Optical device and manufacturing method thereof

Abstract

The invention discloses an optical device and a manufacturing method thereof, and belongs to the technical field of optical devices. The optical device comprises a substrate, an optical fiber array and X guide columns, and X is an integer and larger than 1; the substrate is provided with a first surface and a second surface which are opposite to each other, a plurality of optical fiber positioning holes are formed in the substrate, the plurality of optical fiber positioning holes are arranged in an array, and each optical fiber positioning hole penetrates through the first surface and the second surface; the optical fiber array comprises a plurality of optical fibers which are arranged in an array mode, the first end of a fiber core of each optical fiber is located in one optical fiber positioning hole, and the end face of the first end faces the side where the first surface is located. The X guide columns protrude out of the first surface and are located on the periphery of the optical fiber positioning holes, and the X guide columns are connected with the substrate. The optical device is beneficial to improving the alignment precision between the optical fiber array and other components.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present application relates to the technical field of optical devices, and in particular to an optical device and a manufacturing method thereof. Background Art

[0002] With the development of optical communication technology and laser technology, fiber arrays have been increasingly used in optical transmission systems and laser systems. The number of optical fibers contained in fiber arrays is also increasing. As the number of optical fibers increases, there are problems such as unstable installation and low positioning accuracy when the fiber array is connected to other components, which affects the application of fiber arrays. Summary of the invention

[0003] The present application provides an optical device and a manufacturing method thereof, which are conducive to the alignment and connection of an optical fiber array with other components.

[0004] In a first aspect, the present application provides an optical device. The optical device includes: a substrate, an optical fiber array, and X guide posts. Wherein, X is an integer and X is greater than 1. The substrate has a first surface and a second surface opposite to each other, and a plurality of optical fiber positioning holes are provided in the substrate, wherein the plurality of optical fiber positioning holes are arranged in an array and each of the optical fiber positioning holes passes through the first surface and the second surface. The optical fiber array includes a plurality of optical fibers arranged in an array, wherein the first end of the core of each of the optical fibers is located in one of the optical fiber positioning holes, and the end face of the first end faces the side where the first surface is located. The X guide posts protrude from the first surface and are located at the periphery of the plurality of optical fiber positioning holes, and the X guide posts are connected to the substrate.

[0005] When it is necessary to dock the optical fiber array with other components, the first surface of the substrate connected to the optical fiber array can be placed opposite to the other components, and the substrate can be aligned and connected with the other components through guide columns protruding from the first surface, which is convenient and helps to improve the alignment accuracy between the optical fiber array and other components.

[0006] In the present application, the guide post is located at the periphery of the multiple fiber positioning holes, which means that for each guide post, the multiple fiber positioning holes are located on the same side of the guide post; or, each guide post is located on one side of the area where the multiple fiber positioning holes are located.

[0007] In a possible implementation, the guide post is inserted into the substrate. For example, the substrate further has X substrate positioning holes, and the X substrate positioning holes penetrate the first surface and the second surface. A portion of each guide post is located in one of the X substrate positioning holes, and another portion of each guide post protrudes from the first surface.

[0008] Optionally, the guide post is connected to the hole wall of the positioning hole of the substrate by glue, so that the guide post and the substrate can be firmly connected and are not easily separated during the subsequent assembly process with other components.

[0009] In another possible implementation, the guide post is connected to the first surface of the substrate, that is, the guide post and the substrate are an integrated structure, which can simplify the assembly process of the optical device.

[0010] Optionally, the first end face of the guide post is flush with the second surface. In this way, the guide post can be prevented from protruding from the second surface and interfering with the optical fibers in the optical fiber array. In addition, the size of the optical device in a direction perpendicular to the first surface of the substrate can be reduced.

[0011] Optionally, X is equal to 2, and the two guide posts are located on opposite sides of the plurality of optical fiber positioning holes. Using a relatively small number of guide posts can realize the positioning of the optical fiber array relative to the docking component, which is conducive to simplifying the structure of the optical device. When the guide post and the substrate are not an integrally formed structure, using a relatively small number of guide posts can also improve the assembly efficiency of the optical device.

[0012] In some examples, the end face of the first end is flush with the first surface. By making the end face of the first end flush with the first surface, all the end faces can be located on the same plane, and when the optical fiber array needs to be docked with the lens array, it is convenient for the end face of the fiber core to abut against the surface of the corresponding lens unit in the lens array.

[0013] In some other examples, the end face of the first end exceeds the first surface. For example, the end of the first end is in a frustum shape or a spherical cap shape, and the frustum shape or the spherical cap shape portion exceeds the first surface. The frustum shape or the spherical cap shape end can converge the light beam output by the fiber core. When the distance between the first end of the fiber core and the docking component is constant, under the convergence effect of the end, the size of the light spot of the light beam output by the fiber core irradiated on the docking component is reduced, thereby increasing the coupling tolerance between the docking unit of the optical fiber array and the docking component.

[0014] Optionally, the height of the spherical cap may be greater than, equal to, or less than the radius of the spherical cap.

[0015] Optionally, among the plurality of optical fiber positioning holes, the minimum spacing between the outermost optical fiber positioning hole and the first side edge of the first surface is 10 μm-20 μm, and the first side edge is the side edge of the first surface closest to the outermost optical fiber positioning hole. The distance between the outermost optical fiber positioning hole and the side edge closest to the first surface is small, which is conducive to reducing the area of ​​the substrate, thereby reducing the volume of the optical device.

[0016] Optionally, the optical device further comprises a docking component, the docking component comprises a connecting plate and a plurality of docking units, the plurality of docking units are arranged in an array on the connecting plate and are opposite to the ends of the cores of the plurality of optical fibers. The connecting plate has X connecting holes, and the portion of the guide column protruding from the first surface is located in the connecting hole.

[0017] Optionally, the portion of the guide column protruding from the first surface is connected to the hole wall of the connecting hole by glue, or the portion of the guide column protruding from the first surface is only inserted into the corresponding connecting hole. Different connection methods can be used to connect the docking component and the guide column according to the usage scenario.

[0018] Optionally, a gasket is further provided on the first surface of the substrate, and the thickness of the gasket is greater than or equal to the length of the fiber core protruding from the first surface. When the substrate is connected to the connecting plate through the guide pin, the gasket is located between the first surface and the connecting plate, and can be used to limit the distance between the first surface and the connecting plate, and can also protect the end of the fiber core protruding from the first surface.

[0019] Optionally, the gasket may be bonded to the first surface by glue, or the gasket and the substrate may be integrally formed.

[0020] In some examples, the docking component may be an optical component, a light emitting component, or a photoelectric conversion component, etc. The optical component includes but is not limited to a lens, a prism, another optical fiber array, or a waveguide, etc. Accordingly, the docking unit of the optical component may be a lens unit, an optical fiber, or a waveguide.

[0021] In some other examples, the docking component may be a light emitting component, and the docking unit of the light emitting component may be a light emitting unit, which includes but is not limited to a laser and the like.

[0022] In some other examples, the docking component may be a photoelectric conversion component, and the docking unit of the photoelectric conversion component includes a photoelectric conversion unit. The photoelectric conversion unit includes but is not limited to a photoelectric conversion device, such as a photodiode or an avalanche diode.

[0023] Optionally, the optical device further comprises a housing, the housing is connected to the substrate, and portions of the plurality of optical fibers close to the substrate are located in the housing. The housing can protect the exposed fiber cores located on the side where the second surface of the substrate is located.

[0024] Optionally, the substrate is a glass substrate, a silicon substrate or a plastic substrate.

[0025] In a second aspect, the present application provides a method for manufacturing an optical device, the manufacturing method comprising: forming a plurality of optical fiber positioning holes in a substrate, the substrate having a first surface and a second surface relative to each other, the plurality of optical fiber positioning holes being arranged in an array and each of the optical fiber positioning holes passing through the first surface and the second surface; forming X guide posts on the substrate, the X guide posts protruding from the first surface and being located on at least one side of the plurality of optical fiber positioning holes, the X guide posts being connected to the substrate; connecting an optical fiber array to the substrate, the optical fiber array comprising a plurality of optical fibers arranged in parallel, the core of each of the optical fibers being located in one of the optical fiber positioning holes, and the end face of the core being located on the first surface.

[0026] In some examples, the substrate is a glass substrate, and the plurality of optical fiber positioning holes are formed in the substrate using laser induced etching technology. The optical fiber positioning holes formed using laser induced etching technology have high position accuracy and aperture accuracy. When the position accuracy and aperture accuracy of the optical fiber positioning holes in the substrate are high, the alignment accuracy between the optical fiber array and the docking component can be further improved.

[0027] Optionally, connecting the optical fiber array to the substrate includes: inserting the fiber core from the first surface into the corresponding optical fiber positioning hole until the first end of the fiber core is located on one side of the first surface; and connecting the fiber core and the optical fiber positioning hole with glue. Inserting the fiber core from the first surface into the optical fiber positioning hole can prevent the first end of the fiber core from being contaminated, so that a focusing structure can be formed directly at the end of the first end, that is, a frustum-shaped or spherical-cap-shaped end.

[0028] Optionally, the method further comprises: after connecting the optical fiber array to the substrate, using laser technology to process the end of the first end of the fiber core so that the end of the fiber core is in a frustum shape or a spherical cap shape. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0029] Figure 1 is a schematic structural diagram of an optical device provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0030] Figure 2 is a schematic diagram of a top view structure of a substrate of an optical device provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0031] Figure 3 is a schematic diagram of the cross-sectional shape of the optical fiber positioning hole provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0032] Figure 4 is a schematic diagram of an enlarged structure of a first end of a core of an optical fiber provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0033] Figure 5 is a partial structural schematic diagram of another optical device provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0034] Figure 6 is a schematic structural diagram of another optical device provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0035] Figure 7 is a schematic structural diagram of another optical device provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0036] Figure 8 is a schematic structural diagram of another optical device provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0037] Fig. 9 It is a flow chart of a method for manufacturing an optical device provided in an embodiment of the present application.

[0038] Legend

[0039] 10 substrates;

[0040] 11 first surface; 12 second surface; 13 optical fiber positioning hole; 14 substrate positioning hole;

[0041] 20 fiber arrays;

[0042] 21 optical fiber; 211 fiber core;

[0043] 30 guide column;

[0044] 40 housing;

[0045] 41 cylinder; 42 limiting member;

[0046] 50 docking components;

[0047] 51 connecting plate; 51a connecting hole; 52a, 52b, 52c docking unit; 53 third surface; 54 fourth surface. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0048] In order to make the objectives, technical solutions and advantages of the present application clearer, the implementation methods of the present application will be further described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0049] Figure 1 Schematic diagram of the structure of an optical device provided in an embodiment of the present application. Figure 1 As shown, the optical device includes a substrate 10 , an optical fiber array 20 and two guide posts 30 .

[0050] The substrate 10 has a first surface 11 and a second surface 12 opposite to each other. The substrate 10 has a plurality of optical fiber positioning holes 13, which are arranged in an array and each of which penetrates the first surface 11 and the second surface 12. The optical fiber array 20 includes a plurality of optical fibers 21 arranged in an array, the core 211 of each optical fiber 21 being located in a optical fiber positioning hole 13, and the end face of the first end of the core 211 facing the side where the first surface 11 is located. Each guide post 30 protrudes from the first surface 11 and is located at the periphery of the plurality of optical fiber positioning holes 13. Each guide post 30 is connected to the substrate 10.

[0051] When it is necessary to dock the optical fiber array with other components, the first surface of the substrate connected to the optical fiber array can be placed opposite to the other components, and the substrate can be aligned and connected with the other components through guide columns protruding from the first surface, which is convenient and helps to improve the alignment accuracy between the optical fiber array and other components.

[0052] Optionally, the other components may be optical components, light-emitting components or photoelectric conversion components, etc. The optical components include but are not limited to lenses, prisms, another optical fiber array or waveguide, etc.

[0053] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the structure of the middle substrate 10. Figure 1 and Figure 2 The substrate 10 also has two substrate positioning holes 14. Each substrate positioning hole 14 passes through the first surface 11 and the second surface 12. A guide post 30 is provided in each substrate positioning hole 14. A portion of each guide post 30 is located in the substrate positioning hole 14, and another portion of each guide post 30 protrudes from the first surface 11, that is, an end face of the guide post 30 is located on one side of the first surface 11. The axial direction of the substrate positioning hole 14 is perpendicular to the first surface 11.

[0054] Optionally, the guide post 30 is connected to the hole wall of the substrate positioning hole 14 by glue. In this way, the guide post 30 and the substrate can be firmly connected, and it is not easy to separate from the guide post and the substrate during the subsequent assembly process with other components.

[0055] Alternatively, if Figure 1 As shown, the other end surface of the guide post 30 is flush with the second surface 12. In this way, the guide post 30 can be prevented from protruding from the second surface 12 and interfering with the optical fibers 21 in the optical fiber array 20. In addition, it is helpful to reduce the size of the optical device in the direction perpendicular to the first surface 11 of the substrate 10. Alternatively, in other embodiments, the other end surface of the guide post 30 can also be located on one side of the second surface 12, that is, protruding from the second surface 12.

[0056] like Figure 2As shown, the two substrate positioning holes 14 are located on opposite sides of the multiple optical fiber positioning holes 13. Optionally, the two substrate positioning holes 14 can be arranged along the row direction of the multiple optical fiber positioning holes 13 arranged in an array. For example, they are located on the center line of the multiple optical fiber positioning holes 13 extending along the row direction. In other embodiments, the two substrate positioning holes 14 are located on adjacent sides of the multiple optical fiber positioning holes 13, that is, one substrate positioning hole 14 can be located on one side of the row direction of the multiple optical fiber positioning holes 13 arranged in an array, and the other substrate positioning hole 14 can be located on one side of the column direction. Alternatively, the two substrate positioning holes 14 can also be located on the diagonal lines of the multiple optical fiber positioning holes 13, and the multiple optical fiber positioning holes 13 are located between the two substrate positioning holes 14.

[0057] The optical fiber array can be positioned relative to the docking component by using a relatively small number of guide posts, which is helpful to simplify the structure of the optical device. When the guide posts and the base plate are not integrally formed, the assembly efficiency of the optical device can also be improved.

[0058] It should be noted that in Figure 1 and Figure 2 In the embodiment, an example is given in which the optical device includes two substrate positioning holes 14 (two guide posts 30). In other embodiments, the number of substrate positioning holes 14 and guide posts 30 may be greater, for example, three or four. The number of substrate positioning holes 14 in the substrate 10 is the same as the number of guide posts 30. One guide post 30 is disposed in each substrate positioning hole 14.

[0059] When there are three substrate positioning holes 14 , the three substrate positioning holes 14 may be arranged in an isosceles triangle, with one substrate positioning hole 14 located on the first side of all the optical fiber positioning holes 13 , and the other two substrate positioning holes 14 located on the second side of all the optical fiber positioning holes 13 .

[0060] When the number of the substrate positioning holes 14 is four, the four substrate positioning holes 14 can be located at the four corners of all the optical fiber positioning holes 13; or, two substrate positioning holes 14 are located at Figure 2 The other two substrate positioning holes 14 are located at the positions of the substrate positioning holes 14 in the column direction of the plurality of optical fiber positioning holes 13 on both sides of all the optical fiber positioning holes 13 .

[0061] When the guide post 30 is inserted into the substrate positioning hole 14 of the substrate 10, the guide post 30 can be made of a material with a small thermal expansion coefficient and strong rigidity, such as tungsten steel, ceramic or stainless steel. In this way, it can be ensured that the guide post 30 will not be deformed during use, thereby avoiding alignment errors caused by deformation of the guide post 30.

[0062] Optionally, the substrate 10 may be a glass substrate, a silicon substrate, a plastic substrate or the like.

[0063] When the substrate 10 is a glass substrate, the optical fiber positioning hole 13 can be formed by laser induced etching technology. The position accuracy and aperture accuracy of the optical fiber positioning hole formed by laser induced etching technology are both high, which can reach 1μm. Here, the position accuracy refers to the deviation between the actual center position of the optical fiber positioning hole and the expected center position (or the designed center position); the aperture accuracy refers to the deviation between the actual aperture of the optical fiber positioning hole and the expected aperture (or the designed aperture). Alternatively, when the substrate 10 is a glass substrate, the optical fiber positioning hole 13 can also be formed by other etching processes, such as plasma etching.

[0064] When the substrate 10 may be a silicon substrate, it may be formed by using an etching process such as plasma etching.

[0065] When the substrate 10 is a plastic substrate, the substrate 10 having the optical fiber positioning hole 13 may be formed by an injection molding process.

[0066] In some examples, the thickness of the substrate 10 may be greater than or equal to 2 mm. When the thickness of the substrate 10 is within this range, the connection strength of the optical fiber can be guaranteed. The upper limit of the thickness of the substrate 10 is relatively large and can be set according to actual needs. The embodiment of the present application does not limit this. Usually, in order to reduce the volume of the product, the thickness of the substrate 10 will be reduced as much as possible.

[0067] Optionally, the substrate 10 is rectangular, corresponding to the arrangement of the optical fibers 21 in the optical fiber array 20, which is conducive to reducing the area of ​​the substrate 10, thereby reducing the volume of the optical device. In other embodiments, the shape of the substrate 10 can also be circular, elliptical, triangular, etc., and the embodiment of the present application does not limit the shape of the substrate.

[0068] Alternatively, if Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, the cross section of the optical fiber positioning hole 13 is circular. In the embodiment of the present application, the diameter of the optical fiber positioning hole 13 matches the diameter of the core 211 of the optical fiber 21. For example, the diameter of the optical fiber positioning hole 13 is larger than the diameter of the core 211, and the difference between the diameter of the optical fiber positioning hole 13 and the diameter of the core 211 is less than or equal to 1 μm. In this way, the position accuracy of each core 211 in the optical fiber array 20 can be guaranteed.

[0069] Alternatively, in some embodiments, the cross section of the optical fiber positioning hole 13 may also be a regular polygon, for example, a square (such as Figure 3 (b) of the figure), a regular pentagon or a regular hexagon (as shown in Figure 3 The diameter of the inscribed circle of the regular polygon is larger than the diameter of the core 211, and the difference between the diameter of the inscribed circle of the regular polygon and the diameter of the core 211 is less than or equal to 1 μm.

[0070] In some other embodiments, Figure 3 As shown in part (c), the outer contour of the cross section of the optical fiber positioning hole 13 includes an arc segment and two straight segments, one end of the two straight segments is connected, and the other ends of the two straight segments are respectively connected to the two ends of the arc segment. The extension lines of the two straight segments are tangent to the arc segment, and there is an angle between the two straight segments. By setting two straight segments, the fiber core in the optical fiber positioning hole can be guided and positioned, which is conducive to further improving the position accuracy of the fiber core.

[0071] In a possible implementation, Figure 1 As shown, the shape and size of the cross section of the optical fiber positioning hole 13 remain consistent in the axial direction of the optical fiber positioning hole 13 .

[0072] In another possible implementation, the optical fiber positioning hole 13 includes a first section and a second section connected to each other, the first section is cylindrical, the second section is frustum-shaped, and the small end of the second section is connected to one end of the first section. The large end of the second section is located on the second surface, and the other end of the first section is located on the first surface. Alternatively, the large end of the second end is located on the first surface, and the other end of the first section is located on the second surface. By providing the second section in the shape of a frustum, it can play a guiding role when the core of the optical fiber is inserted into the optical fiber positioning hole.

[0073] like Figure 2 As shown, a plurality of optical fiber positioning holes 13 are arranged in a two-dimensional array, that is, a plurality of optical fiber positioning holes 13 are arranged in M ​​rows and N columns, wherein M and N are both integers greater than 1. In some examples, the product of M and N is between 20 and 10000. Optionally, the product of M and N is between 100 and 5000, for example, M is equal to 20, and N is equal to 200. A core 211 of an optical fiber 21 is arranged in each optical fiber positioning hole 13. With the development of optical technologies such as optical communication technologies, the number of optical fibers contained in optical fiber arrays is increasing. The optical device provided in the embodiment of the present application is particularly suitable for docking between optical fiber arrays with a large number of optical fibers and other components because the optical fiber positioning holes in the substrate have high precision and the positional accuracy of the substrate relative to other components is high.

[0074] Optionally, the fiber core 211 of the optical fiber 21 is connected to the optical fiber positioning hole 13 by glue.

[0075] Optionally, among the multiple fiber positioning holes 13, the minimum spacing between the outermost fiber positioning hole 13 and the first side of the first surface 11 is 10μm-20μm, and the first side is the side of the first surface 11 that is closest to the outermost fiber positioning hole 13. For example, the minimum spacing between the outermost fiber positioning hole 13 and the first side of the first surface 11 is 15μm. Among them, the outermost fiber positioning hole among the multiple fiber positioning holes may be located in the first row of fiber positioning holes, the last row of fiber positioning holes, the first column of fiber positioning holes, or the last column of fiber positioning holes. The distance between the outermost fiber positioning hole 13 and the nearest side of the first surface 11 is small, which is conducive to reducing the area of ​​the substrate, thereby reducing the volume of the optical device.

[0076] For example, Figure 2 In the figure, the first surface 11 is rectangular, the first row of optical fiber positioning holes are arranged along the top edge of the first surface 11 (according to the direction in the figure), and the top edge is the side of the first surface 11 closest to the first row of optical fiber positioning holes 13. The spacing (i.e., the minimum spacing) between each optical fiber positioning hole 13 in the first row of optical fiber positioning holes and the top edge is equal, and the spacing between each optical fiber positioning hole 13 in the first row of optical fiber positioning holes and the top edge is 10μm-20μm.

[0077] Optionally, for a plurality of fiber optic positioning holes 13 arranged in an array, the spacing between two adjacent fiber optic positioning holes 13 in the row direction and the spacing between two adjacent fiber optic positioning holes 13 in the column direction may be equal or unequal. Here, the spacing between two adjacent fiber optic positioning holes 13 refers to the minimum distance between the side walls of two adjacent fiber optic positioning holes 13.

[0078] Optionally, among the plurality of optical fiber positioning holes 13, the spacing between any two adjacent optical fiber positioning holes 13 is greater than or equal to 100 μm. In order to reduce the volume of the optical device, it is generally desired that the spacing between two adjacent optical fiber positioning holes 13 is as small as possible, but due to the limitations of the manufacturing process, the spacing between any two adjacent optical fiber positioning holes 13 is difficult to reach less than 100 μm.

[0079] Exemplarily, the distance between the guide hole 14 and the optical fiber positioning hole 13 closest to the guide hole 14 is also greater than or equal to 100 μm.

[0080] Figure 4 is a schematic diagram of the enlarged structure of the first end of the core of the optical fiber provided in the embodiment of the present application. Figure 4 As shown in part (a) of FIG. 1 , the first end of the fiber core 211 is in a spherical cap shape. The spherical cap-shaped end can converge the light beam output by the fiber core.

[0081] Optionally, the height of the spherical cap may be greater than, equal to, or less than the radius of the spherical cap, as long as it can converge the light beam output from the fiber core.

[0082] Figure 4 In part (b), the fiber core 211 is cylindrical as a whole, that is, the end of the first end is consistent with the shape of the other parts of the fiber core 211. Figure 4 In the case where the distance between the first end of the fiber core 211 and the butt joint component is constant (for example, both are L), under the effect of the end convergence, Figure 4 In part (a), the spot area of ​​the light beam B1 output by the core 211 on the docking component is smaller than that of Figure 4 In part (b), the area of ​​the light spot of the light beam B2 output by the core 211 irradiating the docking component is small. When the receiving area of ​​the docking component is fixed, the smaller the light spot, the greater the deviation of the light spot position that the docking component can tolerate, thereby increasing the coupling tolerance between the optical fiber array and the docking unit of the docking component. Here, the deviation of the light spot position refers to the deviation between the center position of the light spot and the center position of the receiving surface of the docking unit.

[0083] Alternatively, the end of the first end of the fiber core 211 may not be in the shape of a spherical cap, but in the shape of a frustum, and the end face of the small end of the frustum is the end face of the fiber core 211. The frustum-shaped end can also converge the light beam output by the fiber core, thereby increasing the coupling tolerance between the optical fiber array and the docking unit of the docking component.

[0084] When the end of the first end of the fiber core 21 is in a frustum shape, the frustum-shaped portion is called a frustum segment, the cylindrical segment of the fiber core 21 is connected to the frustum segment, and the connection between the cylindrical segment and the frustum segment is flush with the first surface. When the end of the first end of the fiber core 21 is in a spherical cap shape, the spherical cap portion is called a spherical cap segment, the cylindrical segment of the fiber core 21 is connected to the spherical cap segment, and the connection between the cylindrical segment and the spherical cap segment is flush with the first surface 11. In this way, when the shape and size of the first end of each fiber core 21 are the same, the consistency of the output light beam of each fiber core 21 can be improved.

[0085] It should be noted that in Figure 1 and Figure 2 In the illustrated embodiment, the guide post 30 is inserted into the substrate positioning hole 14 of the substrate 10. In other embodiments, the guide post 30 may be integrally formed with the substrate 10. For example, the surface of a thicker substrate may be etched to obtain a substrate having a guide post on the first surface.

[0086] Optionally, a gasket (not shown) is further provided on the first surface of the substrate, and the thickness of the gasket is greater than or equal to the length of the fiber core protruding from the first surface. When the substrate is connected to the connecting plate through the guide pin, the gasket is located between the first surface and the connecting plate, and can be used to limit the distance between the first surface and the connecting plate, and can also protect the end of the fiber core protruding from the first surface.

[0087] Optionally, the gasket may be bonded to the first surface by glue, or the gasket and the substrate may be integrally formed.

[0088] Optionally, the spacer can be formed of the same material as the substrate. For example, when the substrate is a glass substrate, the spacer is also a glass spacer.

[0089] Optionally, the gasket may be disposed near the guide post 14. For example, each guide post 14 is provided with a corresponding gasket, which is annular and disposed around the corresponding guide post 14. Alternatively, a gasket is disposed on one side of each guide post 14, and the arrangement direction of the gasket and the adjacent guide post 14 is the row direction or column direction of the plurality of optical fiber positioning holes 13, which is conducive to reducing the volume of the substrate 10.

[0090] Figure 5 Schematic diagram of a partial structure of an optical device provided in an embodiment of the present application. Figure 5 As shown, the optical device includes Figure 1 and Figure 2 In addition to the structure in the embodiment, the housing 40 is also included. The housing 40 is connected to the substrate 10, and the parts of the multiple optical fibers 21 close to the substrate 10 are located in the housing 40. Generally, the core 211 of the optical fiber 21 is exposed to a certain length near the first end, and one section of the exposed section is located in the optical fiber positioning hole 13, and the other section is located on the side where the second surface 12 of the substrate 10 is located. The core 211 located on the side where the second surface 12 of the substrate 10 is located is easily damaged, so this part is accommodated in the housing 40 to protect the core 211 located on the side where the second surface 12 of the substrate 10 is located.

[0091] It should be noted that for the sake of convenience, Figure 5 Only the substrate 10 and the housing 40 are shown, and other structures of the optical device are not shown.

[0092] Exemplarily, the housing 40 includes a cylinder 41 having a first opening 41a and a second opening 41b at both ends of the cylinder 41. The substrate 10 may be located in the first opening 41a, with the first surface 11 facing the outside of the housing 41. The optical fibers in the optical fiber array all extend out of the cylinder 41 from the second opening 41b.

[0093] Optionally, the cylinder 41 may be a metal part or a plastic part.

[0094] Optionally, the housing 40 further includes a stopper 42, which is connected to one end of the cylinder 41 where the second opening 41b is located. The stopper 42 is provided with a stopper hole, and the optical fiber passes through the stopper hole.

[0095] The limiting member 42 is made of an elastic material such as rubber, which is helpful for protecting the optical fiber.

[0096] Optionally, the optical device further comprises a docking component, which comprises a plurality of docking units. Each docking unit is docked with the core of an optical fiber to achieve light transmission. Different types of docking components are described below.

[0097] Figure 6 is a schematic diagram of the structure of another optical device provided in an embodiment of the present application. Figure 6 As shown, the optical device includes Figure 1 and Figure 2 In addition to the structure in, or, in addition to including Figure 1 and Figure 2 as well as Figure 5 In addition to the structure in FIG. 1 , the connecting member 50 further includes a docking component 50. The docking component 50 includes a connecting plate 51 and a plurality of docking units 52a, wherein the plurality of docking units 52a are arranged in an array on the connecting plate 51, and the plurality of docking units 52a correspond to the fiber cores 211 of the plurality of optical fibers 21 one by one, and each docking unit 52a is opposite to the end of the corresponding fiber core 211. The connecting plate 51 has two connecting holes 51a, and the portion of the guide post 30 protruding from the first surface 11 is located in the connecting hole 51a.

[0098] For example, Figure 6 In the embodiment, the docking component 50 is a photoelectric conversion component. The connecting board 51 is a printed circuit board (PCB). The docking unit 52a is a photoelectric conversion unit, and each photoelectric conversion unit includes a photoelectric conversion device. Optionally, the photoelectric conversion device includes a photodiode (PD) or an avalanche diode.

[0099] In a possible implementation, the guide post 30 is fixedly connected to the connecting plate 51. For example, the guide post 30 is connected to the hole wall of the connecting hole 51a by glue. In this way, the optical fiber array 20 and the docking component 50 can be firmly connected to avoid positional displacement of the two during use.

[0100] In another possible implementation, the portion of the guide post 30 protruding from the first surface is only inserted into the corresponding connection hole 51a. When the optical fiber array 20 and the docking component 50 need to be connected, the portion of the guide post 30 protruding from the first surface can be inserted into the connection hole 51a. When the optical fiber array 20 and the docking component 50 need to be separated, the guide post 30 can be pulled out from the corresponding connection hole 51. It can be seen that the use of this method to connect the guide post and the connection hole can facilitate the connection and separation of the optical fiber array 30 and the docking component 50.

[0101] Optionally, the inner diameter of the connection hole 51a is larger than the outer diameter of the guide post 30, and the difference between the inner diameter of the connection hole 51a and the outer diameter of the guide post 30 is less than or equal to 1 μm, so as to improve the docking position accuracy of the docking component and the optical fiber array.

[0102] It should be noted that the number of the connection holes 51a in the connection plate 51 is equal to the number of the guide posts 30, and each connection hole 51a is provided with a guide post 30. Therefore, when the number of the guide posts 30 changes, the number of the connection holes 51a will also change accordingly.

[0103] Optionally, an electrical signal processing device, such as a transimpedance amplifier, etc., may also be provided on the connecting board 51a, and this embodiment of the present application does not impose any limitation on this.

[0104] Figure 7 is a schematic diagram of the structure of another optical device provided in an embodiment of the present application. Figure 7 As shown, the docking component 50 of the optical device is a lens array. The docking component 50 includes a connecting plate 51 and a plurality of docking units 52b. Among them, the docking units 52b are lens units.

[0105] The connecting plate 50 has a third surface 53 and a fourth surface 54 opposite to each other. The third surface 53 is a plane, and a plurality of lens units are provided on the fourth surface 54. Each docking unit 52b is opposite to the end of the core 211 of the plurality of optical fibers 21.

[0106] like Figure 7 As shown, the end surface of the first end of the fiber core 211 is flush with the first surface 11 so as to abut against the third surface of the connecting plate 50 .

[0107] It should be noted that Figure 7 In the embodiment, the lens unit is a protruding structure protruding from the fourth surface 54, that is, the lens unit is a convex lens. The convex lens can be used when the connecting plate 50 is thin. When the connecting plate 50 is thin, the divergence of the light emitted from the end of the fiber core 211 is small and can be ignored, and the light can be converged by the convex lens before being emitted.

[0108] In other embodiments, the lens unit may also be a concave structure that is concave from the fourth surface 54 to the third surface 53, that is, the lens unit is a concave lens. The concave lens can be used when the connecting plate 50 is thicker. When the connecting plate 50 is thicker, the light emitted from the end of the fiber core 211 is more divergent, so a concave lens is required to convert the divergent light into parallel light before emitting.

[0109] Figure 8 Schematic diagram of another optical device provided in the embodiment of the present application. Figure 8 As shown, the docking component 50 of the optical device is an optical fiber array. The structure of the connecting plate 51 is the same as that of the base plate 10, and the structure of the docking unit 52c is the same as that of the base plate 10. Figure 1 The structure of the optical fiber is exactly the same.

[0110] Alternatively, in other embodiments, the structure of the docking unit 52c is similar to Figure 1 The structure of the optical fiber in the docking unit 52c is slightly different. For example, the end surface of the core of the docking unit 52c facing the substrate 10 is flat and flush with the surface of the connecting plate 51.

[0111] Optionally, the optical device provided in the embodiments of the present application may be applied to equipment such as an optical switch, an optical connector, an optical receiver or an optical module.

[0112] The embodiment of the present application also provides a method for manufacturing an optical device. Fig. 9 1 is a flow chart of a method for manufacturing an optical device provided in an embodiment of the present application. Fig. 9 As shown, the production method includes:

[0113] Step 901, forming a plurality of optical fiber positioning holes in a substrate, the substrate having a first surface and a second surface opposite to each other, the plurality of optical fiber positioning holes being arranged in an array and each optical fiber positioning hole penetrating the first surface and the second surface;

[0114] Step 902, forming X guide posts on the substrate, wherein the X guide posts protrude from the first surface and are located at the periphery of the plurality of optical fiber positioning holes, and the X guide posts are connected to the substrate;

[0115] Step 903, connecting the optical fiber array to the substrate, the optical fiber array comprising a plurality of optical fibers arranged in an array, the core of each optical fiber being located in a fiber positioning hole, and the end face of the first end of the core facing the side where the first surface is located.

[0116] In some examples, the substrate is a glass substrate, and a plurality of optical fiber positioning holes are formed in the substrate using laser induced etching technology. The optical fiber positioning holes formed using laser induced etching technology have high position accuracy and aperture accuracy. When the position accuracy and aperture accuracy of the optical fiber positioning holes in the substrate are high, the alignment accuracy between the optical fiber array and the docking component can be further improved.

[0117] In a first possible implementation of step 903, for each fiber core, the fiber core is inserted into the corresponding fiber positioning hole from the second surface until the first end of the fiber core is located on one side of the first surface; and glue is used to bond the fiber core and the fiber positioning hole. In this implementation, the fiber positioning hole includes a first section and a second section connected to each other, the first section is cylindrical, the second section is frustum-shaped, and the small end of the second section is connected to one end of the first section. The large end of the second section is located on the second surface, and the other end of the first section is located on the first surface. By setting the second section in a frustum-shaped shape, it is convenient to insert the fiber core into the fiber positioning hole from the second surface. To insert the fiber core into the fiber positioning hole from the second surface, it is only necessary to peel off the protective layer outside part of the fiber core of the optical fiber, which is conducive to protecting the fiber core from damage.

[0118] In a second possible implementation of step 903, for each fiber core, the fiber core is inserted into the corresponding fiber positioning hole from the first surface until the first end of the fiber core is located on one side of the first surface; glue is used to bond the fiber core and the fiber positioning hole. In this implementation, the fiber positioning hole includes a first section and a second section that are connected, the first section is cylindrical, the second section is frustum-shaped, and the small end of the second section is connected to one end of the first section. The large end of the second section is located on the first surface, and the other end of the first section is located on the second surface. By providing the second section in a frustum-shaped shape, it is convenient to insert the fiber core into the fiber positioning hole from the first surface. Inserting the fiber core into the fiber positioning hole from the first surface can prevent the first end of the fiber core from being contaminated, so that a focusing structure can be formed directly at the end of the first end, that is, a frustum-shaped or spherical crown-shaped end.

[0119] It should be noted that in the two possible implementations of step 903, the optical fiber positioning hole 13 may also be a columnar hole.

[0120] Optionally, for the second possible implementation, the method may further include: before step 903, using laser technology to process the end of the first end of the fiber core so that the end of the fiber core is in a frustum shape or a spherical cap shape. In this way, Figure 1 and Figure 2 The optical device in.

[0121] Optionally, for the second possible implementation, the method may further include: before step 903, processing the end of the first end of the fiber core so that the end of the fiber core is in a frustum shape or a spherical cap shape. The processing method includes but is not limited to laser forming or grinding.

[0122] Optionally, the manufacturing method further comprises: connecting the guide column to a docking component. The structure of the docking component is as described in the above embodiment and will not be described in detail here.

[0123] Unless otherwise defined, the technical or scientific terms used herein shall have the usual meaning understood by persons of ordinary skill in the field to which this application belongs. The words "first", "second", "third" and similar terms used in the patent application specification and claims of this application do not indicate any order, quantity or importance, but are only used to distinguish different components. Similarly, similar words such as "one" or "one" do not indicate a quantitative limitation, but rather indicate the existence of at least one. Similar words such as "include" or "comprise" mean that the elements or objects appearing before "include" or "comprise" include the elements or objects listed after "include" or "comprise" and their equivalents, and do not exclude other elements or objects. The multiple involved in the embodiments of this application refers to two or more. A and / or B means that there are three situations: A; B; and A and B.

[0124] The above is only an embodiment of the present application and is not intended to limit the present application. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, improvements, etc. made within the spirit and principles of the present application should be included in the protection scope of the present application.

Claims

1. An optical device, characterized in that: The optical device comprises: a substrate, an optical fiber array and X guide pillars, wherein X is an integer and X is greater than 1; The substrate has a first surface and a second surface opposite to each other, and a plurality of optical fiber positioning holes are formed in the substrate, the plurality of optical fiber positioning holes are arranged in an array and each of the optical fiber positioning holes passes through the first surface and the second surface; The optical fiber array comprises a plurality of optical fibers arranged in an array, the first end of the core of each of the optical fibers is located in one of the optical fiber positioning holes, and the end face of the first end faces the side where the first surface is located; The X guide posts protrude from the first surface and are located at the periphery of the plurality of optical fiber positioning holes. The X guide posts are connected to the substrate.

2. The optical device according to claim 1, characterized in that The substrate further has X substrate positioning holes, and the X substrate positioning holes penetrate the first surface and the second surface; A portion of each of the guide posts is located in one of the X substrate positioning holes, and another portion of each of the guide posts protrudes from the first surface.

3. The optical device according to claim 2, characterized in that One end surface of the guide column is flush with the second surface.

4. The optical device according to claim 2 or 3, characterized in that: X is equal to 2, and the two guide posts are located on opposite sides of the plurality of optical fiber positioning holes.

5. The optical device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that: The end portion of the first end is in a frustum shape or a spherical cap shape.

6. The optical device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that: Among the multiple fiber positioning holes, the minimum distance between the outermost fiber positioning hole and the first side of the first surface is 10 μm-20 μm, and the first side is the side of the first surface closest to the outermost fiber positioning hole.

7. The optical device according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that: Also included is a docking component, the docking component includes a connection plate and a plurality of docking units, the plurality of docking units are arranged in an array on the connection plate and are opposite to the ends of the cores of the plurality of optical fibers; The connecting plate has X connecting holes, and the portion of the guide column protruding from the first surface is located in the connecting holes.

8. The optical device according to claim 7, characterized in that The docking unit includes a lens unit, a photoelectric conversion unit, a light emitting unit, an optical fiber or a waveguide.

9. The optical device according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that: The invention also comprises a housing connected to the substrate, and parts of the plurality of optical fibers close to the substrate are located in the housing.

10. The optical device according to any one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that: The substrate is a glass substrate or a plastic substrate.

11. A method for manufacturing an optical device, characterized in that: The production method comprises: A plurality of optical fiber positioning holes are formed in a substrate, the substrate having a first surface and a second surface opposite to each other, the plurality of optical fiber positioning holes are arranged in an array and each of the optical fiber positioning holes penetrates the first surface and the second surface; Forming X guide posts on the substrate, the X guide posts protrude from the first surface and are located on at least one side of the plurality of optical fiber positioning holes, and the X guide posts are connected to the substrate; An optical fiber array is connected to the substrate, wherein the optical fiber array includes a plurality of optical fibers arranged in parallel, the core of each optical fiber is located in one of the optical fiber positioning holes, and the end face of the core is located on the first surface.

12. The manufacturing method according to claim 11, characterized in that: The forming of a plurality of optical fiber positioning holes in the substrate comprises: A plurality of optical fiber positioning holes are formed in the substrate by using laser induced etching technology.

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