the second portion (123) of the second substrate (120) may substantially extend into a cavity partially enclosed by the two arms and base of the first substrate (110). In one embodiment, the height of the first surface (111) of the first substrate (110) and the upper surface (126) of the second substrate (120) may be positioned so that the optical wire connecting the optical element (210) and the optical fiber (220) is formed in a straight line.

[0082] In one embodiment, at least one of the second substrate (120) or the third substrate (130) may be a glass substrate.

[0083] In one embodiment, the second substrate (120) may include at least one groove (121) for supporting at least one optical fiber (220). In one embodiment, the at least one optical fiber (220) may include a plurality of optical fibers. In one embodiment, the at least one groove (121) may include a plurality of grooves. In one embodiment, the plurality of optical fibers may extend within a cavity formed between the second substrate (120) and the third substrate (130).

[0084] In one embodiment, the second substrate (120) may include a first indentation for coupling with the first substrate (110). In one embodiment, the third substrate (130) may include a second indentation for coupling with the first substrate (110). In one embodiment, the indentation may include a concave receiving space. In one embodiment, two arms of the first substrate (110) may be inserted and coupled into a cavity formed based on the first indentation by the second substrate (120) and the second indentation by the third substrate (130).

[0085] The third substrate (130) may include a base and two side portions extending perpendicularly to the longitudinal direction of the base from both sides of the base. Here, the base may be referred to as a flat portion, a top portion, or a term having an equivalent technical meaning. In one embodiment, the third substrate (130) may be configured in a rectangular u-channel shape.

[0086] In one embodiment, a second portion (123) of the second substrate (120) may be accommodated in a receiving space formed by the base and two side portions of the third substrate (130). In one embodiment, the length of the base of the third substrate (130) may be the same as the length of the base corresponding to the base surface (128) of the second substrate (120).

[0087] In one embodiment, the base of the third substrate (130) may be positioned on an optical fiber (220) that is received in a groove (121) of the second substrate (120). This prevents the optical fiber (220) from coming out of the groove (121).

[0088] In addition, structural stability can be improved by preventing the first substrate (110) from rotating or tilting through a coupling structure that allows the first substrate (110) to be inserted into a cavity formed by the third substrate (130) and the second substrate (120).

[0089] In one embodiment, according to the present disclosure, optical communication efficiency can be increased by minimizing the length of the optical wire between the optical element (210) and the optical fiber (220) through a coupling structure between the first substrate (110) to the third substrate (130).

[0090] In one embodiment, according to the present disclosure, optical alignment and coupling can be improved by minimizing the length of the optical wire between the optical element (210) and the optical fiber (220) through a coupling structure between the first substrate (110) to the third substrate (130).

[0092] FIG. 3 discloses an example of the combination of an optical element and an optical fiber of an optical module device according to an embodiment.

[0093] In one embodiment, the optical element (210) may be optically coupled to the optical fiber (220) and the optical wire (230). In one embodiment, the optical wire may be made of a light-transmitting material and may optically connect the optical element (210) and the optical fiber (220). In one embodiment, the optical element (210) may be various optical devices capable of transmitting or receiving light, such as a photonic integrated circuit chip (PIC), an optical fiber, an optical coupler, a light-emitting diode, or a photodetector.

[0094] In one embodiment, the link portion, which is the starting point where the optical wire (230) is formed in the optical element (210), and the link portion, which is the starting point where the optical wire is formed in the optical fiber (220), may be positioned facing each other. In this case, the optical wire (230) may be formed in a straight line to connect the link portion of the optical element (210) and the link portion of the optical fiber (220).

[0095] In one embodiment, the link portion of the optical element (210) and the link portion of the optical fiber (220) may be positioned perpendicular to each other, and the optical wire (230) may be extended to have an appropriate curvature to maintain bending stress such that the inside or outside is not physically damaged. Accordingly, the optical loss occurring inside the optical wire (230) may be maintained below an allowable limit.

[0096] In this way, the arrangement direction of the optical element (210) and the optical fiber (230) can be configured in various ways, and accordingly, the shape of the optical wire (230) can also be configured in various ways.

[0097] In one embodiment, according to the present disclosure, a cross-section of an optical fiber can be positioned close to an optical element by sandwiching a first substrate included in a module board between two substrates (i.e., a second substrate and a third substrate). In one embodiment, the length of the optical wire (230) between the optical element (210) and the optical fiber (220) may be less than 100 micrometers. In one embodiment, the length of the optical wire between the first optical element and the first optical fiber may be less than 100 micrometers.

[0099] FIG. 4 discloses an embodiment of an optical communication system including an optical module device according to an embodiment.

[0100] In one embodiment, the optical communication system may include an optical module device comprising at least one optical element (210) and at least one electronic element (240). In one embodiment, the at least one optical element (210) may be connected to at least one optical fiber (220) included in the optical communication system through at least one optical wire (230) included in the optical communication system.

[0101] In one embodiment, at least one electronic element (240) can drive a light-emitting element according to a signal transmitted from an external host, or convert a light signal transmitted from a light-receiving element into an electrical signal and transmit it to the host. The electronic element (240) may be a semiconductor integrated circuit that drives the light element (210) at high speed, but is not necessarily limited thereto.

[0102] In one embodiment, the optical module device may include a first electronic element for driving a first optical element. In one embodiment, the electronic element (240) may include a first electronic element for driving a first optical element. In one embodiment, the first substrate (110) may be mechanically coupled to the first electronic element.

[0103] In one embodiment, the optical module device may include a second electronic element that receives and amplifies an electrical signal generated by a second optical element. In one embodiment, the electronic element (240) may include a second electronic element that receives and amplifies an electrical signal generated by the second optical element. In one embodiment, the first substrate (110) may be mechanically coupled to the second electronic element.

[0104] In one embodiment, the optical module device may include a first optical element including a first transmitting surface that emits a first optical signal, a second optical element including a first receiving surface that receives a second optical signal, a first electronic element configured to be electrically connected to the first optical element to drive the first optical element, a second electronic element configured to be electrically connected to the second optical element to amplify an electrical signal from the second optical element, a first substrate (110) configured to support at least one optical element and at least one electronic element, a second substrate (120) configured to support at least one optical fiber (220), and a third substrate (130) configured to sandwich the first substrate (110) with the second substrate (120) to form the location of at least one optical fiber (220).

[0105] In one embodiment, an optical wire (230) may be formed to optically connect an optical element (210) and an optical fiber (220) located at points spaced apart from each other.

[0106] In one embodiment, the optical element (210) may be located on the first substrate (110), in which case the optical signal may be emitted or incident in a direction parallel to the substrate on which the optical element (810) is located. In one embodiment, when the optical element (210) that emits an optical signal in a direction horizontal to the first substrate (110) is used, an optical wire (230) connecting the optical element (210) and the optical fiber (220) may be formed in a direction horizontal to the first substrate (110).

[0107] In one embodiment, if the optical element (210) is an edge-emitting laser diode, an optical signal is emitted in a direction horizontal to the first substrate (110) to form an edge-to-edge optical path through an optical wire (230) for transmitting the optical signal to an optical fiber (220). In one embodiment, the edge-to-edge optical path through the optical wire (230) may be formed as a straight path connecting the first optical coupling point of the optical element (210) and the second optical coupling point of the second optical fiber.

[0108] In one embodiment, by matching the heights of the two optical coupling points, the edge-to-edge optical path becomes a straight path that does not have a level difference in the vertical direction, thereby minimizing the optical signal path length through the optical wire (230) over a given horizontal distance.

[0109] In one embodiment, through the coupling structure of the first substrate (110) to the third substrate (130), the height of the optical coupling point of the optical element (210) located on the first substrate (110) and the optical fiber (220) located in the groove of the second substrate (220) is formed to be the same, so that the optical wire (230) can be formed in a straight line.

[0110] According to the present disclosure, the shape of the optical wire (230) can be engineered to improve optical coupling efficiency in the portion where the optical signal is emitted and the portion where the optical signal is incident.

[0112] FIG. 5 discloses another embodiment of an optical communication system including an optical module device according to an embodiment.

[0113] In one embodiment, the optical communication system may include an optical module device comprising at least one optical element (210) and at least one electronic element (240). In one embodiment, the at least one optical element (210) may be connected to at least one optical fiber (220) included in the optical communication system through at least one optical wire (230) included in the optical communication system.

[0114] In one embodiment, an optical wire (230) may be formed to optically connect an optical element (210) and an optical fiber (220) located at points spaced apart from each other.

[0115] In one embodiment, the optical element (210) may be located on the first substrate (110). In this case, the optical signal may be emitted or incident in a direction perpendicular to the first substrate (110) on which the optical element (210) is located.

[0116] In one embodiment, when an optical element (210) that emits an optical signal in a direction perpendicular to the first substrate (110) is used, an optical wire (230) may be formed in accordance with the direction of the optical signal output from the optical element (210) and input into the optical fiber (220). In one embodiment, the optical wire (230) may be made of a transparent material and may optically connect the optical element (210) and the optical fiber (220). At this time, the optical wire (230) may be extended to have an appropriate curvature to maintain a bending stress such that the inside or outside is not physically damaged. Thus, the optical loss occurring inside the optical wire (230) may be maintained below an allowable limit.

[0117] In one embodiment, when an optical element (210) that emits an optical signal in a direction perpendicular to the first substrate (110) is used, the first optical coupling point of the optical element (210) located on the first substrate (110) may be located lower than the second optical coupling point of the optical fiber (220) located in the groove of the second substrate (120). Here, the first optical coupling point may include a point where one end of the optical wire (230) is coupled to the optical element (210). The second optical coupling point may include a point where the other end of the optical wire (230) is coupled to the optical fiber (220). In one embodiment, when an optical element (210) that emits an optical signal in a direction perpendicular to the first substrate (110) is used, the relative height difference between the first substrate (110) and the second substrate (120) can be determined based on the curvature of the optical wire (230).

[0119] FIG. 6 discloses a method for assembling an optical module device according to an embodiment.

[0120] A first substrate is mechanically coupled to a first optical element and a second optical element that is separate and isolated from the first optical element (S1010). In one embodiment, the first optical element may be a light emitter that emits a first optical signal, and the second optical element may be a light receiver that receives a second optical signal.

[0121] In one embodiment, the first optical element may be a first optical emitter that emits a first optical signal, and the second optical element may be a second optical emitter that emits a second optical signal.

[0122] A second substrate different from the first substrate is accommodated (S1020). In one embodiment, the second substrate may form a plurality of grooves to support a plurality of optical fibers.

[0123] In one embodiment, the second substrate may include a first portion having a first thickness and a second portion having a second thickness greater than the first thickness. In one embodiment, a plurality of grooves may be formed in the second portion. In one embodiment, the second substrate may include a third portion having a third thickness smaller than the second thickness.

[0124] In one embodiment, the third part is distinguished from the first part, and the second part may be located between the first part and the third part. In one embodiment, the third thickness and the first thickness may be substantially the same.

[0125] In one embodiment, the second substrate may include a first recess for coupling with the first substrate. In one embodiment, a plurality of optical fibers may extend within a cavity defined between the second substrate and the third substrate.

[0126] In one embodiment, a plurality of optical fibers may include a first optical fiber optically coupled to a first optical element and a second optical fiber different from the first optical fiber and optically coupled to a second optical element. In one embodiment, among a plurality of grooves, a first groove may be positioned to support the first optical fiber, and among a plurality of grooves, a second groove may be positioned to support the second optical fiber different from the first groove.

[0127] In one embodiment, the length of the optical wire between the first optical element and the first optical fiber may be less than 100 micrometers.

[0128] A third substrate different from the first substrate and the second substrate is accommodated (S1030). In one embodiment, the third substrate may include a second recess for coupling with the first substrate.

[0129] A first substrate is bonded to a second substrate (S1040). In one embodiment, the second substrate may include a first recess for bonding with the first substrate. In one embodiment, the step of bonding the first substrate and the second substrate may include the step of bonding the second substrate to the first substrate using the first recess.

[0130] In one embodiment, the first substrate may include a first surface forming a first plane and a second surface opposite the first surface and facing toward the second substrate. In one embodiment, the distance between the first surface and the second surface may define the thickness of the first substrate.

[0131] In one embodiment, the second substrate may include a base surface that is oriented away from the first substrate and extends across at least the first portion and the second portion.

[0132] In one embodiment, the step of bonding the first substrate to the second substrate may include the step of positioning the first substrate or the second substrate such that the first portion has a top surface located adjacent to the second surface and the second portion has a top surface that substantially extends to the first plane.

[0133] In one embodiment, the first substrate may include a portion of a rectangular u-channel shape including two arms and a base extending between the two arms.

[0134] In one embodiment, the first optical element and the second optical element may be mechanically coupled to the base of the first substrate.

[0135] In one embodiment, the step of coupling the first substrate to the second substrate may include the step of inserting at least a portion of the second part into a cavity partially surrounded by two arms and a base.

[0136] A first substrate is bonded to a third substrate (S1050). In one embodiment, the third substrate may include a second recess for bonding with the first substrate. In one embodiment, the step of bonding the first substrate and the third substrate may include the step of bonding the third substrate to the first substrate using the second recess.

[0137] In one embodiment, the third substrate may be bonded to the first substrate after bonding the first substrate and the second substrate. In one embodiment, at least one of the first substrate, the second substrate, or the third substrate may be a glass substrate.

[0139] FIG. 7 discloses a method for performing optical communication using an optical module device according to an embodiment.

[0140] A first optical signal is emitted from a first optical element of the optical module (S2010).

[0141] A second optical signal is received by a second optical element different from the first optical element (S2010). In one embodiment, the first optical element and the second optical element may be mechanically coupled to a first substrate.

[0142] In one embodiment, the first optical signal may be transmitted through an optical fiber supported by a first substrate and a second substrate other than the first substrate. In one embodiment, at least a portion of the first substrate may be located between the second substrate and the first substrate and between the second substrate and a third substrate other than the second substrate. Explanation of the symbols

[0144] 110: First substrate 111: First surface 112: Second Surface 120: Second substrate 121: Home 122: Part 1 123: Part 2 124: Part 3 125: Upper surface 126: Upper surface 127: Upper surface 128: Base surface 130: Third substrate 210: Optical element 220: Fiber optic cable 230: Optical wire 240: Electronic components

Claims

Claim 1 An optical module device comprising: a first optical element; a second optical element separate and isolated from the first optical element; a first substrate mechanically coupled to the first optical element and the second optical element; a second substrate different from the first substrate, wherein the second substrate forms a plurality of grooves for supporting a plurality of optical fibers; and a third substrate different from the first substrate and the second substrate; wherein at least a portion of the first substrate is located between the second substrate and the third substrate, and the third substrate includes a second recess for coupling with the first substrate. Claim 2 An optical module device according to claim 1, wherein the first optical element is an optical emitter that emits a first optical signal, and the second optical element is an optical receiver that receives a second optical signal. Claim 3 An optical module device according to claim 1, wherein the first optical element is a first optical emitter that emits a first optical signal, and the second optical element is a second optical emitter that emits a second optical signal. Claim 4 An optical module device according to claim 1, wherein the plurality of optical fibers extend within a cavity formed between the second substrate and the third substrate. Claim 5 An optical module device according to claim 1, wherein the plurality of optical fibers includes a first optical fiber optically coupled to the first optical element and a second optical fiber different from the first optical fiber and optically coupled to the second optical element. Claim 6 An optical module device according to claim 5, wherein a first groove among the plurality of grooves is positioned to support the first optical fiber, and a second groove among the plurality of grooves, which is different from the first groove, is positioned to support the second optical fiber. Claim 7 In claim 5, the optical module device, wherein the length of the optical wire between the first optical element and the first optical fiber is less than 100 micrometers. Claim 8 An optical module device according to claim 1, wherein the second substrate includes a first indentation for coupling with the first substrate. Claim 9 delete Claim 10 An optical module device according to claim 1, wherein the second substrate comprises a first portion having a first thickness and a second portion having a second thickness greater than the first thickness, and the plurality of grooves are formed in the second portion. Claim 11 In claim 10, the second substrate comprises a third portion having a third thickness smaller than the second thickness, wherein the third portion is distinguished from the first portion; and the second portion is located between the first portion and the third portion, an optical module device. Claim 12 In claim 11, the optical module device, wherein the third thickness and the first thickness are substantially the same. Claim 13 An optical module device according to claim 10, wherein the first substrate comprises a first surface forming a first plane and a second surface opposite to the first surface and facing toward the second substrate, the distance between the first surface and the second surface defines the thickness of the first substrate, and the second substrate comprises a base surface oriented opposite to the first substrate and extending across at least a first portion and a second portion, the first portion comprises a top surface located adjacent to the second surface, and the second portion has a top surface extending substantially to the first plane. Claim 14 An optical module device according to claim 13, wherein the first substrate comprises a portion of a rectangular u-channel shape having two arms and a base extending between the two arms, and the first optical element and the second optical element are mechanically coupled to the base of the first substrate. Claim 15 In claim 14, the optical module device, wherein the second part substantially extends into a cavity partially enclosed by the two arms and the base. Claim 16 An optical module device according to claim 1, wherein at least one of the second substrate or the third substrate is a glass substrate. Claim 17 An optical module device according to claim 1, further comprising a first electronic element for driving the first optical element. Claim 18 In claim 17, the optical module device wherein the first substrate is mechanically coupled to the first electronic element. Claim 19 An optical module device according to claim 1, further comprising a second electronic element that receives and amplifies an electrical signal generated by the second optical element. Claim 20 In claim 19, the optical module device wherein the first substrate is mechanically coupled to the second electronic element. Claim 21 A method for manufacturing an optical module device, comprising: a step of receiving a first substrate mechanically coupled to a first optical element and a second optical element that is separate and isolated from the first optical element; a step of receiving a second substrate different from the first substrate, wherein the second substrate forms a plurality of grooves for supporting a plurality of optical fibers, and the second substrate includes a first concave portion for coupling with the first substrate; a step of receiving a third substrate different from the first substrate and the second substrate, wherein the third substrate includes a second concave portion for coupling with the first substrate; a step of coupling the first substrate to the second substrate; and a step of coupling the first substrate to the third substrate; wherein the third substrate includes a second concave portion for coupling with the first substrate. Claim 22 A method for manufacturing an optical module device according to claim 21, wherein the first optical element is an optical emitter that emits a first optical signal, and the second optical element is an optical receiver that receives a second optical signal. Claim 23 A method for manufacturing an optical module device according to claim 21, wherein the first optical element is a first optical emitter that emits a first optical signal, and the second optical element is a second optical emitter that emits a second optical signal. Claim 24 A method for manufacturing an optical module device according to claim 21, wherein the plurality of optical fibers extend within a cavity defined between the second substrate and the third substrate. Claim 25 A method for manufacturing an optical module device according to claim 21, wherein the plurality of optical fibers comprises a first optical fiber optically coupled to the first optical element and a second optical fiber different from the first optical fiber and optically coupled to the second optical element. Claim 26 A method for manufacturing an optical module device according to claim 25, wherein a first groove among the plurality of grooves is positioned to support the first optical fiber, and a second groove among the plurality of grooves is different from the first groove and is positioned to support the second optical fiber. Claim 27 A method for manufacturing an optical module device according to claim 25, wherein the length of the optical wire between the first optical element and the first optical fiber is less than 100 micrometers. Claim 28 A method for manufacturing an optical module device according to claim 21, wherein the second substrate includes a first concave portion for coupling with the first substrate, and the step of coupling the first substrate and the second substrate includes the step of coupling the second substrate to the first substrate using the first concave portion. Claim 29 A method for manufacturing an optical module device according to claim 21, wherein the third substrate includes a second concave portion for coupling with the first substrate, and the step of coupling the first substrate and the third substrate includes the step of coupling the third substrate to the first substrate using the second concave portion. Claim 30 A method for manufacturing an optical module device according to claim 29, wherein the third substrate is coupled to the first substrate after combining the first substrate and the second substrate. Claim 31 A method for manufacturing an optical module device according to claim 21, wherein the second substrate comprises a first portion having a first thickness and a second portion having a second thickness greater than the first thickness, and the plurality of grooves are formed in the second portion. Claim 32 A method for manufacturing an optical module device according to claim 31, wherein the second substrate comprises a third portion having a third thickness smaller than the second thickness, the third portion is distinguished from the first portion, and the second portion is located between the first portion and the third portion. Claim 33 A method for manufacturing an optical module device according to claim 32, wherein the third thickness and the first thickness are substantially the same. Claim 34 A method for manufacturing an optical module device according to claim 31, wherein the first substrate comprises a first surface forming a first plane and a second surface opposite to the first surface and facing toward the second substrate, the distance between the first surface and the second surface defines the thickness of the first substrate, and the second substrate comprises a base surface oriented away from the first substrate and extending across at least a first portion and a second portion, and the step of bonding the first substrate to the second substrate comprises the step of positioning the first substrate or the second substrate such that the first portion has a top surface positioned adjacent to the second surface and the second portion has a top surface substantially extending to the first plane. Claim 35 A method for manufacturing an optical module device according to claim 34, wherein the first substrate comprises a portion of a rectangular u-channel shape including two arms and a base extending between the two arms, and the first optical element and the second optical element are mechanically coupled to the base of the first substrate. Claim 36 A method for manufacturing an optical module device according to claim 35, wherein the step of coupling the first substrate to the second substrate comprises the step of inserting at least a portion of the second part into a cavity partially surrounded by the two arms and the base. Claim 37 A method for manufacturing an optical module device according to claim 21, wherein at least one of the first substrate or the third substrate is a glass substrate. Claim 38 A method for performing optical communication, comprising: a step of emitting a first optical signal from a first optical element of an optical module; and a step of receiving a second optical signal with a second optical element different from the first optical element; wherein the first optical element and the second optical element are mechanically coupled to a first substrate, the first optical signal is transmitted through an optical fiber supported by the first substrate and a second substrate different from the first substrate, at least a portion of the first substrate is located between the second substrate and the first substrate and the second substrate and a third substrate different from the second substrate, and the third substrate includes a second recess for coupling with the first substrate. Claim 39 An optical module device comprising: a first optical element including a first transmitting surface for emitting a first optical signal; a second optical element including a first receiving surface for receiving a second optical signal; a first electronic element configured to be electrically connected to the first optical element for driving the first optical element; a second electronic element configured to be electrically connected to the second optical element for amplifying an electrical signal from the second optical element; a first substrate configured to support at least one optical element and at least one electronic element; a second substrate configured to support at least one optical fiber; and a third substrate configured to sandwich the first substrate with the second substrate to form the location of at least one optical fiber; wherein the third substrate includes a second recess for coupling with the first substrate.

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