A ferrule, optical connector, optical communication element, communication device and method of manufacture

Abstract

The application provides a ferrule, an optical connector, an optical communication element, a communication device and a preparation method. The ferrule comprises a ferrule base, an optical fiber and a dielectric reflection film. The optical fiber is arranged in a receiving through hole of the ferrule base. The dielectric reflection film covers a surface of the ferrule base facing a mating ferrule and an optical transmission surface of the optical fiber. The dielectric reflection film has a through hole to avoid the dielectric reflection film from the main light path area of the optical transmission surface of the optical fiber. A reflection wave band of the dielectric reflection film comprises at least part of a communication wave band of the optical fiber. When light from the mating ferrule is incident on the ferrule base and the optical fiber, the dielectric reflection film reflects the light, which prevents the optical energy from being converted into heat energy to burn the ferrule base or the optical fiber to a certain extent.

Description

[0001] Cross-references to related applications

[0002] This application is a divisional application. The original application has the application number 201911086437.0 and the original application date is November 8, 2019. The entire contents of the original application are incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0003] This application relates to the field of communication technology, and in particular to a ferrule, an optical connector, an optical communication element, a communication device, and a method for manufacturing them. Background Technology

[0004] With the advent of the big data era, optical communication will be widely used as an important means of massive data transmission. Due to the significant increase in data transmission volume, the energy density of optical transmission carriers (such as single-mode optical fibers and waveguides) is extremely high. The optical transmission carrier, as part of the connector ferrule, is built into the ferrule body. Optical communication is achieved through the pairing of the ferrules of two connectors, enabling the optical transmission carriers in the two ferrules to communicate. Light emitted from the optical transmission carrier in one ferrule illuminates the surface of the ferrule body of another ferrule, where the light energy is absorbed and converted into heat energy. As the heat energy accumulates, it causes the ferrule body of the latter ferrule to burn out. Summary of the Invention

[0005] This application provides a ferrule, an optical connector, an optical communication element, a communication device, and a manufacturing method to reduce the probability of burn-out of the ferrule substrate or optical transmission carrier, thereby ensuring the stability of data transmission in the optical communication system.

[0006] In one aspect, a ferrule is provided that can be used in optical connectors such as fiber optic connectors or optical waveguide connectors, and can be paired with a mating ferrule in another optical connector to enable optical communication between the two optical connectors. The ferrule provided in this application includes: a ferrule base, an optical transmission carrier, and a reflective film. The ferrule base has a first surface, which faces the corresponding mating ferrule when the ferrule is engaged with it. The ferrule base has a receiving through-hole, one end of which is located on the first surface of the ferrule base. The optical transmission carrier is disposed in the receiving through-hole and has a second surface, which faces the corresponding mating ferrule when the ferrule is engaged with it. This second surface is the optical transmission surface. The reflective film covers the first surface of the ferrule base. The reflective band of the reflective film includes at least a portion of the communication band of the optical transmission carrier. When the ferrule is used in conjunction with the mating ferrule, the light emitted by the mating ferrule towards the first surface is reflected by the reflective film on the first surface to other directions, reducing the conversion of the light into heat energy on the first surface of the ferrule base, thereby reducing the probability of the ferrule base burning out.

[0007] The second surface of the optical transmission carrier is prone to attracting dust and other impurities. When light from the mating ferrule shines on the second surface, the light is converted into heat energy, and the impurities on the second surface are burned by the heat, causing the optical transmission carrier to burn out. Therefore, in one specific embodiment, the aforementioned reflective film also covers a portion of the second surface. This reflective film has through-holes, and the orthographic projection of the through-holes onto the second surface covers the light core region on the second surface. In this way, the reflective film can reflect the light from the mating ferrule onto the second surface in other directions. The remaining heat energy converted from the light is insufficient to cause the impurities on the second surface to reach their ignition point and burn, thereby reducing the probability of the optical transmission carrier burning out. By setting through holes in the reflective film, on the one hand, the reflective film is prevented from blocking the optical fiber emitted from the core region, and on the other hand, the mating ferrules are prevented from scratching the bottom surface of the groove structure formed by the sidewalls of the through holes, thus avoiding an increase in optical signal loss rate. In particular, when the thickness of the reflective film is greater than or equal to 1.0 μm and less than or equal to 3.0 μm, it ensures that the bottom surface of the groove structure formed by the sidewalls of the through holes is not easily scratched, and it is also easy to clean the dust in the through holes.

[0008] In one specific embodiment, the second surface has a main optical path region. In order to enable the light emitted from the mating ferrules to enter the optical transmission carrier of the ferrules and reduce the signal loss rate, the orthogonal projection of the through hole on the second surface covers the main optical path region.

[0009] To reduce the difficulty of the manufacturing process and facilitate mass production, in a specific implementation, taking single-mode optical fiber as the optical transmission carrier, the gap width between the edge of the through hole's orthogonal projection on the second surface and the edge of the main optical path region is greater than or equal to 12.5 μm and less than or equal to 42.5 μm.

[0010] When the ferrule provided in this application is used in conjunction with a mating ferrule, the presence of the reflective film and its through-hole creates a height difference between the surface of the reflective film and the bottom surface of the groove structure formed by the sidewall of the through-hole. Air is present in the through-hole, which easily leads to Fresnel reflection. Therefore, in one specific embodiment, the ferrule further includes an anti-reflection film located on the side of the optical transmission carrier facing the mating ferrule. The orthographic projection of the anti-reflection film on the second surface covers the orthographic projection of the through-hole on the second surface. The anti-reflection band of the anti-reflection film includes at least a portion of the communication band of the optical transmission carrier, thereby reducing the aforementioned Fresnel reflection.

[0011] There are various ways to set the antireflective coating. For example, in one specific embodiment, the antireflective coating is located between the reflective film and the light transmission carrier; in another specific embodiment, the antireflective coating is formed in the through-hole of the reflective film. In order to avoid the surface of the antireflective coating being scratched, in a specific implementation, the surface of the antireflective coating facing the mating ferrule can be recessed relative to the surface of the reflective film facing the mating ferrule. For example, the height difference between the surface of the antireflective coating facing the mating ferrule and the surface of the reflective film facing the mating ferrule is greater than or equal to 0.8 μm and less than or equal to 2.8 μm.

[0012] In one specific implementation, the antireflective coating has a reflectivity of less than or equal to 0.25% for light waves in the antireflection band, ensuring that the optical signal transmission loss rate meets the standard. More specifically, the antireflective coating has a reflectivity of less than or equal to 0.1% for light waves in the antireflection band.

[0013] To ensure that the filler is not burned, in one specific embodiment, the reflectivity of the reflective film in the reflected band is greater than or equal to 80%.

[0014] To further enhance the burn-resistance of the surface (first or second surface) of the ferrule facing the mating ferrule, a heat-resistant film is also provided on one side of the inner surface of the reflective film.

[0015] The gap between the inner wall of the through-hole and the circumferential side of the light transmission carrier is filled with a filler; in one specific embodiment, a reflective film is located on the side of the filler facing the mating ferrule and is disposed opposite to the filler to prevent the filler from being burned.

[0016] In one specific embodiment, the orthographic projection of the reflective film onto the reference plane covers the orthographic projection of the filler onto the reference plane, wherein the reference plane is perpendicular to the axial direction of the accommodating through-hole.

[0017] In specific configurations, the reflective film can be configured in various ways depending on the form in which the light transmission carrier and the ferrule cooperate. The key is to ensure that the reflective film can block and reflect the light originally directed at the filler. In one specific embodiment, the second surface protrudes from the first surface, and the reflective film covers the circumferential side of the light transmission carrier. In another specific embodiment, the second surface is recessed into the first surface, and the reflective film covers the inner wall of the through-hole. In yet another specific embodiment, the second surface is flush with the first surface, and the reflective film covers the gap between the inner wall of the through-hole and the corresponding circumferential side of the light transmission carrier.

[0018] Secondly, this application also provides a connector, which can be an optical fiber connector or an optical waveguide connector, etc. The connector includes a housing and a ferrule provided in the above-described technical solution. The ferrule is disposed in the housing and is used in conjunction with a mating ferrule provided in another connector to achieve optical signal transmission between the two connectors. By employing the ferrule provided in the above-described technical solution, the conversion of light from the mating ferrule into heat energy on the first surface of the ferrule substrate is reduced, thereby lowering the probability of the ferrule substrate burning out.

[0019] Thirdly, this application provides an optical communication element, which includes a ferrule and an optical communication element body provided by the above technical solution. The ferrule and the optical communication element body are connected. The optical communication element body can be an optical backplane, a fiber bundle backplane, a chip light output module, or a WSS module, etc. By adopting the ferrule provided by the above technical solution, the conversion of light from the paired ferrule into heat energy on the first surface of the ferrule substrate is reduced, thereby reducing the probability of the ferrule substrate burning out.

[0020] Fourthly, this application also provides a communication device, such as a router or switch, including a paired optical communication element and the optical communication element provided in the above-described technical solution. The paired optical communication element has a paired ferrule, and the ferrule in the optical communication element is connected to the paired ferrule in the paired optical communication element. Because the optical communication element includes the ferrule provided in the above-described technical solution, when the ferrule in the optical communication element is connected to the paired ferrule in the paired optical communication element, the conversion of light from the paired ferrule into heat energy on the first surface of the ferrule substrate can be slowed down, thereby reducing the probability of the ferrule substrate burning out.

[0021] When the ferrule in the optical communication element mates with the matching ferrule in the paired optical communication element, the gap between the bottom surface of the groove formed by the sidewall of the through hole of the ferrule and the light-emitting surface of the matching ferrule should not be too large, otherwise it will easily cause excessive optical signal loss. In a specific embodiment, the gap is less than or equal to 5μm.

[0022] Fifthly, this application also provides a method for manufacturing a ferrule, the ferrule comprising: a ferrule substrate and an optical transmission carrier, the ferrule substrate having a receiving through hole, one end of the receiving through hole being located on a first surface, the first surface facing the mating ferrule when the ferrule is used in conjunction with a mating ferrule, the optical transmission carrier being disposed in the receiving through hole, the optical transmission carrier having a second surface, the second surface facing the mating ferrule when the ferrule is used in conjunction with the mating ferrule, the second surface being an optical transmission surface, a filler being provided in the gap between the inner wall of the receiving through hole and the corresponding circumferential side surface of the optical transmission carrier, the filler fixing the inner wall of the receiving through hole and the corresponding surface of the optical transmission carrier relative to each other, the method for manufacturing the ferrule comprising:

[0023] A reflective film is formed on the side of the ferrule substrate facing the mating ferrule. The reflective film covers a first surface, and the reflective band of the reflective film includes at least a portion of the communication band of the optical transmission carrier. Light rays from the mating ferrule toward the first surface are reflected by the reflective film on the first surface to other directions, reducing the conversion of the light rays into heat energy on the first surface of the ferrule substrate, thereby reducing the probability of the ferrule substrate burning out.

[0024] In one specific embodiment, the formed reflective film simultaneously covers a portion of the second surface of the light transmission carrier, and the reflective film has through holes. The orthographic projection of the through holes onto the second surface covers the light core region on the second surface. In this way, the reflective film can reflect the light emitted by the mating ferrule onto the second surface to other directions, reducing the probability of the ferrule substrate burning out.

[0025] In one specific embodiment, the second surface has a main optical path region. In order to enable the light emitted from the mating ferrules to enter the optical transmission carrier of the ferrules and reduce the signal loss rate, the through-holes on the formed reflective film have their orthogonal projections covering the main optical path region on the second surface.

[0026] There are several ways to form a reflective film on the side of the ferrule substrate facing the mating ferrule. In one specific embodiment: first, a sacrificial layer is formed on the side of the optical transmission carrier facing the mating ferrule; then, a reflective film is formed on the side of the optical transmission carrier facing the mating ferrule, wherein the reflective film covers the sacrificial layer and the second surface; subsequently, the sacrificial layer and the film layer on the surface of the sacrificial layer are removed to form the through hole; or, in another specific embodiment, a reflective film is first formed on the side of the optical transmission carrier facing the mating ferrule, and then the reflective film is patterned to form the through hole on the reflective film.

[0027] To mitigate Fresnel reflection caused by direct contact between the bottom surface of the groove structure formed by the sidewalls of the through-hole and the air in the through-hole, in one specific embodiment, the method for preparing the ferrule further includes forming a reflective film on the side of the ferrule substrate facing the mating ferrule. The orthographic projection of the antireflective film on the second surface covers the orthographic projection of the through-hole on the second surface. The antireflective band of the antireflective film includes at least a portion of the communication band of the optical transmission carrier, thereby reducing the aforementioned Fresnel reflection.

[0028] There are several ways to form the antireflective coating. For example, in one specific embodiment, before forming the reflective coating on the side of the ferrule substrate facing the mating ferrule, the antireflective coating is first formed on the side of the light transmission carrier facing the mating ferrule; or in another specific embodiment, after forming the reflective coating on the side of the ferrule substrate facing the mating ferrule, the antireflective coating is formed in the through hole.

[0029] In another specific embodiment, the gap between the inner wall of the through hole and the circumferential side of the light transmission carrier is filled with a filler; in order to reduce the probability of the filler burning out, a reflective film is located on the side of the filler facing the mating ferrule and is disposed opposite to the filler.

[0030] In a specific configuration, to ensure that the filler is completely blocked by the reflective film so that light cannot directly illuminate the filler, in one specific embodiment, the orthographic projection of the reflective film on the reference surface covers the orthographic projection of the filler on the reference surface, wherein the reference surface is perpendicular to the axis of the through hole.

[0031] To further enhance the burn resistance of the ferrule's surface facing the mating ferrule, in one specific embodiment, a heat-resistant film is first formed on the side of the ferrule substrate facing the mating ferrule before forming the reflective film. Attached Figure Description

[0032] Figure 1 An exploded view of a pair of MPO connectors mating is shown as an example;

[0033] Figure 2 It shows Figure 1 An enlarged view of the MPO connector on the left when viewed along direction A;

[0034] Figure 3 This shows an exemplary longitudinal cross-sectional view of the ferrule provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0035] Figure 4 It shows Figure 3 An enlarged view of an exemplary cross-section of a fiber optic cable;

[0036] Figure 5 It shows Figure 3A partial schematic diagram of the ferrule substrate and optical fiber observed along the negative X-axis.

[0037] Figure 6 It indicates that in Figure 5 Based on this, a schematic diagram of the orthographic projection distribution of the dielectric reflective film on the first and second surfaces is shown.

[0038] Figure 7 The diagram shows the connection between the ferrule 001 and the ferrule 001' provided in the embodiments of this application.

[0039] Figure 8 This indicates that in the face of Figure 7 A schematic diagram of the device for high-power testing when ferrule 001 and ferrule 001' are used in pairs;

[0040] Figure 9a This illustrates another exemplary schematic diagram of the ferrule provided in the embodiments of this application;

[0041] Figure 9b It shows Figure 9a A magnified view of a section at point F in the middle;

[0042] Figure 10 This illustrates another exemplary schematic diagram of the ferrule provided in the embodiments of this application;

[0043] Figure 11 This diagram illustrates an exemplary configuration of a backlight panel and a single board in an embodiment of this application.

[0044] Figure 12a This diagram illustrates an exemplary use of a ferrule and a mating ferrule in a communication device provided in this application embodiment.

[0045] Figure 12b This diagram illustrates another exemplary use of a ferrule and a mating ferrule in a communication device provided in this application embodiment;

[0046] Figure 13a This diagram illustrates the mating of the ferrule substrate and the optical fiber before step S100 in the ferrule fabrication method provided in this application embodiment.

[0047] Figure 13b This diagram illustrates the ferrule after step S100 in the ferrule preparation method provided in this application embodiment;

[0048] Figure 13c This diagram illustrates the ferrule after step S200 in the ferrule preparation method provided in this application embodiment;

[0049] Figure 13dThis diagram illustrates the ferrule after step S300 in the ferrule preparation method provided in the embodiments of this application.

[0050] Figure 13e This diagram illustrates the ferrule after step S400 in the ferrule preparation method provided in the embodiments of this application.

[0051] Figure 13f This diagram illustrates the ferrule after step S500 in the ferrule preparation method provided in this application embodiment. Detailed Implementation

[0052] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of this application clearer, the application will now be described in further detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0053] To facilitate understanding of the ferrule provided in the embodiments of this application, its application scenario will be explained first. Figure 1 An exploded view of a pair of MPO (Multi-fiber Pull Off) connectors mating is shown as an example. Figure 2 It shows Figure 1 An enlarged view of the MPO connector 20 on the left side when viewed along direction A, combined with... Figure 1 and Figure 2For example, the MPO connector 20 includes a housing 21, a ferrule 22 located within the housing 21, an optical fiber ribbon 25 extending into the ferrule 22, a pair of guide pins 23 on the front end face a of the ferrule 22, and multiple optical fibers 24 in the optical fiber ribbon 25 extending into the front end face a of the ferrule 22. The MPO connector 30 has a similar structure to the MPO connector 20, except that the guide pins 23 on the front end face a are replaced with guide holes recessed into the front end face a for positioning and mating with the guide pins 23 of the MPO connector 20. The adapter 10 has a connection inside. The MPO connector 20 is inserted into the adapter 10 through one of its connection holes, with its front end face a facing one entrance. The MPO connector 30 is inserted into the adapter 10 through the other entrance in the same direction. The guide pin 23 of the MPO connector 20 is inserted into the guide hole of the MPO connector 30 for positioning. The optical fiber 24 at the front end face a of the ferrule 22 of the MPO connector 20 and the optical fiber at the front end face of the ferrule of the MPO connector 30 are positioned opposite each other for optical transmission. The ferrule provided in this embodiment can be either the ferrule 22 of the MPO connector 20 or the ferrule of the MPO connector 30 described above. However, it should be noted that the ferrule provided in this application embodiment is not limited to the above application scenarios. It can also be a ferrule in an OB connector (Optical Backplane), an array MT connector, an HBMT connector, or other multi-core optical connectors. It can also be a ferrule in a single-core fiber optic connector such as an FC (Ferrule Connector), LC (Latch Connector), SC (Square Connector), or ST (SpringTension). Alternatively, it can be a ferrule in an optical waveguide connector, a ferrule in a fiber optic array connector, or a ferrule in other MT connectors (Mechanical transfer connectors).

[0054] Figure 3 This illustration shows an exemplary longitudinal cross-sectional view of the ferrule provided in an embodiment of this application (e.g., refer to...). Figure 2 (Cross-sectional view of the middle insert 22 along the BB direction), where, Figure 3 The dimensions of the components shown are not actual proportions; they are only used to illustrate the relative positions of the components. Please refer to the provided text. Figure 3For example, the ferrule 001 provided in this application embodiment includes a ferrule base 100 and an optical fiber 200. The material of the ferrule base 100 includes, but is not limited to, ceramic or plastic. The ferrule base 100 has one (or more) receiving through holes 101 extending along the axial direction of the ferrule base 100. A portion of the optical fiber 200 is disposed in the receiving through hole 101. One side of the ferrule base 100 in the X direction has a first surface 102. The first surface 102 is the surface of the ferrule base 100 facing the mating ferrule when the ferrule 001 is engaged with mating ferrules in other connectors (the "mating ferrules" mentioned in this application embodiment refer to ferrules used to emit light to the ferrule provided in this application embodiment). Figure 4 It shows Figure 3 An enlarged view of an exemplary cross-section of the optical fiber 200, see reference. Figure 4 The optical fiber 200 includes a core 201, a cladding 203, and a coating 204 arranged concentrically from the inside out. When light transmits through the core 201, the light is not confined to the core 201; a small portion of the light is scattered into the annular space surrounding the core 201 in the cladding 203. The portions of the core 201 and cladding 203 where light is transmitted are collectively referred to as the main optical path 202. In other words, all the light transmitted by the optical fiber 200 is concentrated within the main optical path 202. Taking a single-mode optical fiber as an example, the outer diameter of the core 201 is 9 μm, the outer diameter of the cladding 203 is 125 μm, and the outer diameter of the main optical path 202 is typically 25 μm. Continuing... Figure 3 The through-hole 101 includes a first segment e and a second segment f adjacent to each other along the positive X-axis. The opening of the first segment e is exemplarily located on one end face of the ferrule substrate 100 in the negative X-axis direction. One end of the second segment f in the positive X-axis direction is located on the first surface 102. The inner diameter of the first segment e is larger than the inner diameter of the second segment f. Within the first segment e, a portion of the optical fiber 200 does not have its coating layer 204 removed. The outer diameter of the coating layer 204 of the optical fiber 200 within the first segment e matches the inner diameter of the first segment e. The space between the outer surface of the coating layer 204 and the inner wall of the first segment e is filled with a filler such as adhesive 208 (see [link to product description]). Figure 5 and Figure 6 The fiber 200 is fixed by removing the coating layer 204 from the portion of the fiber 200 located within the second segment f. This portion of the fiber 200 without the coating layer 204 is called the bare fiber. The bare fiber protrudes from a portion of the first surface 102 (exemplarily greater than or equal to 1 μm and less than or equal to 3.5 μm). The outer diameter of the cladding 203 in the bare fiber matches the inner diameter of the second segment f. For example, when the outer diameter of the cladding 203 is 125 μm, the inner diameter of the second segment f can be 127 μm. The gap between the circumferential outer wall of the cladding 203 and the inner wall of the second segment f is filled with a filler such as adhesive 208 for fixation. Figure 5 It shows Figure 3A partial schematic diagram of the ferrule substrate 100 and optical fiber 200 viewed along the negative X-axis is shown below. Figure 5 The portion of optical fiber 200 protruding from the first surface 102 has a second surface 205 facing the positive X-axis direction. This second surface 205 is the surface of the bare fiber portion of optical fiber 200 facing the mating ferrule when ferrule 001 mates with mating ferrules in other connectors. It is also called the optical transmission surface (i.e., light from ferrule 001 exits optical fiber 200 from this second surface, or light emitted from the mating ferrule enters optical fiber 200 from this second surface). Figure 3 and Figure 4 The main optical path 202 forms a main optical path region 206 on the second surface 205, while the fiber core 201, as the core functional component for transmitting light (i.e., the Core region), forms a light core region 207 on the second surface 205. The light core region 207 is located inside the main optical path region 206 and its area is usually smaller than that of the main optical path region 206. The above description of the ferrule 001 (e.g., materials and dimensions) can be common prior art known in the art and will not be repeated here.

[0055] Continue to refer to Figure 3 Based on the structure of the ferrule 001 described above, the first surface 102 of the ferrule substrate 100 is further covered with an antireflective coating 301, a connecting layer 302, and a dielectric reflective coating 303 along the positive X-axis direction. The connecting layer 302 connects the antireflective coating 301 and the dielectric reflective coating 303. (See also...) Figure 3 and Figure 5 ( Figure 5 The antireflective coating 301, the bonding layer 302, and the dielectric reflective coating 303 are not shown in the diagram; they are for reference only. Figure 5 The relative positions of the first surface 102, the second surface 205, and the main optical path region 206 are given. For example, the antireflective coating 301 simultaneously covers the first surface 102, the second surface 205, and the circumferential side surface of the bare optical fiber portion of the optical fiber 200 that protrudes beyond the first surface 102 (in this embodiment, "circumferential side surface" refers to the surface of the optical path surrounding the optical transmission carrier; here, "circumferential side surface" refers to the circumferential surface of the bare optical fiber portion). At this time, the orthographic projection of the antireflective coating 301 on the first surface 102 completely covers the first surface 102, and the orthographic projection of the antireflective coating 301 on the second surface 205 completely covers the second surface 205. The dielectric reflective coating 303 has a through-hole 303h, and the dielectric reflective coating 303 covers the first surface 102 (at this time, the orthographic projection of the dielectric reflective coating 303 on the reference plane M covers the orthographic projection of the first surface 102 on the reference plane M, which is perpendicular to the axial direction of the through-hole 101, for example, on...). Figure 3In this structure, the through-hole 101 extends along the X-axis (while the reference surface M is perpendicular to the X-axis), and the dielectric reflective film 303 covers the circumferential surface of the bare fiber portion of the optical fiber 200 that protrudes beyond the first surface 102. The dielectric reflective film 303 also covers a portion of the second surface 205 (i.e., the orthographic projection of the dielectric reflective film 303 onto the reference surface M covers a portion of the orthographic projection of the second surface 205 onto the reference surface M). Simultaneously, the dielectric reflective film 303 covers the gap between the circumferential side of the bare fiber portion of the optical fiber 200 and the ferrule substrate 100 (i.e., the orthographic projection of this gap onto the reference surface M is completely covered by the orthographic projection of the dielectric reflective film 303 onto the reference surface M), so that the dielectric reflective film 303 blocks the filler 208 in the gap. Figure 6 It indicates that in Figure 5 Based on this, the orthographic projection distribution of the dielectric reflective film 303 on the first surface 102 and the second surface 205 is as follows. Figure 6 The square shaded areas are the orthographic projections of the dielectric reflective film 303 onto the first surface 102 and the second surface 205. Please refer to [reference needed]. Figure 6 The orthographic projection of the dielectric reflective film 303 on the first surface 102 covers the first surface 102, and the orthographic projection of the dielectric reflective film 303 on the second surface 205 covers a portion of the second surface 205. The through-hole 303h is disposed opposite to the main optical path region 206, and the orthographic projection 303hs of the through-hole 303h on the second surface 205 covers the main optical path region 206. Furthermore, the through-hole 303h is located on the reference plane M (see...). Figure 3The orthographic projection 303hs of the through-hole 303h on the second surface 205 falls entirely within the range of the orthographic projection of the second surface 205 onto the reference surface M. The gap width between the edge of the orthographic projection 303hs of the through-hole 303h on the second surface 205 and the edge of the main optical path region 206 is greater than or equal to 0 μm and less than or equal to 50 μm, to ensure that the dielectric reflective film 303 can block the filler 208 without blocking the main optical path region 206. More specifically, the gap width between the edge of the orthographic projection 303hs of the through-hole 303h on the second surface 205 and the edge of the main optical path region 206 is greater than or equal to 12.5 μm and less than or equal to 42.5 μm, for example, it can be 12.5 μm or 15 μm. The diameters can be 17μm, 20μm, 23μm, 25μm, 30μm, 35μm, 40μm, or 42.5μm. This avoids requiring the edge of the through-hole 303h's orthogonal projection 303hs on the second surface 205 to be too close to the edge of the main optical path region 206 or the edge of the second surface 205, which is beneficial for improving production efficiency and facilitating mass production. For example, if the outer diameter of the fiber core 201 is 9μm, the outer diameter of the cladding 203 (i.e., the diameter of the second surface 205) is 125μm, and the main optical path region 206 is a circle with an outer diameter of 25μm, the orthogonal projection 303hs of the through-hole 303h on the second surface 205 can be a circle with a diameter greater than or equal to 50μm and less than or equal to 110μm (exemplarily, this circle...). The through-hole 303h can be centered on the main optical path region 206. Alternatively, the orthographic projection 303hs of the through-hole 303h on the second surface 205 can be either circular or fall between two concentric circles with diameters of 50μm and 110μm. This ensures that the dielectric reflective film 303 can both block the filler 208 and avoid the main optical path region 206. Compared to the case where the orthographic projection 303hs completely overlaps with the main optical path region 206, the manufacturing process requirements are lower, which is beneficial for mass production. In other cases, the edge of the orthographic projection 303hs of the through-hole 303h on the second surface 205 can also be located within the main optical path region 206 and outside the optical core region 207. In this way, although the dielectric reflective film 303 will block part of the light, the edge of the through-hole 303h on the second surface 205 can also be located within the main optical path region 206 and outside the optical core region 207. The light enters the main optical path 202, but most of the light still concentrates into the fiber core 201; the connecting layer 302 fills between the antireflective film 301 and the dielectric reflective film 303 to connect the antireflective film 301 and the dielectric reflective film 303, thereby ensuring the bonding force between the antireflective film 301 and the dielectric reflective film 303, and ensuring a smooth transition between the antireflective film 301 and the dielectric reflective film 303, avoiding delamination of the antireflective film 301 and the dielectric reflective film 303. For example, the layer of the antireflective film 301 near the dielectric reflective film 303 is made of SiO2 material, and the layer of the dielectric reflective film 303 near the antireflective film is also made of SiO2 material. The connecting layer 302 is also made of SiO2 material. By utilizing the principle of like dissolves like, the antireflective film 301 and the dielectric reflective film 303 are tightly connected.

[0056] Figure 3In the ferrule 001 shown, the antireflective coating 301 can be composed of Mg compound / SiO2, Ta compound / SiO2, Ti compound / SiO2, or Hf compound / SiO2, etc.; the thickness of the antireflective coating 301 is greater than or equal to 400 nm and less than or equal to 800 nm. Alternatively, the structure of the antireflective coating 301 can be other known and commonly used existing technologies; the antireflective band of the antireflective coating 301 includes at least a portion of the communication band of the optical fiber 200', to reduce the loss of the optical signal after entering the main optical path 202. The antireflection coating 301 meets the standard, and its reflectivity for light waves within the aforementioned antireflection band is less than or equal to 0.25%. For example, this reflectivity is 0.25%, 0.22%, 0.20%, 0.17%, 0.15%, 0.1%, 0.08%, and 0.05%. In some cases, the reflectivity of the antireflection coating 301 for light waves within the aforementioned antireflection band is less than or equal to 0.1%. In this case, the loss of the optical signal when entering the main optical path 202 can be significantly reduced. Furthermore, each film layer constituting the antireflection coating 301 can be made of materials with high LIDT (Laser Density Detection and Reflection) properties. For example, the material constituting the antireflection coating 301 is capable of withstanding at least 600 mw / cm2 of energy (tested by irradiating the material of the antireflection coating 301 with a laser beam of wavelength 1064 nm and diameter 0.53 mm and continuously increasing the optical power), so that the antireflection coating 301 has good temperature resistance, which can reduce the probability of the ferrule 001 burning to a certain extent, and improve the high power tolerance of the ferrule substrate 100 and the optical fiber 200 without changing the materials. The dielectric reflective film 303 can be composed of Si / SiO2, Ag compound / SiO2, Al compound / SiO2, Au compound / SiO2, or Ti compound / SiO2, etc. Alternatively, the structure of the dielectric reflective film 303 can be any known or commonly used prior art. The reflection band of the dielectric reflective film 303 includes at least a portion of the communication band of the optical fiber 200. To ensure that the first surface 102, the second surface 205, and the filler 208 are not burned, the reflectivity of the dielectric reflective film 303 for light waves within the reflection band is greater than or equal to... The reflectivity is 80%, for example, 80%, 85%, 90%, 95% or 98%. In addition, each layer constituting the dielectric reflective film 303 can be made of a material with a high LIDT. For example, the material constituting the dielectric reflective film 303 can withstand at least 600mw / cm2 of energy (by irradiating the material of the dielectric reflective film 303 with a laser beam of wavelength of 1064nm and diameter of 0.53mm and continuously increasing the optical power, the maximum energy withstand capability of the antireflective film 301 is tested), thereby improving the high power withstand capability of the ferrule substrate 100 and the optical fiber 200.

[0057] Figure 7 The diagram illustrates the pairing of ferrule 001 and ferrule 001' provided in this embodiment. Ferrule 001' includes a ferrule base 100' and an optical fiber 200' inserted within the ferrule base 100'. When ferrule 001' is used as a mating ferrule with ferrule 001, ferrule 001' is positioned on one side of ferrule 001 in the positive X-axis direction, with its first surface 102 facing the ferrule base 100' and its second surface 205 facing the light-emitting end face of optical fiber 200' in the negative X-axis direction. Light rays emerge from optical fiber 200'. The main optical path in 00' is directed along the negative X-axis towards the main optical path region 206 of the second surface 205, and the light continues to propagate along the main optical path 202. Since the second surface 205 is covered with an anti-reflection film 301, the anti-reflection film 301 can reduce Fresnel reflection when the second surface 205 is in direct contact with air, thus reducing the loss of the optical signal during transmission. However, in actual operation (such as when inserting or removing ferrules 001 and 001'), the light emitted from the main optical path of fiber 200' is unlikely to fall completely into the main optical path region. Within region 206, for example, the main optical path of fiber 200' is misaligned with the main optical path region 206, or the main optical path of fiber 200' and the main optical path 202 of fiber 200 do not extend along the same straight line. Furthermore, because the light emitted from the main optical path of fiber 200' may also be deflected due to refraction and other reasons, the light emitted from fiber 200' will strike areas of the second surface 205 other than the main optical path region 206 and the first surface 102. The light from fiber 200' will strike the first surface... When the first surface 102 is exposed, the dielectric reflective film 303 on the first surface 102 reflects the light to other directions. Only a small portion of the light is absorbed by the dielectric reflective film 303 and converted into heat energy. This portion of heat energy is insufficient to burn the first surface 102 of the ferrule substrate 100. In addition, even if the dielectric reflective film 303 on the second surface 205 is contaminated with dust or other impurities, since this portion of the dielectric reflective film 303 reflects most of the light, the remaining light energy converted into heat is insufficient to burn the impurities. Similarly, the filler 208 is not easily burned.

[0058] Figure 8 This diagram illustrates the apparatus used for high-power testing when ferrule 001 and ferrule 001' are used together. Please refer to the diagram. Figure 8The light source 401, the optical attenuator 402, and the ferrule 001' are connected sequentially via optical fiber. The ferrule 001' is paired with the ferrule 001. The output end of the ferrule 001 is connected to the optical power meter 403 via optical fiber. The light source 401 outputs power of 17dBm, 17.5dBm, 18dBm, 18.5dBm, ..., 25dBm, 27dBm, and 30dBm respectively. The first surface 102 and the second surface 205 of the ferrule 001 are tested by an end-point tester. The experimental results show that the ferrule 001 does not burn out when receiving 30dBm of power (approximately corresponding to 1000mW capability). Compared with the traditional MT ferrule, which generally burns out when receiving more than 17dBm of power (approximately corresponding to 50mW energy), the anti-burn-out performance of the ferrule 001 is significantly improved.

[0059] Continue back Figure 7Since the orthographic projection of the through-hole 303h onto the second surface 205 only covers a portion of the area of ​​the second surface 205, when the ferrule 001' is mated with the ferrule 001, if an optical fiber 200' with the same outer diameter (or larger) as the optical fiber 200 is used, the light-emitting end face of the optical fiber 200' can only touch the dielectric reflective film 303 and cannot enter the through-hole 303h. This is equivalent to the dielectric reflective film 303 raising the optical fiber 200', making it difficult for the light-emitting end face of the optical fiber 200' to contact the through-hole 303h. The antireflective film 301 at the bottom is in direct contact with the optical fiber 200', making it less susceptible to damage from scratches by the light-emitting end face. Furthermore, the antireflective film 301 located at the bottom of the through-hole 303h is situated on the optical signal transmission path, thus ensuring reduced optical signal loss during transmission. For example, the thickness of the dielectric reflective film 303 is greater than or equal to 1.0 μm and less than or equal to 3.0 μm; for instance, it can be 1.0 μm, 1.2 μm, 1.5 μm, 1.7 μm, 2.0 μm, 2.2 μm, etc. With a thickness of 2.5μm, 2.8μm, or 3.0μm, when the thickness of the dielectric reflective film 303 is less than 1.0μm, the through-hole 303h is too shallow due to the thinness of the dielectric reflective film 303. Foreign objects (such as the sharp edges of the optical fiber 200') can easily scrape against the antireflective film 301 at the bottom of the through-hole 303h. When the thickness of the dielectric reflective film 303 is greater than 3.0μm, the through-hole 303h is too deep due to the thickness of the dielectric reflective film 303. The larger internal space of the through-hole 303h allows dust to easily enter. The area within the through-hole 303h is difficult to clean, affecting optical signal transmission. However, the thickness of the dielectric reflective film 303, which is greater than or equal to 1.0 μm and less than or equal to 3.0 μm, can simultaneously avoid the above two problems. In addition, the dielectric reflective film 303 can have good reflectivity within the above thickness range. According to the test, after 1000 insertion and removal cycles of ferrules 001 and ferrules 001', the surface of the antireflection film 301 at the bottom of the through-hole 303h does not need to be cleaned. From the beginning to the end of the test, the insertion loss (IL) is less than 0.25 dB, and the loss change is less than 0.05 dB. It should be noted that although there is a certain gap between the light-emitting end face of the fiber 200' and the second surface 205 of the fiber 200, the presence of the antireflection film 301 can eliminate the optical signal loss caused by Fresnel reflection to a certain extent.

[0060] Furthermore, since the light-emitting end face of optical fiber 200' and the second surface 205 of optical fiber 200 do not need to be in direct contact to achieve low optical signal loss, the ferrule 001 and ferrule 001' do not require a large force to squeeze the light-emitting end face of optical fiber 200' and the second surface 205 of optical fiber 200 together to eliminate air gaps and alleviate Fresnel reflection when they are fitted together. In addition, since the ferrule 001 can be formed by adding dielectric reflective film 303 and anti-reflection film 301 to the traditional MT ferrule without changing the structure of the traditional MT ferrule itself, the ferrule 001 provided in this application embodiment can be directly mixed and matched with traditional MT ferrules. When mating with traditional MT ferrules, direct mechanical docking is used without the need for heating and welding, thus reducing the risk of damage to temperature-sensitive devices. The ferrule 001 provided in this application embodiment is convenient for application in some temperature-sensitive components.

[0061] In some cases, such as when Fresnel reflection at the second surface 205 is eliminated by other means, the antireflective coating 301 can be omitted, for example, the dielectric reflective coating 303 can directly contact the first surface 102 and the second surface 205. In other cases, the dielectric reflective coating 303 may not cover the second surface 205. For example, the dielectric reflective coating 303 may only cover the first surface 102 (i.e., the orthographic projection of the dielectric reflective coating 303 on the reference plane M only covers the orthographic projection of the first surface 102 on the reference plane M), or the dielectric reflective coating 303 may only cover the circumferential side of the first surface 102 and the portion of the optical fiber 200 protruding from the first surface 301; or the dielectric reflective coating 303 may only cover the non-main optical path regions of the first surface 102 and the second surface 205.

[0062] It should be noted that the ferrule provided in the embodiments of this application is not limited to... Figure 3 The specific form of the ferrule 1 shown, for example, can be made... Figure 3 The antireflective coating 301 in the middle only covers the second surface 205, which can also alleviate Fresnel reflection at the second surface 205 to a certain extent; Figure 9a This diagram illustrates another exemplary embodiment of the ferrule provided in this application. Figure 9b It shows Figure 9a Please refer to the enlarged view of the middle F section. Figure 9a and Figure 9b , Figure 9a and Figure 9b The ferrule 001 shown is Figure 3The difference in the ferrule 001 shown is that the antireflective coating 301 and the dielectric reflective coating 303 are disposed in the same layer. The antireflective coating 301 is disposed in the through hole 303h and is closely attached to the second surface 205, ensuring that there is no intermediate medium such as air between the antireflective coating 301 and the second surface 205. This, to a certain extent, eliminates Fresnel reflection when light is incident on the second surface 205. In addition, the thickness of the antireflective coating 301 can be smaller than the thickness of the dielectric reflective coating 303. Thus, the surface of the antireflective coating 301 facing the mating ferrule is relatively smaller than the surface of the dielectric reflective coating 303 facing the mating ferrule. The concave shape means that there is a certain height difference h between the surface of the dielectric reflective film 303 and the surface of the antireflective film 301. This can prevent the antireflective film 301 from being scratched. The height difference h between the surface of the dielectric reflective film 303 and the surface of the antireflective film 301 is greater than or equal to 0.8μm and less than or equal to 2.8μm. For example, it can be 0.8μm, 1.0μm, 1.2μm, 1.5μm, 1.7μm, 2.0μm, 2.3μm, 2.5μm or 2.8μm. In this way, the antireflective film 301 can be prevented from being scratched and dust can be retained in the through hole 303h.

[0063] Figure 10 The diagram illustrates another exemplary embodiment of the insert 001 provided in this application. Please refer to [link / reference]. Figure 10 , Figure 10 The ferrule 001 shown is... Figure 3 The difference in the shown ferrule 001 is that the middle part of the first surface 102 is recessed into the ferrule base 100, and the second surface 205 is flush with the bottom surface of the first surface 102. Figure 10 The ferrule 001 shown can be used with Figure 3 The shown ferrule 001 is used in pairs. Figure 3 The portion of the optical fiber 200 protruding from the first surface 102 of the ferrule 001 shown is fitted to... Figure 10 The recess formed by the indentation of the first surface 102 in the ferrule 001 shown in the figure helps to prevent the two ferrules from being misaligned laterally, and also helps to avoid the distance between the second surfaces of the two ferrules being too large (this distance is required to be less than or equal to 5μm, such as 1μm, 2μm, 3μm, 4μm and 5μm), which would result in greater optical signal loss.

[0064] In addition, Figure 3 Based on the ferrule 001 shown, further modifications can be made, such as making the second surface 205 of the optical fiber 200 flush with the first surface 102, or recessed within the first surface 102. For example, Figure 3One side of the inner surface of the dielectric reflective film 303 (such as between the dielectric reflective film 303 and the antireflective film 301) can be filled with a heat-resistant film with high temperature resistance, such as ceramic or metal. The coverage of the heat-resistant film can be adjusted with the dielectric reflective film 303. The ceramic or metal reflective film is formed on the surface of the antireflective film 301 by electroplating. Under normal circumstances, the ceramic film and the metal film (the metal film material is such as Al, Ag, Ti, Au or Cr, but because these metals are easy to oxidize, a protective layer such as SiO2, MgF2, etc. is usually deposited on their surface, which can be made by PVD physical vapor deposition) have a temperature resistance of more than 1700℃, which can greatly improve the temperature resistance of the reflective film. In order to further improve the laser damage threshold and temperature resistance of the reflective film, a dielectric reflective film, ceramic reflective film or metal reflective film can be formed on the surface of the heat-resistant film as a reflective film to reflect light and prevent the heat-resistant film from burning. As another variation, the bare fiber portion of the optical fiber 200 can also be recessed into the first surface 102, and a dielectric reflective film 303 can be provided on the inner wall of the receiving through hole 101. Alternatively, the second surface 205 can be flush with the first surface 102, and the dielectric reflective film 303 can cover the circumferential side of the bare fiber portion of the optical fiber 200 and the gap between the receiving through hole 101.

[0065] It should be noted that the ferrules provided in the above embodiments of this application are merely examples using fiber optic ferrules. For ferrules in optical waveguide connectors, the ferrule substrate no longer contains optical fibers, but rather optical waveguides. These waveguides have a core channel (i.e., the Core region) with a relatively high refractive index relative to the substrate. The core channel extends to the waveguide end face, forming an optical core region. Similar to the optical fiber 200 described earlier, a small portion of the light in the optical core channel also enters the substrate surrounding the core channel, thus forming the main optical path. The main optical path forms a main optical path region on the end face of the optical waveguide. These structures can be existing technologies. Based on this, a reflective film can be formed on the end face of the waveguide. The reflective film avoids the optical core region to prevent blocking most of the optical fiber. Alternatively, the reflective film can simultaneously avoid the main optical path region to ensure that all light emitted from the main optical path is not blocked. A reflective film can also be formed on the input end face. The antireflective coating and the reflective coating can be configured in the manner described in the aforementioned fiber optic ferrule embodiments. Furthermore, the ferrule in the fiber optic array connector includes a ferrule body, cover plates disposed opposite each other within the ferrule body, and an array of optical fibers fixed between the cover plates. Specifically, the ferrule structure can be referenced from existing fiber optic array connectors. A reflective coating is provided on the light-incident end face of the optical fiber. This reflective coating avoids the optical core region of the optical fiber, or simultaneously avoids the main optical path region of the optical fiber. The reflective coating can also cover the end face of the cover plate. In short, the optical transmission carrier in the ferrule body is not limited to optical fiber; it can also be other forms of optical transmission carrier such as optical waveguides to form different types of ferrules. The only requirement is that a reflective coating avoiding the optical core region (or simultaneously avoiding the main optical path region) is formed on the end face of the optical transmission carrier (i.e., the end face facing the mating ferrule, such as the light-incident end face).

[0066] Based on the same inventive concept, embodiments of this application also provide a connector, which includes a housing and a ferrule provided in the above embodiments of this application, to... Figure 1 For example, an exemplary form of the connector provided in this application embodiment can be referred to. Figure 1 The MPO connector 20 includes a housing 21 and a ferrule 22, with the ferrule 22 located within the housing 21. The ferrule 22 can be employed as follows: Figures 3 to 10 The embodiment provides the ferrule 001.

[0067] Based on the same inventive concept, embodiments of this application also provide an optical communication element, which includes an optical communication element body and a ferrule provided in the above embodiments of this application, the ferrule being connected to the optical communication element body; some optical communication elements include an optical communication element body and a connector, the connector having the ferrule provided in the above embodiments of this application, the ferrule being connected to the optical communication element body, in which case the optical communication element body may be, for example, a single board. Figure 11 A schematic diagram illustrating an exemplary combination of a backplane and a single board is shown, with reference to... Figure 11For example, an optical communication element includes a board 010 and a connector 020. The board 010 serves as the body of the optical communication element, and the connector 020 has a ferrule provided in the above embodiments of this application. The connector 020 is fixed to the board 010, and the ferrule is connected to the communication lines in the board 010. Other optical communication elements only require the ferrule to be assembled into an optical connector when they need to be assembled with other optical communication elements. In this case, the body of the optical communication element can be an optical backplane, a fiber bundle backplane, a chip-based optical output module, or a WSS module. (Continuing to refer to...) Figure 11 For example, another optical communication element includes an optical backplane 030 and a ferrule 040, with the optical backplane 030 serving as the body of the optical communication element and the ferrule 040 being connected to the optical backplane 030 via a shared optical fiber.

[0068] Based on the same inventive concept, embodiments of this application also provide a communication device, such as a router and a switch, which includes paired optical communication elements (the paired optical communication elements include, for example,...). Figure 11 The optical backplane 030 and ferrule 040 in the above embodiment) and at least one optical communication element provided in the above embodiment, wherein the paired optical communication element has a paired ferrule (such as Figure 11 The ferrule 040 in the middle), optical communication element (the optical communication element includes such as Figure 11 The ferrule in single board 010 and connector 020 (such as Figure 11 The ferrule in connector 020) and the mating ferrule (such as Figure 11 Connect the ferrule 040 in the middle.

[0069] Figure 12a This diagram illustrates an exemplary connection between a ferrule and a mating ferrule in a communication device provided in this application embodiment. Figure 12a The ferrule 001a and Figure 3 The ferrule 001 has the same structure as the ferrule 001b. Figure 10The ferrules 001 and 001b have the same structure, with ferrules 001a and 001b mating with each other. When ferrule 001b acts as a mating ferrule, and the optical fiber therein emits light towards the anti-reflection coating on the second surface of ferrule 001a, the bottom surface of the groove formed by the sidewalls of the through-hole of ferrule 001a (the surface of the anti-reflection coating of ferrule 001a exposed at the through-hole; if the anti-reflection coating of ferrule 001a is removed, the bottom surface of the through-hole becomes the second surface of ferrule 001a) and ferrule 001b are mated. The gap between the light-emitting surfaces of 001b (the surface of the anti-reflection film of ferrule 001b exposed at the through-hole; if ferrule 001b does not have an anti-reflection film, then the light-emitting surface refers to the second surface of ferrule 001b) is less than or equal to 5μm, for example, 1μm, 2μm, 3μm, 4μm, or 5μm, to avoid a decrease in optical signal transmission efficiency due to an excessively large gap; similarly, if ferrule 001a is used as a mating ferrule to emit an optical signal to ferrule 001b, Figure 12a The requirements for the intermediate gap remain unchanged. Figure 12b This diagram illustrates another exemplary use of a ferrule and a mating ferrule in a communication device provided in this application embodiment. Figure 12b Both ferrule 001c and ferrule 001d have the same characteristics as... Figure 3 The ferrule 001 has the same structure. When ferrules 001c and 001d are mated, regardless of which ferrule acts as the paired ferrule, it will emit an optical signal. Figure 12b The gap in the middle Figure 12a The gap in both components has the same requirements. In summary, when the ferrule in an optical communication element mates with the mating ferrule in a paired optical communication element, the gap between the bottom surface of the groove formed by the sidewall of the through hole of the ferrule and the light-emitting surface of the mating ferrule is less than or equal to 5 μm.

[0070] Based on the same inventive concept, this application also provides a method for preparing a ferrule, the form of which can be referred to the foregoing. Figures 3 to 10 The specific implementation of the ferrule is shown. Figure 13a This diagram illustrates the mating of the ferrule substrate and the optical fiber before step S100 in the ferrule fabrication method provided in this application. Please refer to [link / reference]. Figure 13a The optical fiber 200 is disposed in the mating through hole 101 of the ferrule 100. Except for the fact that the second surface 205 of the optical fiber 200 is flush with (or not flush with) the first surface 102 of the ferrule 100, the configuration relationship between the optical fiber 200 and the ferrule 100 can be referred to the... Figure 3 The description corresponding to ferrule 001 shown; Figure 13b This diagram illustrates the ferrule after step S100 in the ferrule preparation method provided in this application embodiment. Next, step S100 will be performed, referring to... Figure 13bAn anti-reflection film 301 is formed on the second surface 205, and the anti-reflection film 301 can simultaneously cover the first surface 102. Figure 13c The diagram shows the ferrule after step S200 in the ferrule preparation method provided in this application embodiment. Next, step S200 is performed to form a sacrificial layer 305 on the surface of the antireflection film 301. The orthographic projection of the sacrificial layer 305 on the corresponding second surface 205 covers the main optical path area within the second surface 205 (in some cases, it is sufficient to cover the optical core area on the second surface 205). The orthographic projection area of ​​the sacrificial layer 305 on the corresponding second surface 205 is smaller than the area of ​​the second surface 205. The orthographic projection area of ​​the sacrificial layer 305 on the first surface 102 is zero. The sacrificial layer 305 can be a material that is easy to remove, such as a material that becomes less viscous after heating and separates from the antireflection film 301, or a microporous material. The specific material of the sacrificial layer 305 can be a material commonly used as a sacrificial layer in the art, which will not be described in detail here. Figure 13d This diagram illustrates the ferrule after step S300 in the ferrule manufacturing method provided in this application embodiment. (Refer to...) Figure 13d Next, step S300 is performed to form a bonding layer 302 on the surface of the sacrificial layer 305; Figure 13e This diagram illustrates the ferrule after step S400 in the ferrule manufacturing method provided in this application embodiment. (Refer to...) Figure 13e Next, step S400 is performed to form a dielectric reflective film 303 on the surface of the bonding layer 302, which covers the first surface 102 and the second surface 205. Figure 13f This diagram illustrates the ferrule after step S500 in the ferrule manufacturing method provided in this application embodiment. (Refer to...) Figure 13f In step S500, the sacrificial layer 305 is removed, that is, the sacrificial layer 305 is separated from the antireflective film 301, and the portion of the connecting layer 302 and the dielectric reflective film 303 located above the sacrificial layer 305 is detached along with the sacrificial layer 305. Through holes 303h are formed in the portion of the dielectric reflective film 303 that is opposite to the main optical path region in the second surface 205.

[0071] Furthermore, as long as the orthographic projection of the dielectric reflective film 303 on the reference surface M covers the orthographic projection of the first surface 102 on the reference surface M, the specific coverage area and form of the dielectric reflective film 303 can be referred to the description in the ferrule provided in the above embodiments; when the surfaces of the dielectric reflective film 303 and the antireflective film 301 that are close to each other can have good adhesion, the step of forming the connecting layer 302 in step S300 can be cancelled; in other cases, in addition to the method of setting the sacrificial layer 305, the through hole 303h can also be formed in the following way: first, a whole layer of dielectric reflective film 303 is formed, and then the dielectric reflective film 303 is patterned at a position opposite to the main optical path area of ​​the second surface 205 to form the through hole 303h, such as using a mask to block and etch to form the through hole. A through-hole 303h can be formed using other methods. In some other cases, before forming the dielectric reflective film 303, a heat-resistant film with high temperature resistance, such as a ceramic film or a metal film, can be formed first. After forming the dielectric reflective film 303 on the surface of the heat-resistant film, the sacrificial layer is then removed to form a through-hole that penetrates the heat-resistant film and the dielectric reflective film (the position and size can be referenced to the through-hole 303h). In some other cases, the step of forming the antireflection film 300 in step S100 can be omitted, and after forming the through-hole 303h, an antireflection film can be formed in the through-hole 303h by deposition or other means, as long as the antireflection film is located on one side of the second surface 205 of the optical fiber 200 and the orthographic projection of the second surface 205 covers the main optical path area on the second surface. Furthermore, the optical fiber 200 can also be replaced with other forms of optical transmission carriers such as waveguides to form different types of ferrules, as long as the surface of the optical transmission carrier facing the mating ferrule has a main optical path area, and the orthographic projection of the reflective film on the surface of the optical transmission carrier facing the mating ferrule avoids the main optical path area.

[0072] In addition, other parameters (such as material, size and position) of each film layer, such as antireflective film 301, bonding layer 302 and dielectric reflective film 303, can be found in the corresponding structural description of the ferrule provided in the above embodiments of this application.

[0073] The above are merely specific embodiments of this application, but the scope of protection of this application is not limited thereto. Any variations or substitutions that can be easily conceived by those skilled in the art within the scope of the technology disclosed in this application should be included within the scope of protection of this application. Therefore, the scope of protection of this application should be determined by the scope of the claims.

Claims

1. A ferrule, characterized in that, include: A ferrule base includes a plurality of receiving through holes, one end of each receiving through hole being located on a first surface of the ferrule base, wherein the first surface is the surface of the ferrule base facing the mating ferrule corresponding to the ferrule; Multiple optical transmission carriers, each of the optical transmission carriers having a second surface facing the mating ferrule, the second surface being an optical transmission surface, the second surface having an optical core region, each of the optical transmission carriers being disposed in a corresponding receiving through hole, and the gap between the circumferential side surface of the optical transmission carrier and the receiving through hole having a filler; And a reflective film covering the first surface, the reflective film reflecting a band including at least a portion of the communication band of the optical transmission carrier, the orthographic projection of the reflective film on the reference plane covering the orthographic projection of the filler on the reference plane, wherein the reference plane is perpendicular to the axial direction of the receiving through hole; Between a corresponding set of optical transmission carriers and the receiving vias The reflective film has a through hole, and the reflective film covers the second surface. The orthographic projection of the through hole on the second surface covers the light core region.

2. The ferrule according to claim 1, characterized in that, The second surface has a main optical path region, and the orthographic projection of the through hole on the second surface covers the main optical path region.

3. The ferrule according to claim 1, characterized in that, The ferrule also includes: An antireflective coating is located on the side of the optical transmission carrier facing the mating ferrule, the orthographic projection of the antireflective coating on the second surface covers the orthographic projection of the through-hole on the second surface, wherein the antireflective band of the antireflective coating includes at least a portion of the communication band of the optical transmission carrier.

4. The ferrule according to claim 3, characterized in that, The antireflective film is located between the reflective film and the light transmission carrier, and the antireflective film also covers at least a portion of the first surface.

5. The ferrule according to claim 3, characterized in that, The antireflective membrane is located in the through-hole.

6. The ferrule according to claim 5, characterized in that, The surface of the antireflective coating facing the mating ferrule is recessed relative to the surface of the reflective coating facing the mating ferrule.

7. The ferrule according to claim 3, characterized in that, The antireflective coating has a reflectivity of less than or equal to 0.25% for light waves in the antireflection band.

8. The ferrule according to claim 1, characterized in that, The reflective film has a reflectivity of 80% or greater for light waves within the reflected wavelength range.

9. The ferrule according to claim 1, characterized in that, The second surface protrudes from the first surface, and the reflective film covers the circumferential side surface of the light transmission carrier.

10. The ferrule according to claim 1, characterized in that, The second surface is recessed within the first surface, and the reflective film covers the inner wall of the accommodating through hole.

11. The ferrule according to claim 1, characterized in that, The second surface is flush with the first surface, and the reflective film covers the gap between the inner wall of the accommodating through hole and the corresponding circumferential side of the light transmission carrier.

12. The ferrule according to any one of claims 1 to 11, characterized in that, The inner side of the reflective film also has a heat-resistant film.

13. A connector, characterized in that, It includes a housing and a ferrule as described in any one of claims 1 to 12, wherein the ferrule is located within the housing.

14. An optical communication element, characterized in that, It includes an optical communication element body and a ferrule as described in any one of claims 1 to 12, wherein the ferrule is connected to the optical communication element body.

15. A communication device, characterized in that, It includes a paired optical communication element and an optical communication element as claimed in claim 14, wherein the paired optical communication element has the paired ferrule, and the ferrule in the optical communication element is connected to the paired ferrule in the paired optical communication element.

16. A method for preparing a ferrule, the ferrule comprising: A ferrule base includes a receiving through-hole, one end of which is located on a first surface of the ferrule base, wherein the first surface is the surface of the ferrule base facing a mating ferrule corresponding to the ferrule; a plurality of optical transmission carriers, each optical transmission carrier having a second surface facing the mating ferrule, the second surface being an optical transmission surface having an optical core region, the optical transmission carriers being disposed in the receiving through-hole, and the gap between the inner wall of the receiving through-hole and the circumferential side surface of the optical transmission carrier having a filler; characterized in that the method includes: A reflective film is formed on the side of the ferrule substrate facing the mating ferrule, wherein the reflective film covers the first surface, and the reflective band of the reflective film includes at least a portion of the communication band of the optical transmission carrier; between a set of corresponding optical transmission carriers and the receiving via, the reflective film has a through-hole, and the reflective film covers the second surface, the orthographic projection of the through-hole on the second surface covers the optical core region, and the orthographic projection of the reflective film on a reference plane covers the orthographic projection of the filler on the reference plane, wherein the reference plane is perpendicular to the axial direction of the receiving via.

17. The method according to claim 16, characterized in that, The second surface has a main optical path region, and the orthographic projection of the through hole on the second surface covers the main optical path region.

18. The method according to claim 16, characterized in that, The formation of a reflective film on the side of the ferrule substrate facing the mating ferrule specifically includes: A sacrificial layer is formed on the side of the optical transmission carrier facing the mating ferrule; A reflective film is formed on the side of the optical transmission carrier facing the mating ferrule, wherein the reflective film covers the sacrificial layer and the second surface; The sacrificial layer and the reflective film on the surface of the sacrificial layer are removed to form the through hole.

19. The method according to claim 16, characterized in that, The formation of a reflective film on the side of the ferrule substrate facing the mating ferrule specifically includes: A reflective film is formed on the side of the optical transmission carrier facing the mating ferrule, and the reflective film is patterned to form the through hole.

20. The method according to claim 16, characterized in that, Also includes: An antireflective coating is formed on the side of the optical transmission carrier facing the mating ferrule. The antireflective band of the antireflective coating includes at least a portion of the communication band of the optical transmission carrier. The orthographic projection of the antireflective coating on the second surface covers the orthographic projection of the through-hole on the second surface.

21. The method according to claim 20, characterized in that, The formation of an anti-reflection film on the side of the optical transmission carrier facing the mating ferrule specifically includes: Before forming the reflective film on the side of the ferrule substrate facing the mating ferrule, the antireflective film is formed on the side of the light transmission carrier facing the mating ferrule.

22. The method according to claim 21, characterized in that, The formation of an anti-reflection film on the side of the optical transmission carrier facing the mating ferrule specifically includes: After a reflective film is formed on the side of the ferrule substrate facing the mating ferrule, the antireflective film is formed within the through hole.

23. The method according to any one of claims 16 to 22, characterized in that, Also includes: Before forming a reflective film on the side of the ferrule substrate facing the mating ferrule, a heat-resistant film is formed on the side of the ferrule substrate facing the mating ferrule.

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