Optical waveguide and optical wiring member

Abstract

This optical waveguide is provided with a first core pattern and a second core pattern, and the first core pattern is provided with: a first incidence / emission surface and a second incidence / emission surface provided at one end of the first core pattern; a third entrance / exit surface and a fourth entrance / exit surface provided at the other end of the first core pattern; a first rectifying unit; a first branch part; the second core pattern is provided with: a fifth incidence / emission surface and a sixth incidence / emission surface provided at one end of the second core pattern; a seventh entrance / exit surface and an eighth entrance / exit surface provided at the other end of the second core pattern; a second rectifying part; a third branch part; and a fourth branch section that has a linear symmetry relationship between the first to fourth incident / exit surfaces and the fifth to eighth incident / exit surfaces with the first straight line as the axis of symmetry. Between the first incidence / emission surface and the third incidence / emission surface, between the second incidence / emission surface and the fourth incidence / emission surface, between the fifth incidence / emission surface and the seventh incidence / emission surface, and between the sixth incidence / emission surface and the eighth incidence / emission surface, a line-symmetric relationship is established with the second straight line as the axis of symmetry is established between the first incidence / emission surface and the third incidence / emission surface, between the second incidence / emission surface and the fourth incidence / emission surface, between the fifth incidence / emission surface and the seventh incidence / emission surface, and between the sixth incidence / emission surface and the eighth incidence / emission surface.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an optical waveguide and an optical wiring component. Background Art

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a branching optical waveguide that distributes an input optical signal or combines two input optical signals into one. The branching optical waveguide has a first core and a second core and a third core that are branched from the first core, and has a Y shape.

[0003] Patent Document 2 discloses an optical waveguide in which cores merge and branch into an X-shape. In this optical waveguide, optical signals can be mixed and the mixed optical signals can be distributed.

[0004] By using these optical waveguides, optical signals can be distributed and mixed without converting them into electrical signals, thus achieving faster distribution and mixing of large volumes of data and saving power.

[0005] Furthermore, Patent Document 1 discloses a technology for multiplexing light of different wavelengths, and Patent Document 2 discloses a technology for transmitting optical signals in both the upstream and downstream directions in one optical waveguide by changing the wavelength of the optical signal.

[0006] Prior art literature

[0007] Patent Literature

[0008] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2017-151275;

[0009] Patent document 2: International Publication No. 2021 / 192674. Summary of the invention

[0010] Problems to be solved by the invention

[0011] In the branched optical waveguide described in Patent Document 1, the core has a Y-shaped linear shape. Therefore, the structure has directionality, and the connection operation requires full attention. For example, when the linear shape of the core cannot be distinguished from the appearance, the input side and the output side may be connected inversely, or even if it can be distinguished, the input side and the output side may be connected inversely due to negligence. In addition, in the assembly operation of accommodating the optical waveguide in the housing, the input side and the output side of the optical waveguide may be assembled inversely.

[0012] In the optical waveguide described in Patent Document 2, the core has an X-shaped linear shape. Therefore, if the structure is designed to be isotropic, the directivity can be ignored. However, Patent Document 2 does not take such a structure into consideration.

[0013] Furthermore, when an upstream optical signal and a downstream optical signal are transmitted in one optical waveguide using lights of different wavelengths, the device connected to the optical waveguide needs to process lights of different wavelengths, which may complicate the device structure.

[0014] An object of the present invention is to provide an optical waveguide and an optical wiring component that can reduce the burden of connection work or assembly work and contribute to simplifying the structure of a connected device.

[0015] Technical solutions to problems

[0016] This object is achieved by the present invention described below (1) to (10).

[0017] (1) An optical waveguide in the form of a sheet extending along a plane, characterized in that:

[0018] When two straight lines orthogonal to each other in the plane are defined as a first straight line and a second straight line, the optical waveguide includes a first core pattern and a second core pattern independently arranged on both sides of the first straight line.

[0019] The first core pattern comprises:

[0020] A first incident / emission surface and a second incident / emission surface are provided at one end of the first core pattern;

[0021] a third incident / emission surface and a fourth incident / emission surface, disposed at the other end of the first core pattern;

[0022] a first rectifying portion extending along the first straight line;

[0023] a first branch portion connecting one end of the first rectifying portion with the first incident / emitting surface and the second incident / emitting surface; and

[0024] a second branching portion connecting the other end of the first rectifying portion with the third incident / emitting surface and the fourth incident / emitting surface,

[0025] The second core pattern comprises:

[0026] a fifth incident / emission surface and a sixth incident / emission surface, disposed at one end of the second core pattern;

[0027] A seventh incident / emission surface and an eighth incident / emission surface are provided at the other end of the second core pattern;

[0028] a second rectifying portion extending along the first straight line;

[0029] a third branch portion connecting one end of the second rectifying portion with the fifth incident / emission surface and the sixth incident / emission surface; and

[0030] a fourth branch portion connecting the other end of the second rectifying portion with the seventh incident / emission surface and the eighth incident / emission surface,

[0031] A linear symmetric relationship with the first straight line as a symmetry axis is established between the first incident / emission surface, the second incident / emission surface, the third incident / emission surface, and the fourth incident / emission surface and the fifth incident / emission surface, the sixth incident / emission surface, the seventh incident / emission surface, and the eighth incident / emission surface,

[0032] A line symmetric relationship with the second straight line as a symmetry axis is established between the first incident / emission surface and the third incident / emission surface, and between the second incident / emission surface and the fourth incident / emission surface.

[0033] A line symmetric relationship with the second straight line as a symmetry axis is established between the fifth incident / exit surface and the seventh incident / exit surface, and between the sixth incident / exit surface and the eighth incident / exit surface.

[0034] (2) The optical waveguide according to (1) above, wherein:

[0035] The first branch portion has:

[0036] a first core connecting the one end of the first rectifying portion and the first incident / emitting surface; and

[0037] a second core connecting the one end of the first rectifying portion and the second incident / emitting surface,

[0038] The second branch portion has:

[0039] a third core connecting the other end of the first rectifying portion and the third incident / emitting surface; and

[0040] The fourth core connects the other end of the first rectifying portion and the fourth incident / emission surface, and when the width of the middle of the length of the first rectifying portion is set to WM1,

[0041] The width of the first core at the connection portion between the first rectifying portion and the first branching portion is WC1.

[0042] The width of the second core at the connection portion between the first rectifying portion and the first branching portion is WC2.

[0043] The width of the third core at the connection portion between the first rectifying portion and the second branching portion is WC3.

[0044] The width of the fourth core at the connection portion between the first rectifying portion and the second branching portion is WC4.

[0045] The width of the first incident / emission surface is denoted as WP1.

[0046] The width of the second incident / emission surface is WP2.

[0047] The width of the third incident / emission surface is denoted as WP3.

[0048] When the width of the fourth incident / emission surface is set to WP4,

[0049] The optical waveguide satisfies the following formula:

[0050] 0.9×(WC1+WC2)≤WM1≤1.1×(WC1+WC2);

[0051] 0.9×(WC3+WC4)≤WM1≤1.1×(WC3+WC4);

[0052] WA=WP1=WP3;

[0053] WB = WP2 = WP4; ​​and

[0054] 0.9×(WA+WB)≤WM1≤1.1×(WA+WB).

[0055] (3) The optical waveguide according to (2) above, wherein:

[0056] The third branch portion has:

[0057] a fifth core connecting the one end of the second rectifying portion and the fifth incident / emitting surface; and

[0058] a sixth core connecting the one end of the second rectifying portion and the sixth incident / emitting surface,

[0059] The fourth branch portion has:

[0060] a seventh core connecting the other end of the second rectifying portion and the seventh incident / emitting surface; and

[0061] The eighth core connects the other end of the second rectifying portion and the eighth incident / emission surface, and when the width at the middle of the length of the second rectifying portion is set to WM2,

[0062] The width of the fifth core at the connection portion between the second rectifying portion and the third branching portion is WC5.

[0063] The width of the sixth core at the connection portion between the second rectifying portion and the third branching portion is WC6.

[0064] The width of the seventh core at the connection portion between the second rectifying portion and the fourth branching portion is WC7.

[0065] The width of the eighth core at the connection portion between the second rectifying portion and the fourth branch portion is WC8.

[0066] The width of the fifth incident / emission surface is WP5.

[0067] The width of the sixth incident / emission surface is set to WP6,

[0068] The width of the seventh incident / emission surface is WP7.

[0069] When the width of the eighth incident / emission surface is set to WP8,

[0070] The optical waveguide satisfies the following formula:

[0071] 0.9×(WC5+WC6)≤WM2≤1.1×(WC5+WC6);

[0072] 0.9×(WC7+WC8)≤WM2≤1.1×(WC7+WC8);

[0073] WA=WP5=WP7;

[0074] WB = WP6 = WP8; and

[0075] 0.9×(WA+WB)≤WM2≤1.1×(WA+WB).

[0076] (4) The optical waveguide according to any one of (1) to (3) above, wherein:

[0077] When the length of the first rectifying portion is LM1 and the width at the middle of the length LM1 is WM1,

[0078] When the length of the second rectifying portion is LM2 and the width at the middle of the length LM2 is WM2,

[0079] The optical waveguide satisfies the following formula:

[0080] 100×WM1≤LM1; and

[0081] 100×WM2≤LM2.

[0082] (5) The optical waveguide according to any one of (1) to (4) above, wherein:

[0083] A linear symmetric relationship with the first straight line as a symmetry axis is established between the linear shape of the first branch portion and the linear shape of the third branch portion, and between the linear shape of the second branch portion and the linear shape of the fourth branch portion.

[0084] A line symmetric relationship with the second straight line as a symmetry axis is established between the line shape of the first branch portion and the line shape of the second branch portion, and between the line shape of the third branch portion and the line shape of the fourth branch portion.

[0085] (6) The optical waveguide according to any one of (1) to (5) above, which is composed of a laminated body, wherein the laminated body comprises:

[0086] A core layer, including the first core pattern and the second core pattern;

[0087] a first cladding layer laminated on one surface of the core layer; and

[0088] The second cladding layer is laminated on the other surface of the core layer.

[0089] (7) The optical waveguide according to (6) above, wherein:

[0090] The stacked body has a plane-symmetric relationship with respect to a plane that is parallel to the plane and passes through the middle of the thickness of the core layer.

[0091] (8) The optical waveguide according to (6) or (7) above, wherein:

[0092] The laminated body is made of a resin material.

[0093] (9) An optical wiring component, comprising:

[0094] The optical waveguide according to any one of (1) to (8) above;

[0095] A housing for accommodating the optical waveguide;

[0096] a first connecting portion connecting at least one of the first incident / emission surface and the second incident / emission surface to the 1A optical fiber, and connecting at least one of the fifth incident / emission surface and the sixth incident / emission surface to the 2A optical fiber; and

[0097] The second connection portion connects the third incident / emission surface and the fourth incident / emission surface to the 1B optical fiber, and connects the seventh incident / emission surface and the eighth incident / emission surface to the 2B optical fiber.

[0098] (10) The optical wiring component according to (9) above, comprising:

[0099] The 1A optical fiber;

[0100] The 1B optical fiber;

[0101] The 2A optical fiber;

[0102] The 2B optical fiber;

[0103] One or two first light emitting units, causing light to be incident on the first core pattern via the firstA optical fiber;

[0104] Two first light receiving parts receive the light emitted from the first core pattern via the first B optical fiber;

[0105] two second light emitting units, causing light to be incident on the second core pattern via the secondB optical fiber; and

[0106] One or two second light receiving units receive light emitted from the second core pattern via the 2A optical fiber.

[0107] Effects of the Invention

[0108] According to the present invention, it is possible to obtain an optical waveguide and an optical wiring component that can reduce the burden of connection work or assembly work and contribute to simplification of the structure of a device to be connected. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0109] Figure 1 It is a schematic diagram showing an optical wiring component according to an embodiment.

[0110] Figure 2 It is a plan view showing the optical waveguide according to the embodiment.

[0111] Figure 3 It is rewritten Figure 2 A top view of the optical waveguide after the symbol is shown.

[0112] Figure 4 It is a magnified representation Figure 1 A perspective view of a portion of an optical waveguide.

[0113] Figure 5 This is a perspective view showing an example of an optical waveguide with a ferrule.

[0114] Figure 6 Yes, it will have Figure 5 A perspective view showing an optical waveguide with a sleeve, a housing, optical wiring components of a first connecting portion and a second connecting portion, and an optical fiber ribbon with parts thereof disassembled. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0115] Hereinafter, the optical waveguide and the optical wiring component of the present invention will be described in detail based on the preferred embodiments shown in the accompanying drawings.

[0116] 1. Optical wiring components

[0117] First, an optical waveguide and an optical wiring component according to an embodiment will be described.

[0118] Figure 1 It is a schematic diagram showing the optical wiring component 10 according to the embodiment. Figure 2 It is a plan view showing the optical waveguide 1 according to the embodiment.

[0119] In addition, in each figure of the present application, the X-axis, Y-axis, and Z-axis are set as three axes orthogonal to each other and are indicated by arrows. In addition, the tip side of the arrow is called the "positive side", and the base side is called the "negative side". In addition, the positive side of the Z-axis is also particularly called "upper", and the negative side of the Z-axis is also particularly called "lower".

[0120] Figure 1 The optical wiring component 10 shown includes the optical waveguide 1, a first-A optical fiber F1A, a second-A optical fiber F2A, a first-B optical fiber F1B, and a second-B optical fiber F2B.

[0121] The optical waveguide 1 is disposed between the 1A optical fiber F1A and the 1B optical fiber F1B and between the 2A optical fiber F2A and the 2B optical fiber F2B, and optically connects them to relay optical signals.

[0122] and, Figure 1 The optical wiring component 10 shown includes a first transmitting unit T1 (first light emitting unit), a first receiving unit R1 (second light receiving unit), second and third transmitting units T2 and T3 (two second light emitting units), and second and third receiving units R2 and R3 (two first light receiving units).

[0123] Figure 1 1 , a first electronic device E1 , a second electronic device E2 , and a third electronic device E3 are shown.

[0124] The first electronic device E1 is electrically connected to the first transmitting unit T1 (first light emitting unit) and the first receiving unit R1 (second light receiving unit). The second electronic device E2 is electrically connected to the second transmitting unit T2 (second light emitting unit) and the second receiving unit R2 (first light receiving unit). The third electronic device E3 is electrically connected to the third transmitting unit T3 (second light emitting unit) and the third receiving unit R3 (first light receiving unit).

[0125] The first transmission unit T1 allows light to enter the first core pattern CP1 via the 1A optical fiber F1A. The second reception unit R2 and the third reception unit R3 receive light emitted from the first core pattern CP1 via the 1B optical fiber F1B.

[0126] The second transmission unit T2 and the third transmission unit T3 allow light to enter the second core pattern CP2 via the 2B optical fiber F2B. The first reception unit R1 receives light emitted from the second core pattern CP2 via the 2A optical fiber F2A.

[0127] 2. Optical waveguide

[0128] The optical signals outputted from the respective transmitting units are received by the respective receiving units via the optical fiber and the optical waveguide 1. By using the optical wiring component 10 operating in this manner, optical communication between electronic devices can be performed. Figure 1 In the example of , optical communication can be performed between the first electronic device E1 and the second electronic device E2 and between the first electronic device E1 and the third electronic device E3.

[0129] 2.1. Overview of core pattern

[0130] Figure 2 The optical waveguide 1 shown is in the form of a sheet extending along a plane parallel to the XY plane. Furthermore, when two straight lines orthogonal to each other in the plane are set as a first straight line L1 and a second straight line L2, the optical waveguide 1 includes a first core pattern CP1 and a second core pattern CP2 independently arranged on both sides of the first straight line L1. The first core pattern CP1 and the second core pattern CP2 are respectively composed of a core portion (optical transmission portion) for transmitting an optical signal.

[0131] The first core pattern CP1 includes a first incident / emission surface P1 and a second incident / emission surface P2 provided at one end of the first core pattern CP1, a third incident / emission surface P3 and a fourth incident / emission surface P4 provided at the other end of the first core pattern CP1, a first rectifying portion M1, a first branching portion B1, and a second branching portion B2. The first rectifying portion M1 extends along a first straight line L1. In this specification, "extending along a straight line" means extending in a straight line parallel to the straight line.

[0132] The first branch portion B1 has a first core C1 and a second core C2. The first core C1 and the second core C2 are respectively curved and extend in a manner that the distance in the X-axis direction increases from one end of the first rectifying portion M1 (the end on the negative side of the Y-axis) toward the negative side of the Y-axis, thereby connecting one end of the first rectifying portion M1 with the first incident / emission surface P1 and the second incident / emission surface P2.

[0133] The second branch portion B2 has a third core C3 and a fourth core C4. The third core C3 and the fourth core C4 are respectively curved and extend in a manner that the distance in the X-axis direction increases from the other end of the first rectifying portion M1 (the end on the positive side of the Y-axis) toward the positive side of the Y-axis, thereby connecting the other end of the first rectifying portion M1 with the third incident / emission surface P3 and the fourth incident / emission surface P4.

[0134] The second core pattern CP2 includes a fifth incident / emission surface P5 and a sixth incident / emission surface P6 provided at one end of the second core pattern CP2, a seventh incident / emission surface P7 and an eighth incident / emission surface P8 provided at the other end of the second core pattern CP2, a second rectifying portion M2, a third branch portion B3, and a fourth branch portion B4. The second rectifying portion M2 extends along the first straight line L1.

[0135] The third branch portion B3 has a fifth core C5 and a sixth core C6. The fifth core C5 and the sixth core C6 are respectively curved and extend in a manner that the distance in the X-axis direction increases from one end of the second rectifying portion M2 (the end on the negative side of the Y-axis) toward the negative side of the Y-axis, thereby connecting one end of the second rectifying portion M2 with the fifth incident / emission surface P5 and the sixth incident / emission surface P6.

[0136] The 4th branch portion B4 has a 7th core C7 and an 8th core C8. The 7th core C7 and the 8th core C8 are respectively curved and extend in a manner where the distance in the X-axis direction increases from the other end of the 2nd rectifying portion M2 (the end on the positive side of the Y-axis) toward the positive side of the Y-axis, thereby connecting the other end of the 2nd rectifying portion M2 with the 7th incident / emission surface P7 and the 8th incident / emission surface P8.

[0137] By providing such two core patterns, it is possible to distinguish the downstream and upstream of the optical signal. For example, the first core pattern CP1 is used for transmitting the optical signal toward the positive side of the Y axis, and the second core pattern CP2 is used for transmitting the optical signal toward the negative side of the Y axis.

[0138] Assuming that both the downlink optical signal and the uplink optical signal are transmitted in one core pattern, it is necessary to use light of different wavelengths. Therefore, in the device for transmitting and receiving information via the optical waveguide, a special device for sharing the downlink and uplink on the same line is required, for example, a device for wavelength division multiplexing optical communication. The need for such a device will cause the structure of the device for transmitting and receiving information to become complicated and the cost to increase. In addition, when using an optical element for separating the downlink optical signal and the uplink optical signal, the reduction in transmission quality has also become a problem. Furthermore, depending on the structure, material, manufacturing method, etc. of the optical waveguide 1, the transmission quality may sometimes differ depending on the wavelength.

[0139] In contrast, Figure 2In the optical waveguide 1 shown, the transmission direction of the optical signal can be divided, so there is no need for a special device required to transmit a bidirectional optical signal with a core pattern. Therefore, the structure of the first electronic device E1, the second electronic device E2, and the third electronic device E3 that send and receive information via the optical waveguide 1 or the structure of the light emitting part and the light receiving part can be simplified. In addition, there is no need for an optical element to separate the downstream optical signal and the upstream optical signal, so the transmission quality can be suppressed from being reduced, and high-speed and large-capacity communication can be performed. Furthermore, by using the same wavelength of light in the downstream optical signal and the upstream optical signal, the problem that the transmission quality varies depending on the wavelength can also be solved.

[0140] Furthermore, the first core pattern CP1 and the second core pattern CP2 each have the function of mixing and distributing optical signals.

[0141] exist Figure 1 In the example, the optical signal S2 emitted from the first transmitting section T1 is received by the second incident / emission surface P2 of the first core pattern CP1 via the 1A optical fiber F1A. The optical signal S2 is transmitted from the first rectifying section M1 to the second branching section B2, and is distributed into two optical signals, the optical signal S3 and the optical signal S4. Then, the optical signal S3 emitted from the third incident / emission surface P3 is received by the second receiving section R2 via the 1B optical fiber F1B. And, the optical signal S4 emitted from the fourth incident / emission surface P4 is received by the third receiving section R3 via the 1B optical fiber F1B. In addition, in the following description, the signal transmission in which the optical signal S2 is distributed into the optical signals S3 and S4 as described above is referred to as "uplink communication".

[0142] On the other hand, Figure 1 In the example, the optical signal S8 emitted from the second transmitting part T2 is received by the 8th incident / emission surface P8 of the second core pattern CP2 via the 2B optical fiber F2B. And, the optical signal S7 emitted from the third transmitting part T3 is received by the 7th incident / emission surface P7 via the 2B optical fiber F2B. The optical signals S7 and S8 are mixed in the 4th branch part B4 and transmitted to the 2nd rectifying part M2. The mixed optical signals S7 and S8 are transmitted from the 2nd rectifying part M2 to the 3rd branch part B3 and are distributed into two optical signals, namely, the optical signal S5 and the optical signal S6. Then, the optical signal S6 emitted from the 6th incident / emission surface P6 is received by the 1st receiving part R1 via the 2A optical fiber F2A. On the other hand, the optical signal S5 can be forced to attenuate or radiate into space. In addition, in the following description, the signal transmission after the mixed optical signals S7 and S8 as described above are distributed as the optical signals S5 and S6 is referred to as "downlink communication".

[0143] So, in Figure 1In the example, the information outputted by the first electronic device E1 can be distributed to the second electronic device E2 and the third electronic device E3 via the first core pattern CP1. This optical communication technology is suitable for use in a passive optical network (PON), for example. Furthermore, the passive optical network can be an in-vehicle network.

[0144] The first electronic device E1 is not particularly limited. For example, when the first electronic device E1 is a vehicle-mounted device, various sensors such as image sensors such as cameras, ranging sensors such as LiDAR (Laser Imaging, Detection and Ranging) or millimeter wave sensors, and antenna modules and the like can be cited. In the following description, the first electronic device E1 is sometimes referred to as a "slave function unit". These devices generate a large amount of information in a short time. Therefore, uplink communication requires a large communication capacity.

[0145] In addition, in the present embodiment, the only device connected to the negative side of the Y-axis than the optical waveguide 1 is the first electronic device E1, but an electronic device as another subordinate functional unit may be added in parallel with the first electronic device E1. That is, the first incident / emission surface P1 and the fifth incident / emission surface P5 may be connected to another electronic device via an optical fiber not shown. At this time, the optical signals output from a plurality of subordinate functional units are mixed and distributed. Therefore, as a technology to avoid conflicts in information output from a plurality of subordinate functional units, for example, time division multiple access TDMA (Time Division Multiple Access), time division multiplexing TDM (Time Division Multiplexing), etc. may be used. Furthermore, if the cost required for wave division or wave combination is within an allowable range, wavelength division multiplexing WDM (Wavelength Division Multiplexing) may also be used.

[0146] The second electronic device E2 and the third electronic device E3 receive these large-capacity information, and preferably process them in real time. Therefore, there is no particular limitation as the second electronic device E2 and the third electronic device E3, and for example, a computing device such as a microcomputer can be cited. Specifically, when the second electronic device E2 and the third electronic device E3 are respectively vehicle-mounted devices, ECU (Electronic Control Unit), navigation device, TCU (Telematics Communication Unit), gateway device, etc. can be cited. In the following description, the second electronic device E2 and the third electronic device E3 are sometimes referred to as "main function units", respectively. Various functions are realized based on the calculation results in these devices. In most cases, the processing of information requires real-time performance, so the uplink communication requires a high communication speed.

[0147] According to the first core pattern CP1, in the uplink communication, it is possible to carry out communication at a higher speed and with a larger capacity than before. Therefore, according to the optical communication using the optical waveguide 1, a system capable of processing large-capacity information in real time can be realized. In addition, the distribution of information as described above can distribute information while maintaining the state of the optical signal, so that the processing unit of the information can be parallelized while suppressing power consumption, for example, it is helpful to make the system redundant, etc. That is, by processing the same information in parallel by the second electronic device E2 and the third electronic device E3, the fault tolerance of the system can be improved.

[0148] On the other hand, according to the second core pattern CP2, in the downlink communication, high-speed and large-capacity communication can be performed in the same manner as in the uplink communication. In addition, in the downlink communication, the optical signals output from the plurality of main functional units will also be mixed and distributed. Therefore, in the downlink communication, as a technology to avoid conflicts in the information output from the plurality of main functional units, for example, time division multiplexing TDM, time division multiple access TDMA, etc. can also be used. Furthermore, if the cost required for wavelength division or wavelength combination is within an allowable range, wavelength division multiplexing WDM can also be used.

[0149] 2.2. Symmetry of the incident / exit plane

[0150] Here, in Figure 2In the optical waveguide 1 shown, a line symmetric relationship with the first straight line L1 as the axis of symmetry is established between the first incident / emission surface P1, the second incident / emission surface P2, the third incident / emission surface P3, and the fourth incident / emission surface P4 and the fifth incident / emission surface P5, the sixth incident / emission surface P6, the seventh incident / emission surface P7, and the eighth incident / emission surface P8. Specifically, the line symmetric relationship means that the widths and positions of the corresponding incident / emission surfaces are in a line symmetric relationship. In other words, when it is assumed that the optical waveguide 1 is folded at the first straight line L1, the width and position are consistent between the first incident / exit surface P1 and the fifth incident / exit surface P5, between the second incident / exit surface P2 and the sixth incident / exit surface P6, between the third incident / exit surface P3 and the seventh incident / exit surface P7, and between the fourth incident / exit surface P4 and the eighth incident / exit surface P8. In addition, the width of the incident / exit surface refers to the length of the incident / exit surface in the X-axis direction.

[0151] When this relationship holds true, in the optical waveguide 1, even if the optical waveguide 1 is rotated (reversed) 180° with the first straight line L1 as the rotation axis, the width and position of each incident / exit surface do not change. That is, the width and position of each incident / exit surface are equivalent before and after the reversal. Therefore, in the optical waveguide 1, when used for connecting optical fibers to each other, there is no need to worry about the reversal with the first straight line L1 as the rotation axis. Therefore, the optical waveguide 1 helps to reduce the burden of the connection operation. In addition, the optical waveguide 1 is sometimes accommodated in a housing, etc., not shown in the figure, and is used in the state of an optical connecting component. In the assembly operation of such an optical connecting component, the optical waveguide 1 does not need to worry about the reversal with the first straight line L1 as the rotation axis, so the burden of the assembly operation can be reduced.

[0152] And, in Figure 2 In the optical waveguide 1 shown, a line symmetric relationship with the second straight line L2 as the axis of symmetry is established between the first incident / exit surface P1 and the third incident / exit surface P3, and between the second incident / exit surface P2 and the fourth incident / exit surface P4. In other words, when it is assumed that the optical waveguide 1 is folded at the second straight line L2, the widths and positions of the first incident / exit surface P1 and the third incident / exit surface P3, and between the second incident / exit surface P2 and the fourth incident / exit surface P4 are consistent.

[0153] Furthermore, in Figure 2 In the optical waveguide 1 shown, a line symmetric relationship with the second straight line L2 as the axis of symmetry is established between the fifth incident / emission surface P5 and the seventh incident / emission surface P7, and between the sixth incident / emission surface P6 and the eighth incident / emission surface P8. In other words, when it is assumed that the optical waveguide 1 is folded at the second straight line L2, the widths and positions of the fifth incident / emission surface P5 and the seventh incident / emission surface P7, and the sixth incident / emission surface P6 and the eighth incident / emission surface P8 are consistent.

[0154] When this relationship holds true, in the optical waveguide 1, even if the optical waveguide 1 is rotated (reversed) 180° with the second straight line L2 as the rotation axis, the width and position of each incident / exit surface do not change. That is, the width and position of each incident / exit surface are equivalent before and after the reversal. Therefore, when the optical waveguide 1 is used for the connection operation between optical fibers, there is no need to worry about the reversal with the second straight line L2 as the rotation axis. Therefore, the optical waveguide 1 helps to reduce the burden of the connection operation. In addition, in the assembly operation of the optical connection component, there is no need to worry about the reversal with the second straight line L2 as the rotation axis, so the burden of the assembly operation can be reduced.

[0155] The same width means that the width difference between two corresponding incident / exit surfaces is 20% or less of the average width of the two incident / exit surfaces. Specifically, when the average width of the two corresponding incident / exit surfaces is 50 μm, the width difference may be 10 μm or less.

[0156] Furthermore, the positional alignment means that, when the optical waveguide 1 is folded at the first straight line L1 or the second straight line L2, the amount of misalignment between the midpoints of the width between the two corresponding incident / exit surfaces is 20% or less of the average width of the two incident / exit surfaces. Specifically, when the average width of the two corresponding incident / exit surfaces is 50 μm, the above-mentioned misalignment may be 10 μm or less.

[0157] 2.3. Shape of core pattern

[0158] Next, the shapes of the first core pattern CP1 and the second core pattern CP2 will be described.

[0159] Figure 3 It is rewritten Figure 2 The optical waveguide 1 is shown in a plan view behind the symbol.

[0160] 2.3.1. Width of each part of the first core pattern

[0161] Figure 3 The first branch portion B1 shown has a first core C1 and a second core C2. The first core C1 connects one end of the first rectifying portion M1 and the first incident / emitting surface P1. The second core C2 connects one end of the first rectifying portion M1 and the second incident / emitting surface P2.

[0162] Figure 3 The second branch portion B2 shown has a third core C3 and a fourth core C4. The third core C3 connects the other end of the first rectifying portion M1 and the third incident / emission surface P3. The fourth core C4 connects the other end of the first rectifying portion M1 and the fourth incident / emission surface P4.

[0163] And, the length of the first rectifying portion M1 is denoted as LM1. Furthermore, the width at the middle of the length LM1 is denoted as WM1.

[0164] The width of the first core C1 at the connection between the first rectifier M1 and the first branch B1 is set to WC1, the width of the second core C2 at the connection between the first rectifier M1 and the first branch B1 is set to WC2, the width of the third core C3 at the connection between the first rectifier M1 and the second branch B2 is set to WC3, and the width of the fourth core C4 at the connection between the first rectifier M1 and the second branch B2 is set to WC4. In addition, the connection portion refers to the starting point where each core starts to branch from the first rectifier M1.

[0165] At this time, in the optical waveguide 1, it is preferable that the relationships represented by the following equations (1) and (2) hold.

[0166] 0.9×(WC1+WC2)≤WM1≤1.1×(WC1+WC2)…(1)

[0167] 0.9×(WC3+WC4)≤WM1≤1.1×(WC3+WC4)…(2)

[0168] The above formulas (1) and (2) indicate that the width WM1 of the first rectifying portion M1, the sum of the width WC1 of the first core C1 and the width WC2 of the second core C2, and the sum of the width WC3 of the third core C3 and the width WC4 of the fourth core C4 are approximately the same. When the optical waveguide 1 satisfies the above formulas (1) and (2), the loss associated with the change in the core width can be suppressed at the connection between the first rectifying portion M1 and the first branch portion B1 and at the connection between the first rectifying portion M1 and the second branch portion B2.

[0169] Furthermore, let the width of the first incident / emission surface P1 be WP1, the width of the second incident / emission surface P2 be WP2, the width of the third incident / emission surface P3 be WP3, and the width of the fourth incident / emission surface P4 be WP4.

[0170] At this time, in the optical waveguide 1, it is preferable that the relationships represented by the following equations (3), (4), and (5) hold.

[0171] WA=WP1=WP3…(3)

[0172] WB=WP2=WP4…(4)

[0173] 0.9×(WA+WB)≤WM1≤1.1×(WA+WB)…(5)

[0174] In the above formula (3), the width WP1 of the first incident / emission surface P1 and the width WP3 of the third incident / emission surface P3 are respectively defined as the width WA. In the above formula (4), the width WP2 of the second incident / emission surface P2 and the width WP4 of the fourth incident / emission surface P4 are respectively defined as the width WB. In addition, the equal sign in the above formula (3) and the formula (4) indicates the above-mentioned "width consistency".

[0175] Furthermore, the above-mentioned formula (5) indicates that the width WM1 of the first rectifying portion M1 is approximately the same as the sum of the width WA and the width WB.

[0176] Therefore, in the above formulas (1) to (5), the width WM1 of the first rectifying portion M1 is the same as the sum of the widths of the two cores constituting the first branch portion B1 and the sum of the widths of the two cores constituting the second branch portion B2, and is also the same as the sum of the widths of the incident / emission surface connected to the first branch portion B1 and the sum of the widths of the incident / emission surface connected to the second branch portion B2.

[0177] By satisfying the above-mentioned equations (1) to (5), the optical waveguide 1 can suppress the loss accompanying the change in the core width in the range from the first rectifying section M1 to the first incident / emission surface P1 and the second incident / emission surface P2, and in the range from the first rectifying section M1 to the third incident / emission surface P3 and the fourth incident / emission surface P4.

[0178] In addition, in the above formula (1), if the width WM1 of the first rectifying section M1 is less than the lower limit value, when the optical signal is mixed at the connection portion between the first branch section B1 and the first rectifying section M1, the loss may increase. On the other hand, in the above formula (1), if the width WM1 of the first rectifying section M1 exceeds the upper limit value, when the optical signal is distributed at the connection portion between the first branch section B1 and the first rectifying section M1, the loss may increase.

[0179] Furthermore, in the above formula (2), if the width WM1 of the first rectifying section M1 is less than the lower limit value, when the optical signal is mixed at the connection portion between the second branch section B2 and the first rectifying section M1, the loss may increase. On the other hand, in the above formula (2), if the width WM1 of the first rectifying section M1 exceeds the upper limit value, when the optical signal is distributed at the connection portion between the second branch section B2 and the first rectifying section M1, the loss may increase.

[0180] Furthermore, in the above formula (5), if the width WM1 of the first rectifying portion M1 is less than the lower limit value, the loss may increase when the optical signal is mixed with the first core pattern CP1. On the other hand, in the above formula (5), if the width WM1 of the first rectifying portion M1 exceeds the upper limit value, the loss may increase when the optical signal is distributed with the first core pattern CP1.

[0181] In addition, the widths WC1 to WC4 are preferably about 5 to 100 μm, and more preferably about 10 to 70 μm, respectively. This makes it possible to obtain a core having good dimensional accuracy and low transmission loss.

[0182] Furthermore, the widths WA and WB are preferably about 5 to 100 μm, and more preferably about 10 to 70 μm, respectively. Thus, it is possible to obtain the optical waveguide 1 with a small connection loss with the optical fiber.

[0183] 2.3.2. Width of each part of the second core pattern

[0184] The third branch portion B3 includes a fifth core C5 and a sixth core C6. The fifth core C5 connects one end of the second rectifying portion M2 and the fifth incident / emission surface P5. The sixth core C6 connects one end of the second rectifying portion M2 and the sixth incident / emission surface P6.

[0185] The fourth branch portion B4 has a seventh core C7 and an eighth core C8. The seventh core C7 connects the other end of the second rectifying portion M2 and the seventh incident / emission surface P7. The eighth core C8 connects the other end of the second rectifying portion M2 and the eighth incident / emission surface P8.

[0186] And, the length of the second rectifying portion M2 is denoted as LM2. Furthermore, the width at the middle of the length LM2 is denoted as WM2.

[0187] The width of the fifth core C5 at the connection between the second rectifying section M2 and the third branch section B3 is set to WC5, the width of the sixth core C6 at the connection between the second rectifying section M2 and the third branch section B3 is set to WC6, the width of the seventh core C7 at the connection between the second rectifying section M2 and the fourth branch section B4 is set to WC7, and the width of the eighth core C8 at the connection between the second rectifying section M2 and the fourth branch section B4 is set to WC8. In addition, the connection portion refers to the starting point where each core starts to branch from the second rectifying section M2.

[0188] At this time, in the optical waveguide 1, it is preferable that the relationships represented by the following equations (6) and (7) hold.

[0189] 0.9×(WC5+WC6)≤WM2≤1.1×(WC5+WC6)…(6)

[0190] 0.9×(WC7+WC8)≤WM2≤1.1×(WC7+WC8)…(7)

[0191] The above equations (6) and (7) indicate that the width WM2 of the second rectifying section M2, the sum of the width WC5 of the fifth core C5 and the width WC6 of the sixth core C6, and the sum of the width WC7 of the seventh core C7 and the width WC8 of the eighth core C8 are approximately the same. When the optical waveguide 1 satisfies the above equations (6) and (7), the loss associated with the change in the core width can be suppressed at the connection between the second rectifying section M2 and the third branch section B3 and at the connection between the second rectifying section M2 and the fourth branch section B4.

[0192] Furthermore, the width of the fifth incident / emission surface P5 is set to WP5, the width of the sixth incident / emission surface P6 is set to WP6, the width of the seventh incident / emission surface P7 is set to WP7, and the width of the eighth incident / emission surface P8 is set to WP8.

[0193] At this time, in the optical waveguide 1, it is preferable that the relationships represented by the following equations (8), (9), and (10) hold.

[0194] WA=WP5=WP7…(8)

[0195] WB=WP6=WP8…(9)

[0196] 0.9×(WA+WB)≤WM2≤1.1×(WA+WB)…(10)

[0197] In the above formula (8), the width WP5 of the fifth incident / emission surface P5 and the width WP7 of the seventh incident / emission surface P7 are respectively defined as the width WA. In the above formula (9), the width WP6 of the sixth incident / emission surface P6 and the width WP8 of the eighth incident / emission surface P8 are respectively defined as the width WB. In addition, the equal sign in the above formula (8) and the formula (9) indicates the above-mentioned "width consistency".

[0198] Furthermore, the above-mentioned formula (10) indicates that the width WM2 of the second rectifying portion M2 is approximately the same as the sum of the width WA and the width WB.

[0199] Therefore, in the above formulas (6) to (10), the width WM2 of the second rectifying portion M2 is the same as the sum of the widths of the two cores constituting the third branch portion B3 and the sum of the widths of the two cores constituting the fourth branch portion B4, and is the same as the sum of the widths of the incident / emission surface connected to the third branch portion B3 and the sum of the widths of the incident / emission surface connected to the fourth branch portion B4.

[0200] By satisfying the above-mentioned equations (6) to (10) by the optical waveguide 1, it is possible to suppress the loss accompanying the change in the core width in the range from the second rectifying section M2 to the fifth incident / emission surface P5 and the sixth incident / emission surface P6, and in the range from the second rectifying section M2 to the seventh incident / emission surface P7 and the eighth incident / emission surface P8.

[0201] In addition, in the above formula (6), if the width WM2 of the second rectifying section M2 is less than the lower limit value, when the optical signal is mixed at the connection portion between the third branch section B3 and the second rectifying section M2, the loss may increase. On the other hand, in the above formula (6), if the width WM2 of the second rectifying section M2 exceeds the upper limit value, when the optical signal is distributed at the connection portion between the third branch section B3 and the second rectifying section M2, the loss may increase.

[0202] Furthermore, in the above formula (7), if the width WM2 of the second rectifying section M2 is less than the lower limit value, when the optical signal is mixed at the connection portion between the fourth branch section B4 and the second rectifying section M2, the loss may increase. On the other hand, in the above formula (7), if the width WM2 of the second rectifying section M2 exceeds the upper limit value, when the optical signal is distributed at the connection portion between the fourth branch section B4 and the second rectifying section M2, the loss may increase.

[0203] Furthermore, in the above formula (10), if the width WM2 of the second rectifying portion M2 is less than the lower limit value, when the optical signal is mixed with the second core pattern CP2, the loss may increase. On the other hand, in the above formula (10), if the width WM2 of the second rectifying portion M2 exceeds the upper limit value, when the optical signal is distributed with the second core pattern CP2, the loss may increase.

[0204] In addition, the widths WC5 to WC8 are preferably about 5 to 100 μm, and more preferably about 10 to 70 μm, respectively. This makes it possible to obtain a core having good dimensional accuracy and low transmission loss.

[0205] 2.3.3. Shapes of the First Rectifier and the Second Rectifier

[0206] The optical waveguide 1 preferably satisfies the following equations (11) and (12) for the first rectifying section M1 and the second rectifying section M2.

[0207] 100×WM1≤LM1…(11)

[0208] 100×WM2≤LM2…(12)

[0209] The above formula (11) indicates that the length LM1 of the first rectifying section M1 is more than 100 times the width WM1. By satisfying the above formula (11) by the optical waveguide 1, the optical signal can be distributed at the target distribution ratio in the first rectifying section M1. That is, the distribution ratio in the first core pattern CP1 can be set by the width ratio of each core connected to the first rectifying section M1. However, when the length LM1 of the first rectifying section M1 is not sufficient, sometimes the set width ratio will not be accurately reflected as the distribution ratio. Therefore, by satisfying the above formula (11) by the optical waveguide 1, the optical signal can be distributed at the target distribution ratio in the first core pattern CP1.

[0210] The above formula (12) indicates that the length LM2 of the second rectifying section M2 is more than 100 times the width WM2. By satisfying the above formula (12) by the optical waveguide 1, the optical signal can be distributed in the second rectifying section M2 at a target distribution ratio. That is, the distribution ratio in the second core pattern CP2 can be set by the width ratio of each core connected to the second rectifying section M2. However, when the length LM2 of the second rectifying section M2 is not sufficient, sometimes the set width ratio will not be accurately reflected as the distribution ratio. Therefore, by satisfying the above formula (12) by the optical waveguide 1, the optical signal can be distributed in the second core pattern CP2 at a target distribution ratio.

[0211] Furthermore, the optical waveguide 1 more preferably satisfies the following equations (13) and (14).

[0212] 200×WM1≤LM1≤1000[μm]…(13)

[0213] 200×WM2≤LM2≤1000[μm]…(14)

[0214] Furthermore, the length LM1 and the length LM2 may exceed the upper limit, respectively. However, the improvement effect of the corresponding distribution ratio will be insufficient, and the length of the optical waveguide 1 in the Y-axis direction may become longer than necessary.

[0215] 2.3.4. Line shape of each branch

[0216] It is preferable that a line symmetric relationship with the first straight line L1 as a symmetry axis is established between the line shape of the first branch portion B1 and the line shape of the third branch portion B3 and between the line shape of the second branch portion B2 and the line shape of the fourth branch portion B4.

[0217] When this relationship holds true, in the optical waveguide 1, even if the optical waveguide 1 is rotated (reversed) 180° with the first straight line L1 as the rotation axis, the line shape of each branch portion does not change. That is, there is no difference in the bending loss of each branch portion before and after the reversal. Therefore, in this optical waveguide 1, when used for connecting optical fibers to each other, there is no need to worry about the reversal with the first straight line L1 as the rotation axis. Therefore, this optical waveguide 1 helps to reduce the burden of the connection operation. In addition, in the assembly operation of the optical connection component, this optical waveguide 1 does not need to worry about the reversal with the first straight line L1 as the rotation axis, so it can reduce the burden of the assembly operation.

[0218] In addition, the linear symmetry relationship with the above-mentioned first straight line L1 as the symmetry axis refers to the relationship in which, when it is assumed that the optical waveguide 1 is folded at the first straight line L1, the cores constituting the first branch part B1 overlap with the cores constituting the third branch part B3, and the cores constituting the second branch part B2 overlap with the cores constituting the fourth branch part B4.

[0219] It is preferable that a line symmetric relationship with the second straight line L2 as the axis of symmetry is established between the line shape of the first branch portion B1 and the line shape of the second branch portion B2 and between the line shape of the third branch portion B3 and the line shape of the fourth branch portion B4.

[0220] When this relationship holds true, in the optical waveguide 1, even if the optical waveguide 1 is rotated (reversed) 180° with the second straight line L2 as the rotation axis, the line shape of each branch portion does not change. That is, there is no difference in the bending loss of each branch portion before and after the reversal. Therefore, in this optical waveguide 1, when used for connecting optical fibers to each other, there is no need to worry about the reversal with the second straight line L2 as the rotation axis. Therefore, this optical waveguide 1 helps to reduce the burden of the connection operation. In addition, in the assembly operation of the optical connection component, this optical waveguide 1 does not need to worry about the reversal with the second straight line L2 as the rotation axis, so it can reduce the burden of the assembly operation.

[0221] In addition, the linear symmetry relationship with the above-mentioned second straight line L2 as the symmetry axis refers to the relationship that, when it is assumed that the optical waveguide 1 is folded at the second straight line L2, the cores constituting the first branch part B1 overlap with the cores constituting the second branch part B2, and the cores constituting the third branch part B3 overlap with the cores constituting the fourth branch part B4.

[0222] Furthermore, the core overlap includes a state where the cores are slightly offset from each other. Specifically, the offset amount of the center lines of two corresponding cores may be 20% or less of the minimum width of the two corresponding cores.

[0223] 2.4. Stacked structure

[0224] Figure 4 It is a magnified representation Figure 1 A perspective view of a portion of the optical waveguide 1 .

[0225] As mentioned above, Figure 4 The optical waveguide 1 shown is in the form of a sheet extending along a plane parallel to the XY plane. Figure 4 The optical waveguide 1 shown includes a stacked body 16 in which a first supporting layer 18 , a first cladding layer 11 , a core layer 13 , a second cladding layer 12 , and a second supporting layer 19 are stacked in this order from below.

[0226] like Figure 4 As shown, the side of the core portion 14 formed in the core layer 13 is surrounded by the side cladding portion 15, the first cladding layer 11 and the second cladding layer 12. In addition, the refractive index of the core portion 14 is higher than the refractive index of these cladding regions. Thus, light can be confined in the core portion 14 for propagation. The first core pattern CP1 and the second core pattern CP2 are formed by this core portion 14.

[0227] The laminate 16 has a laminated structure and is therefore relatively easy to manufacture. Furthermore, the core layer 13 is sandwiched between the first cladding layer 11 and the second cladding layer 12, so that the refractive index difference at the interface is stable. Therefore, the core layer 13 including the core portion 14 with low transmission loss can be formed.

[0228] Furthermore, at least a portion of the side cladding portion 15 may be formed integrally with at least one of the first cladding layer 11 and the second cladding layer 12 .

[0229] In the core layer 13, the refractive index distribution in the plane orthogonal to the optical path of the core 14 can be any distribution, for example, it can be a so-called step-type (SI) distribution in which the refractive index does not change continuously, or it can be a so-called gradient (GI) distribution in which the refractive index changes continuously.

[0230] The cross-sectional shape of the core 14 based on the XZ plane, that is, the cross-sectional shape of the core 14 is not particularly limited, and examples thereof include circles such as a perfect circle, an ellipse, and an oblong, polygons such as a triangle, a quadrilateral, a pentagon, and a hexagon, and other irregular shapes.

[0231] The average thickness of the core layer 13 is not particularly limited, but is preferably about 1 to 200 μm, more preferably about 5 to 100 μm, and further preferably about 10 to 70 μm. Thus, the optical properties and mechanical strength required for the core layer 13 are ensured.

[0232] The material constituting the core layer 13 is not particularly limited, and examples thereof include resin materials, glass materials, silicon materials, and composite materials of these and other materials, etc. Among them, resin materials are preferably used from the viewpoints of impact resistance, ease of handling, and the like.

[0233] The average thickness of the first cladding layer 11 and the second cladding layer 12 is preferably about 1 to 200 μm, more preferably about 3 to 100 μm, and further preferably about 5 to 60 μm, respectively. Thus, the optical properties and mechanical strength required for the first cladding layer 11 and the second cladding layer 12 are ensured.

[0234] Furthermore, the constituent materials of the first cladding layer 11 and the second cladding layer 12 can be appropriately selected from the materials listed as the constituent materials of the core layer 13 , for example.

[0235] In addition, at least one of the first cladding layer 11 and the second cladding layer 12 may be provided as required and may be omitted.

[0236] The first support layer 18 is provided on the lower surface of the first cladding layer 11. The second support layer 19 is provided on the upper surface of the second cladding layer 12. By providing the first support layer 18 and the second support layer 19, the core layer 13, the first cladding layer 11, and the second cladding layer 12 are protected from heat, external force, and the like.

[0237] The constituent materials of the first support layer 18 and the second support layer 19 are not particularly limited, and examples thereof include resin materials, glass materials, silicon materials, or composite materials of these and other materials, etc. Among them, resin materials are preferably used from the viewpoints of impact resistance and ease of handling.

[0238] The first support layer 18 and the second support layer 19 may be provided as needed, and may be omitted.

[0239] As described above, the laminated body 16 includes the first cladding layer 11 , the core layer 13 , and the second cladding layer 12 .

[0240] exist Figure 4 In FIG. 1 , a plane F is assumed to be parallel to the plane XY and to pass through the middle of the core layer 13 . The laminate 16 preferably has a plane symmetry with respect to the plane F. The plane symmetry means that a line segment connecting any two points facing each other across the plane F is bisected perpendicularly by the plane F.

[0241] Since the stacked body 16 has such a relationship, in the optical waveguide 1 composed of the stacked body 16, even if the optical waveguide 1 is rotated 180° with the first straight line L1 or the second straight line L2 as the rotation axis, the position of the incident / exit surface in the thickness direction of the optical waveguide 1 does not change. Therefore, in this optical waveguide 1, when used for the connection operation between optical fibers, there is no need to worry about the reversal with the first straight line L1 or the second straight line L2 as the rotation axis. Therefore, this optical waveguide 1 helps to reduce the burden of the connection operation. In addition, in the assembly operation of the optical connection component, there is no need to worry about the reversal with the first straight line L1 or the second straight line L2 as the rotation axis, so the burden of the assembly operation can be reduced.

[0242] Furthermore, the laminate 16 is preferably made of a resin material. This can provide an optical waveguide 1 that is excellent in impact resistance and ease of handling.

[0243] 3. Optical waveguide with sleeve

[0244] The optical waveguide 1 can be used in a state where a ferrule is attached to one end or both ends, that is, in a state of an optical waveguide with a ferrule.

[0245] Figure 5 It is a perspective view showing an example of the optical waveguide 2 with a sleeve.

[0246] The optical waveguide with sleeve 2 includes the optical waveguide 1 and sleeves 24 and 26. Examples of the sleeves 24 and 26 include PMT sleeves and the like.

[0247] 4. Shell and connection parts

[0248] The optical waveguide 2 with sleeve can be used in a state accommodated in a housing.

[0249] Figure 6 Yes, it will have Figure 5 The optical waveguide 2 with sleeve, the housing 3, the optical wiring component 20 including the first connecting portion 83 and the second connecting portion 93, and the optical fiber ribbons 81 and 91 are partially disassembled and shown.

[0250] Figure 6 The housing 3 shown in the figure includes optical waveguide housing bodies 31 and 32. By combining these, a space for housing the optical waveguide 2 with a sleeve is formed inside.

[0251] Figure 6 The optical fiber ribbon 81 shown is a member obtained by gathering a plurality of optical fibers including the first A optical fibers F1A and the second A optical fibers F2A into a single ribbon shape. Figure 6 The optical fiber ribbon 91 shown is a member obtained by gathering a plurality of optical fibers including the first B optical fiber F1B and the second B optical fiber F2B into a single ribbon.

[0252] Figure 6 , a first connection portion 83, which is an assembly of two components 830, 830, and a second connection portion 93, which is an assembly of two components 930, 930, are shown. The first connection portion 83 connects one end of the optical waveguide 2 with the sleeve and the optical fiber ribbon 81 with the sleeve 82 installed. The second connection portion 93 connects the other end of the optical waveguide 2 with the sleeve and the optical fiber ribbon 91 with the sleeve 92 installed.

[0253] Figure 6The optical wiring component 20 shown is composed of the optical waveguide 2 with a sleeve as described above, a housing 3, a first connecting portion 83, a second connecting portion 93, and optical fiber ribbons 81, 91 to which the sleeves 82, 92 are attached. In this optical wiring component 20, since the degree of freedom of the posture of the optical waveguide 1 is high during the assembly operation of accommodating the optical waveguide 1 in the housing 3 or the connection operation of connecting the assembled component to the optical fiber, the burden on the operator can be reduced. In addition, this optical wiring component 20 can also be applied to Figure 1 A portion of an optical wiring component 10 is shown.

[0254] 5. Effects of the Implementation Methods

[0255] As described above, the optical waveguide 1 is a sheet-shaped optical waveguide extending along the XY plane (plane), and includes a first core pattern CP1 and a second core pattern CP2. When two straight lines orthogonal to each other in the XY plane are set as a first straight line L1 and a second straight line L2, the first core pattern CP1 and the second core pattern CP2 are independently arranged on both sides of the first straight line L1.

[0256] The first core pattern CP1 includes a first incident / emission surface P1, a second incident / emission surface P2, a third incident / emission surface P3, and a fourth incident / emission surface P4, a first rectifying portion M1, a first branch portion B1, and a second branch portion B2. The first rectifying portion M1 extends along a first straight line L1. The first branch portion B1 connects one end of the first rectifying portion M1 with the first incident / emission surface P1 and the second incident / emission surface P2. The second branch portion B2 connects the other end of the first rectifying portion M1 with the third incident / emission surface P3 and the fourth incident / emission surface P4.

[0257] The second core pattern CP2 includes a fifth incident / emission surface P5, a sixth incident / emission surface P6, a seventh incident / emission surface P7, and an eighth incident / emission surface P8, a second rectifying portion M2, a third branch portion B3, and a fourth branch portion B4. The second rectifying portion M2 extends along the first straight line L1. The third branch portion B3 connects one end of the second rectifying portion M2 with the fifth incident / emission surface P5 and the sixth incident / emission surface P6. The fourth branch portion B4 connects the other end of the second rectifying portion M2 with the seventh incident / emission surface P7 and the eighth incident / emission surface P8.

[0258] A linear symmetric relationship with the first straight line L1 as the axis of symmetry is established between the 1st incident / emission surface P1, the 2nd incident / emission surface P2, the 3rd incident / emission surface P3 and the 4th incident / emission surface P4 and the 5th incident / emission surface P5, the 6th incident / emission surface P6, the 7th incident / emission surface P7 and the 8th incident / emission surface P8.

[0259] A line-symmetric relationship about the second straight line L2 as an axis of symmetry is established between the first incident / emission surface P1 and the third incident / emission surface P3 , and between the second incident / emission surface P2 and the fourth incident / emission surface P4 .

[0260] A line-symmetric relationship with the second straight line L2 as the axis of symmetry is established between the fifth incident / emission surface P5 and the seventh incident / emission surface P7 , and between the sixth incident / emission surface P6 and the eighth incident / emission surface P8 .

[0261] In this optical waveguide 1, the transmission direction of the optical signal can be divided, so there is no need for a special device required to transmit a bidirectional optical signal with a core pattern. Therefore, the structure of the first electronic device E1, the second electronic device E2, and the third electronic device E3 that transmit and receive information via the optical waveguide 1 or the structure of the light emitting unit and the light receiving unit can be simplified. In addition, there is no need for an optical element to separate the downstream optical signal and the upstream optical signal, so the transmission quality can be suppressed from being reduced, and high-speed and large-capacity communication can be performed. Furthermore, by using the same wavelength of light in the downstream optical signal and the upstream optical signal, the problem that the transmission quality varies depending on the wavelength can also be solved.

[0262] Furthermore, in the optical waveguide 1 , information can be distributed while maintaining the optical signal, so that, for example, information processing units can be parallelized while suppressing power consumption, which contributes to redundancy of the system.

[0263] Furthermore, even if the optical waveguide 1 is rotated 180° (reversed) with the first straight line L1 or the second straight line L2 as the rotation axis, the width and position of each incident / exit surface do not change. Therefore, when the optical waveguide 1 is used for connecting optical fibers, there is no need to worry about reversal with the first straight line L1 or the second straight line L2 as the rotation axis. Therefore, the optical waveguide 1 can reduce the burden on operators in the connection operation or the assembly operation of optical connection components.

[0264] The first branch portion B1 includes a first core C1 and a second core C2. The first core C1 connects one end of the first rectifying portion M1 and the first incident / emission surface P1. The second core C2 connects one end of the first rectifying portion M1 and the second incident / emission surface P2.

[0265] The second branch portion B2 includes a third core C3 and a fourth core C4. The third core C3 connects the other end of the first rectifying portion M1 and the third incident / emission surface P3. The fourth core C4 connects the other end of the first rectifying portion M1 and the fourth incident / emission surface P4.

[0266] Furthermore, the width of the first rectifying portion M1 at the middle of the length LM1 is denoted as WM1.

[0267] The width of the first core C1 at the connection portion between the first rectifier M1 and the first branch portion B1 is set to WC1, the width of the second core C2 at the connection portion between the first rectifier M1 and the first branch portion B1 is set to WC2, the width of the third core C3 at the connection portion between the first rectifier M1 and the second branch portion B2 is set to WC3, and the width of the fourth core C4 at the connection portion between the first rectifier M1 and the second branch portion B2 is set to WC4.

[0268] In this case, the optical waveguide 1 preferably satisfies the relationship represented by the following equations (1) and (2).

[0269] 0.9×(WC1+WC2)≤WM1≤1.1×(WC1+WC2)…(1)

[0270] 0.9×(WC3+WC4)≤WM1≤1.1×(WC3+WC4)…(2)

[0271] Furthermore, let the width of the first incident / emission surface P1 be WP1, the width of the second incident / emission surface P2 be WP2, the width of the third incident / emission surface P3 be WP3, and the width of the fourth incident / emission surface P4 be WP4.

[0272] In this case, the optical waveguide 1 preferably satisfies the relationships represented by the following equations (3), (4), and (5).

[0273] WA=WP1=WP3…(3)

[0274] WB=WP2=WP4…(4)

[0275] 0.9×(WA+WB)≤WM1≤1.1×(WA+WB)…(5)

[0276] In such an optical waveguide 1, the loss accompanying the change in core width can be suppressed in the range from the first rectifying section M1 to the first incident / emission surface P1 and the second incident / emission surface P2 and in the range from the first rectifying section M1 to the third incident / emission surface P3 and the fourth incident / emission surface P4.

[0277] Furthermore, the third branch portion B3 has a fifth core C5 and a sixth core C6. The fifth core C5 connects one end of the second rectifying portion M2 and the fifth incident / emission surface P5. The sixth core C6 connects one end of the second rectifying portion M2 and the sixth incident / emission surface P6.

[0278] The fourth branch portion B4 has a seventh core C7 and an eighth core C8. The seventh core C7 connects the other end of the second rectifying portion M2 and the seventh incident / emission surface P7. The eighth core C8 connects the other end of the second rectifying portion M2 and the eighth incident / emission surface P8.

[0279] Furthermore, the width of the second rectifying portion M2 at the middle of the length LM2 is defined as WM2.

[0280] The width of the 5th core C5 at the connection between the 2nd rectifier section M2 and the 3rd branch section B3 is set to WC5, the width of the 6th core C6 at the connection between the 2nd rectifier section M2 and the 3rd branch section B3 is set to WC6, the width of the 7th core C7 at the connection between the 2nd rectifier section M2 and the 4th branch section B4 is set to WC7, and the width of the 8th core C8 at the connection between the 2nd rectifier section M2 and the 4th branch section B4 is set to WC8.

[0281] In this case, the optical waveguide 1 preferably satisfies the relationships represented by the following equations (6) and (7).

[0282] 0.9×(WC5+WC6)≤WM2≤1.1×(WC5+WC6)…(6)

[0283] 0.9×(WC7+WC8)≤WM2≤1.1×(WC7+WC8)…(7)

[0284] Furthermore, the width of the fifth incident / emission surface P5 is set to WP5, the width of the sixth incident / emission surface P6 is set to WP6, the width of the seventh incident / emission surface P7 is set to WP7, and the width of the eighth incident / emission surface P8 is set to WP8.

[0285] In this case, the optical waveguide 1 preferably satisfies the relationships represented by the following equations (8), (9), and (10).

[0286] WA=WP5=WP7…(8)

[0287] WB=WP6=WP8…(9)

[0288] 0.9×(WA+WB)≤WM2≤1.1×(WA+WB)…(10)

[0289] In this optical waveguide 1, the loss associated with the change in core width can be suppressed in the range from the second rectifying section M2 to the fifth incident / emission surface P5 and the sixth incident / emission surface P6, and in the range from the second rectifying section M2 to the seventh incident / emission surface P7 and the eighth incident / emission surface P8.

[0290] Furthermore, when the length LM1 of the first rectifying portion M1 and the width at the middle of the length LM1 are set to WM1, and the length LM2 of the second rectifying portion M2 and the width at the middle of the length LM2 are set to WM2, the optical waveguide 1 preferably satisfies the following equations (11) and (12).

[0291] 100×WM1≤LM1…(11)

[0292] 100×WM2≤LM2…(12)

[0293] In such an optical waveguide 1, optical signals can be distributed at a target distribution ratio.

[0294] Furthermore, it is preferable that a line symmetric relationship with the first straight line L1 as a symmetry axis is established between the line shape of the first branch portion B1 and the line shape of the third branch portion B3 and between the line shape of the second branch portion B2 and the line shape of the fourth branch portion B4.

[0295] Furthermore, it is preferable that a line symmetric relationship with the second straight line L2 as the axis of symmetry is established between the line shape of the first branch portion B1 and the line shape of the second branch portion B2 and between the line shape of the third branch portion B3 and the line shape of the fourth branch portion B4.

[0296] In this optical waveguide 1, even if the optical waveguide 1 is rotated 180° (reversed) with the first straight line L1 or the second straight line L2 as the rotation axis, the line shape of each branch portion does not change. In this optical waveguide 1, when used for connecting optical fibers, there is no need to worry about reversal with the first straight line L1 or the second straight line L2 as the rotation axis. Therefore, this optical waveguide 1 can reduce the burden on operators in the connection operation or the assembly operation of optical connection components.

[0297] The optical waveguide 1 is preferably composed of a laminate 16 including a core layer 13, a first cladding layer 11, and a second cladding layer 12. The core layer 13 includes a first core pattern CP1 and a second core pattern CP2. The first cladding layer 11 is laminated on one surface of the core layer 13. The second cladding layer 12 is laminated on the other surface of the core layer 13.

[0298] The laminate 16 has a laminated structure and is therefore relatively easy to manufacture. Furthermore, the core layer 13 is sandwiched between the first cladding layer 11 and the second cladding layer 12, so that the refractive index difference at the interface is stable. Therefore, the core layer 13 including the core portion 14 with low transmission loss can be formed.

[0299] Furthermore, the laminated body 16 preferably has a plane-symmetric relationship with respect to a plane F which is parallel to the XY plane (plane) and passes through the middle of the thickness of the core layer 13 .

[0300] In the optical waveguide 1 composed of the laminate 16, even if the optical waveguide 1 is rotated 180° with the first straight line L1 or the second straight line L2 as the rotation axis, the position of the incident / exit surface in the thickness direction of the optical waveguide 1 does not change. Therefore, in the optical waveguide 1, when used for the connection operation between optical fibers, there is no need to worry about the reversal with the first straight line L1 or the second straight line L2 as the rotation axis. Therefore, the optical waveguide 1 can reduce the burden on the operator in the connection operation or the assembly operation of the optical connection component.

[0301] Furthermore, the laminate 16 is preferably made of a resin material. This can provide an optical waveguide 1 that is excellent in impact resistance and ease of handling.

[0302] The optical wiring component 20 according to the embodiment includes the optical waveguide 1 , the housing 3 , the first connecting portion 83 , and the second connecting portion 93 .

[0303] The housing 3 accommodates the optical waveguide 1. The first connecting portion 83 connects at least one of the first incident / emission surface P1 and the second incident / emission surface P2 to the first A optical fiber F1A, and connects at least one of the fifth incident / emission surface P5 and the sixth incident / emission surface P6 to the second A optical fiber F2A. The second connecting portion 93 connects the third incident / emission surface P3 and the fourth incident / emission surface P4 to the first B optical fiber F1B, and connects the seventh incident / emission surface P7 and the eighth incident / emission surface P8 to the second B optical fiber F2B.

[0304] In such an optical wiring component 20 , since the degree of freedom of the posture of the optical waveguide 1 is high, the burden on the operator can be reduced in the assembly work of accommodating the optical waveguide 1 in the housing 3 or the connection work of connecting the assembled component to an optical fiber.

[0305] In addition, the optical distribution component 10 also has a 1A optical fiber F1A, a 1B optical fiber F1B, a 2A optical fiber F2A, a 2B optical fiber F2B, one or two first light-emitting units (first transmitting unit T1), two first light-receiving units (second receiving unit R2 and third receiving unit R3), two second light-emitting units (second transmitting unit T2 and third transmitting unit T3) and one or two second light-receiving units (first receiving unit R1).

[0306] The first light emitting unit (first transmitting unit T1) causes light (optical signal S2) to enter the first core pattern CP1 via the 1A optical fiber F1A. The first light receiving unit (second receiving unit R2 and third receiving unit R3) receives light (optical signals S3 and S4) emitted from the first core pattern CP1 via the 1B optical fiber F1B. The second light emitting unit (second transmitting unit T2 and third transmitting unit T3) causes light (optical signals S8 and S7) to enter the second core pattern CP2 via the 2B optical fiber F2B. The second light receiving unit (first receiving unit R1) receives light (optical signal S6) emitted from the second core pattern CP2 via the 2A optical fiber F2A.

[0307] In such an optical wiring component 10 , the degree of freedom of the posture of the optical waveguide 1 is high, that is, there are few constraints on the posture of the optical waveguide 1 during connection, so that the burden on the operator in the connection operation of connecting the optical waveguide 1 to the optical fiber can be reduced.

[0308] The optical waveguide and optical wiring component of the present invention are described above based on the illustrated embodiments, but the present invention is not limited to these. For example, the optical waveguide and optical wiring component of the present invention may be replaced by any structure in which each part of the embodiment has the same function, or any structure may be added to the embodiment. Furthermore, in each branch portion, it is possible to branch into three or more. Furthermore, in each branch portion of the embodiment, the rectifying part branches into two cores, but it is also possible to configure the core after branching to further branch into two or more cores.

[0309] Industrial Applicability

[0310] According to the present invention, an optical waveguide and an optical wiring component can be obtained that can reduce the burden of connection work or assembly work and can contribute to simplifying the structure of the connected device. Therefore, the present invention has industrial applicability.

[0311] Description of Reference Numerals

[0312] 1-optical waveguide, 2-optical waveguide with sleeve, 3-housing, 10-optical wiring component, 11-first cladding layer, 12-second cladding layer, 13-core layer, 14-core part, 15-side cladding part, 16-laminated body, 18-first supporting layer, 19-second supporting layer, 20-optical wiring component, 24-sleeve, 26-sleeve, 31-optical waveguide container, 32-optical waveguide container, 81-optical fiber ribbon, 82-sleeve, 83-first connecting part, 91-optical fiber ribbon, 92-sleeve, 93-second connecting part, 830-component, 93 0-component, B1-1st branch, B2-2nd branch, B3-3rd branch, B4-4th branch, C1-1st core, C2-2nd core, C3-3rd core, C4-4th core, C5-5th core, C6-6th core, C7-7th core, C8-8th core, CP1-1st core pattern, CP2-2nd core pattern, E1-1st electronic device, E2-2nd electronic device, E3-3rd electronic device, F-plane, F1A-1stA optical fiber, F1B-1stB optical fiber, F2A-2ndA optical fiber, F2B-2ndB Optical fiber, L1-1st straight line, L2-2nd straight line, M1-1st rectifying section, M2-2nd rectifying section, P1-1st incident / emission surface, P2-2nd incident / emission surface, P3-3rd incident / emission surface, P4-4th incident / emission surface, P5-5th incident / emission surface, P6-6th incident / emission surface, P7-7th incident / emission surface, P8-8th incident / emission surface, R1-1st receiving section, R2-2nd receiving section, R3-3rd receiving section, S2-optical signal, S3-optical signal, S4-optical signal, S5-optical signal, S6-optical signal, S7-optical signal, S8-optical signal, T1-first transmitting part, T2-second transmitting part, T3-third transmitting part, LM1-length, LM2-length, WC1-width, WC2-width, WC3-width, WC4-width, WC5-width, WC6-width, WC7-width, WC8-width, WM1-width, WM2-width, WP1-width, WP2-width, WP3-width, WP4-width, WP5-width, WP6-width, WP7-width, WP8-width.

Claims

1. An optical waveguide in the form of a sheet extending along a plane, characterized in that: When two straight lines orthogonal to each other in the plane are defined as a first straight line and a second straight line, the optical waveguide includes a first core pattern and a second core pattern independently arranged on both sides of the first straight line. The first core pattern comprises: A first incident / emission surface and a second incident / emission surface are provided at one end of the first core pattern; a third incident / emission surface and a fourth incident / emission surface, disposed at the other end of the first core pattern; a first rectifying portion extending along the first straight line; a first branch portion connecting one end of the first rectifying portion with the first incident / emitting surface and the second incident / emitting surface; as well as a second branching portion connecting the other end of the first rectifying portion with the third incident / emitting surface and the fourth incident / emitting surface, The second core pattern comprises: a fifth incident / emission surface and a sixth incident / emission surface, disposed at one end of the second core pattern; A seventh incident / emission surface and an eighth incident / emission surface are provided at the other end of the second core pattern; a second rectifying portion extending along the first straight line; a third branch portion connecting one end of the second rectifying portion with the fifth incident / emission surface and the sixth incident / emission surface; as well as a fourth branch portion connecting the other end of the second rectifying portion with the seventh incident / emission surface and the eighth incident / emission surface, A linear symmetric relationship with the first straight line as a symmetry axis is established between the first incident / emission surface, the second incident / emission surface, the third incident / emission surface, and the fourth incident / emission surface and the fifth incident / emission surface, the sixth incident / emission surface, the seventh incident / emission surface, and the eighth incident / emission surface, A line symmetric relationship with the second straight line as a symmetry axis is established between the first incident / emission surface and the third incident / emission surface, and between the second incident / emission surface and the fourth incident / emission surface. A line symmetric relationship with the second straight line as a symmetry axis is established between the fifth incident / exit surface and the seventh incident / exit surface, and between the sixth incident / exit surface and the eighth incident / exit surface.

2. The optical waveguide according to claim 1, wherein The first branch portion has: a first core connecting the one end of the first rectifying portion and the first incident / emitting surface; and a second core connecting the one end of the first rectifying portion and the second incident / emitting surface, The second branch portion has: a third core connecting the other end of the first rectifying portion and the third incident / emitting surface; and a fourth core connecting the other end of the first rectifying portion and the fourth incident / emitting surface, When the width of the middle of the length of the first rectifying portion is WM1, The width of the first core at the connection portion between the first rectifying portion and the first branching portion is WC1. The width of the second core at the connection portion between the first rectifying portion and the first branching portion is WC2. The width of the third core at the connection portion between the first rectifying portion and the second branching portion is WC3. The width of the fourth core at the connection portion between the first rectifying portion and the second branching portion is WC4. The width of the first incident / emission surface is denoted as WP1. The width of the second incident / emission surface is WP2. The width of the third incident / emission surface is denoted as WP3. When the width of the fourth incident / emission surface is set to WP4, The optical waveguide satisfies the following formula: 0.9×(WC1+WC2)≤WM1≤1.1×(WC1+WC2); 0.9×(WC3+WC4)≤WM1≤1.1×(WC3+WC4); WA=WP1=WP3; WB = WP2 = WP4; as well as 0.9×(WA+WB)≤WM1≤1.1×(WA+WB).

3. The optical waveguide according to claim 2, wherein: The third branch portion has: a fifth core connecting the one end of the second rectifying portion and the fifth incident / emitting surface; and a sixth core connecting the one end of the second rectifying portion and the sixth incident / emitting surface, The fourth branch portion has: a seventh core connecting the other end of the second rectifying portion and the seventh incident / emitting surface; and an eighth core connecting the other end of the second rectifying portion and the eighth incident / emitting surface, When the width of the middle of the length of the second rectifying portion is set to WM2, The width of the fifth core at the connection portion between the second rectifying portion and the third branching portion is WC5. The width of the sixth core at the connection portion between the second rectifying portion and the third branching portion is WC6. The width of the seventh core at the connection portion between the second rectifying portion and the fourth branching portion is WC7. The width of the eighth core at the connection portion between the second rectifying portion and the fourth branch portion is WC8. The width of the fifth incident / emission surface is WP5. The width of the sixth incident / emission surface is set to WP6, The width of the seventh incident / emission surface is WP7. When the width of the eighth incident / emission surface is set to WP8, The optical waveguide satisfies the following formula: 0.9×(WC5+WC6)≤WM2≤1.1×(WC5+WC6); 0.9×(WC7+WC8)≤WM2≤1.1×(WC7+WC8); WA=WP5=WP7; WB = WP6 = WP8; as well as 0.9×(WA+WB)≤WM2≤1.1×(WA+WB).

4. The optical waveguide according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein: When the length of the first rectifying portion is LM1 and the width at the middle of the length LM1 is WM1, When the length of the second rectifying portion is LM2 and the width at the middle of the length LM2 is WM2, The optical waveguide satisfies the following formula: 100×WM1≤LM1; and 100×WM2≤LM2.

5. The optical waveguide according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein: A linear symmetric relationship with the first straight line as a symmetry axis is established between the linear shape of the first branch portion and the linear shape of the third branch portion, and between the linear shape of the second branch portion and the linear shape of the fourth branch portion. A line symmetric relationship with the second straight line as a symmetry axis is established between the line shape of the first branch portion and the line shape of the second branch portion, and between the line shape of the third branch portion and the line shape of the fourth branch portion.

6. The optical waveguide according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein: It is composed of a laminated body, and the laminated body has: A core layer, including the first core pattern and the second core pattern; a first cladding layer laminated on one surface of the core layer; and The second cladding layer is laminated on the other surface of the core layer.

7. The optical waveguide according to claim 6, wherein: The stacked body has a plane-symmetric relationship with respect to a plane that is parallel to the plane and passes through the middle of the thickness of the core layer.

8. The optical waveguide according to claim 6, wherein The laminated body is made of a resin material.

9. An optical wiring component, characterized in that: have: The optical waveguide according to claim 1 or 2; a housing for accommodating the optical waveguide; a first connecting portion connecting at least one of the first incident / emission surface and the second incident / emission surface to the 1A optical fiber, and connecting at least one of the fifth incident / emission surface and the sixth incident / emission surface to the 2A optical fiber; and The second connection portion connects the third incident / emission surface and the fourth incident / emission surface to the 1B optical fiber, and connects the seventh incident / emission surface and the eighth incident / emission surface to the 2B optical fiber.

10. The optical wiring component according to claim 9, wherein It has: The 1A optical fiber; The 1B optical fiber; The 2A optical fiber; The 2B optical fiber; One or two first light emitting units, causing light to be incident on the first core pattern via the firstA optical fiber; Two first light receiving parts receive the light emitted from the first core pattern via the first B optical fiber; Two second light emitting units, causing light to be incident on the second core pattern via the secondB optical fiber; as well as One or two second light receiving units receive light emitted from the second core pattern via the 2A optical fiber.

Images