Onboard optical coupling device

Abstract

The invention provides an onboard optical coupling device which is connected between two data processing devices. The onboard optical coupling device includes an optical waveguide having a plurality of alignment channel units and a plurality of waveguide channels. The first photonic device includes a plurality of first return channels and a first optical channel. The second photonic device includes a plurality of second return channels and a second optical channel. In the one-time alignment process, the multiple first optical channels and the multiple second optical channels are optically aligned with the corresponding waveguide channels, and meanwhile the first return channel and the second return channel are optically aligned with the alignment channel unit, so that the optical alignment efficiency is improved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of optical coupler technology, and more particularly to an onboard optical coupling device connecting two data processing devices. Background Technology

[0002] Optoelectronic integrated circuits (OEICs) utilize photons instead of electrons for computation and data transmission in integrated circuits, bringing significant benefits to industries requiring high-performance data exchange, long-distance interconnects, 5G infrastructure, and computing devices. OEICs are configured with photonic integrated circuits (PICs) and electronic integrated circuits (EICs), typically packaged as co-packaged optical devices (CPOs). Based on OEICs, optical communication can significantly improve the performance of graphics processing units or central processing units. To meet the explosive demand for computing speeds, using multiple processors in a single system has become a trend. However, there is currently no better solution for optical interconnects between multi-processor architectures. While optical cables can be used as optical couplers for interconnection, they are easily damaged and inconvenient for internal space management. Furthermore, if optical couplers are used to connect multiple processors, alignment processing is generally required between each fiber, the optical coupler, and the processor to ensure successful optical coupling. However, existing alignment involves activating individual components within a single system, making the overall process time-consuming and cumbersome. Summary of the Invention

[0003] The purpose of this application is to provide an onboard optical coupling device that connects two data processing devices to transmit optical signals without the need for optical cables.

[0004] Another objective of this application is to provide an on-board optical coupling device that can improve the manufacturing yield of silicon photonic devices.

[0005] Another objective of this application is to provide an onboard optical coupling device that can be quickly aligned before coupling with a target device.

[0006] To achieve the above objectives, this application provides an onboard optical coupling device connected between two data processing devices, comprising an optical waveguide, a first photonic device, and a second photonic device. The optical waveguide includes a first side, a second side, a third side, and a fourth side that collectively define the waveguide profile; a plurality of alignment channel units disposed near at least one of the third and fourth sides; and a plurality of waveguide channels extending between the first and second sides. The first photonic device is disposed on one of the data processing devices, near the first side of the optical waveguide, and includes a plurality of first return channels optically aligned with corresponding alignment channel units of the optical waveguide, and a plurality of first optical channels disposed between the first return channels and optically aligned with corresponding waveguide channels. The second photonic device is disposed on the other data processing device, near the second side of the optical waveguide, and includes a plurality of second return channels optically aligned with corresponding alignment channel units of the optical waveguide, and a plurality of second optical channels disposed between the second return channels and optically aligned with corresponding waveguide channels. The plurality of first optical channels and the plurality of second optical channels are optically aligned with their respective waveguide channels in a one-time alignment process, and the plurality of first return channels, the plurality of second return channels and the plurality of alignment channel units are optically aligned in the one-time alignment process.

[0007] Optionally, one of the plurality of alignment channel units includes two first alignment channels spaced apart from each other, and the other of the plurality of alignment channel units includes two second alignment channels spaced apart from each other, and the two first alignment channels and the two second alignment channels together define a set of alignment channel units. One of the plurality of first alignment channels includes an optical input terminal for receiving a first test optical signal from an external optical transmission component, and the other of the plurality of first alignment channels includes an optical output terminal for outputting the first test optical signal to the external optical transmission component. One of the plurality of second alignment channels includes an optical input terminal for receiving a second test optical signal from the external optical transmission component, and the other of the plurality of second alignment channels includes an optical output terminal for outputting the second test optical signal to the external optical transmission component.

[0008] Optionally, each of the first return channels includes a curved section and two opposite ends, the two opposite ends of the first return channel being optically aligned with the corresponding ends of the two first alignment channels on the first side, and each of the second return channels includes a curved section and two opposite ends, the two opposite ends of the second return channel being optically aligned with the corresponding ends of the two second alignment channels on the second side.

[0009] Optionally, the plurality of optical input terminals and the plurality of optical output terminals of the group of alignment channel units are located on at least one of the third side and the fourth side.

[0010] Optionally, the plurality of optical input terminals and the plurality of optical output terminals of the set of aligned channel units are located on the upper surface of the optical waveguide.

[0011] Optionally, the two sets of alignment channel units are symmetrically arranged and located near the third and fourth sides of the optical waveguide, respectively. The first alignment channel and the second alignment channel of each of the two sets of alignment channel units are symmetrically arranged.

[0012] Optionally, the optical input and output ends of the plurality of first alignment channels are located at the ends of each first alignment channel away from the first side, and the optical input and output ends of the second alignment channels are located at the ends of each second alignment channel away from the second side. The optical input and output ends of each group of alignment channel units are flush with each other.

[0013] Optionally, the optical input and optical output terminals of the set of aligned channel units are located on the second side of the optical waveguide.

[0014] Optionally, at least one recess is defined between one side of the second photonic device and the second side of the optical waveguide, and the optical input end and the optical output end are located adjacent to the recess.

[0015] Optionally, the external optical transmission component includes a coupling head, two input optical fibers terminated at the coupling head, and two output optical fibers terminated at the coupling head. The two input optical fibers communicate optically with the optical input terminal of the alignment channel unit, and the two output optical fibers communicate optically with the optical output terminal of the alignment channel unit.

[0016] Optionally, the plurality of optical input terminals and the plurality of optical output terminals of the group alignment channel unit are located on the upper surface of the optical waveguide, such that the external optical transmission component is optically coupled to the group alignment channel unit from above the upper surface of the optical waveguide.

[0017] Optionally, the onboard optical coupling device further includes a support unit configured to support the optical waveguide, the first photonic device, and the second photonic device.

[0018] Optionally, the optical waveguide further includes an optical isolator disposed across a waveguide channel on the optical waveguide.

[0019] This application also provides an onboard optical coupling device connected between two data processing devices, including a first photonic device, a second photonic device, and two optical transmission components. The first photonic device includes multiple first return channels disposed on one side of the first photonic device, multiple second return channels disposed on the other side of the first photonic device, and multiple first optical paths disposed between the multiple first return channels and the multiple second return channels. The second photonic device is disposed adjacent to the first photonic device and includes two third alignment channels optically aligned with one of the multiple second return channels, two fourth alignment channels optically aligned with the other of the multiple second return channels, and multiple second optical paths optically aligned with the multiple first optical paths. The two optical transmission components are optically connected to the first photonic device and the second photonic device respectively, and each optical transmission component includes two input optical fibers and an output optical fiber disposed adjacent to the two input optical fibers. The multiple first optical paths and the multiple second optical paths are optically aligned simultaneously. The plurality of first return channels are optically aligned with the two sets of input and output optical fibers of one of the optical transmission components, and the plurality of second return channels, the plurality of third alignment channels, the plurality of fourth alignment channels, and the two sets of input and output optical fibers of the other optical transmission component are optically aligned in one alignment process.

[0020] Optionally, each of the optical transmission components includes a coupling head and a plurality of main optical fibers disposed between the two sets of input optical fibers and the output optical fiber. The main optical fiber of one of the plurality of optical transmission components is optically aligned with the plurality of first optical paths, and the main optical fiber of another optical transmission component is optically aligned with the plurality of second optical paths.

[0021] Optionally, each of the first return channels includes a bent section and two opposite ends optically aligned with the corresponding ends of the input fiber and the output fiber, and each of the second return channels includes a bent section and two opposite ends optically aligned with the corresponding ends of the third alignment channel or the fourth alignment channel.

[0022] Optionally, the optical transmission component is connected to the two data processing devices respectively to realize optical communication between the data processing devices.

[0023] Optionally, the onboard optical coupling device further includes a support unit for supporting the first photonic device and the second photonic device.

[0024] This application utilizes an onboard optical coupling device to connect the first and second data processing devices, enabling optical signal transmission without the need for optical cables. This facilitates device placement within limited space and improves overall system performance. Furthermore, before coupling with the first and second data processing devices, the optical waveguide, the first photonic device, and the second photonic device are quickly aligned, resolving the time-consuming and cumbersome alignment process of traditional methods. Similarly, the structures of the first and second photonic devices not only achieve the same functional effects but also improve manufacturing yield. Attached Figure Description

[0025] To describe the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention, the accompanying drawings used in the following description of the embodiments will be briefly introduced. The accompanying drawings in the following description only show some embodiments of the present invention, and those skilled in the art can derive other drawings based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0026] Figure 1 This is a three-dimensional schematic diagram of the onboard optical coupling device provided in the embodiments of this application.

[0027] Figure 2 for Figure 1 A top-down exploded view.

[0028] Figure 3 for Figure 1 A three-dimensional schematic diagram of the onboard optical coupling device and optical transmission component during the optical alignment process.

[0029] Figure 4 This is a three-dimensional schematic diagram of the onboard optical coupling device provided in the embodiments of this application.

[0030] Figure 5 for Figure 4 A three-dimensional schematic diagram of the onboard optical coupling device and optical transmission component in optical alignment.

[0031] Figure 6 This is a three-dimensional schematic diagram of the onboard optical coupling device provided in the embodiments of this application.

[0032] Figure 7A for Figure 6 A three-dimensional enlarged schematic diagram of the dashed circle portion of the onboard optical coupling device.

[0033] Figure 7B for Figure 6 A three-dimensional schematic diagram of the onboard optical coupling device and optical transmission component in optical alignment.

[0034] Figure 8 This is a three-dimensional schematic diagram of an optical waveguide according to an embodiment of this application.

[0035] Figure 9A for Figure 8 A magnified side view of a partial optical waveguide.

[0036] Figure 9B for Figure 8 A magnified top view of the dashed circle portion of the optical waveguide.

[0037] Figure 9C This is a schematic diagram illustrating the working principle of an optical isolator provided in an embodiment of this application.

[0038] Figure 10A This is a side view schematic diagram illustrating one application of the onboard optical coupling device according to an embodiment of this application.

[0039] Figure 10B This is a side view schematic diagram illustrating one application of the onboard optical coupling device provided in an embodiment of this application.

[0040] Figure 10C This is a side view schematic diagram illustrating one application of the onboard optical coupling device provided in an embodiment of this application.

[0041] Figure 11 This is an exploded view of the onboard optical coupling device provided in the embodiments of this application.

[0042] Figure 12 for Figure 11 A schematic diagram of the onboard optical coupling device.

[0043] Figure 13 This is a schematic diagram of the onboard optical coupling device provided in the embodiment of this application under its operating condition. Detailed Implementation

[0044] The following embodiments will be used to illustrate specific implementable embodiments of this application with reference to the accompanying drawings. The directional terms described in this application, such as up, down, front, back, left, right, inside, outside, and side, are merely directions with reference to the accompanying drawings. Therefore, the directional terms used are intended to describe and understand this application, but this application is not limited thereto.

[0045] It should be understood that although the terms first, second, etc., may be used herein to describe various components, these components should not be limited by these terms. Unless otherwise stated, these terms are used only to distinguish one component from another. Thus, for example, a first component, first part, or first portion discussed below may be referred to as a second component, second part, or second portion without departing from the teachings of this application. Furthermore, the reference numerals and / or letters may be repeated in various examples of the drawings. Such repetition is for simplicity and clarity and does not in itself determine the relationship between the various embodiments and / or configurations discussed.

[0046] In one aspect, this application provides an onboard optical coupling device for transmitting data between two data processing devices via optical signals, thereby replacing circuitry on a traditional circuit board. In some embodiments, the data processing device may be a graphics processing unit, a central processing unit, a neural network processing unit, etc. See also... Figure 1 and Figure 2 , Figure 1 This is a three-dimensional schematic diagram of the onboard optical coupling device 1A provided in the embodiments of this application. Figure 2 for Figure 1 An exploded top view. This application provides an onboard optical coupling device 1A, including an optical waveguide 10, a first photonic device 20, and a second photonic device 30. Preferably, both the first photonic device 20 and the second photonic device 30 are implemented as silicon photonic integrated circuits.

[0047] In this embodiment, the main carrier plate 41 is configured to support the optical waveguide 10, the first carrier plate 42 is configured to support the first photonic device 20, and the second carrier plate 43 is configured to support the second photonic device 30. The main carrier plate 41, the first carrier plate 42, and the second carrier plate 43 are collectively defined as the support unit 40. Alternatively, the entire support unit 40 may be configured to support the optical waveguide 10, the first photonic device 20, and the second photonic device 30, or it may only support the optical waveguide 10. It should be noted that, for clarity, the main carrier plate 41, the first carrier plate 42, the second carrier plate 43, and the support unit 40 may not be shown in other figures.

[0048] like Figure 1 As shown, the optical waveguide 10 includes a first side 111, a second side 112, a third side 113, and a fourth side 114, which together define the outline of the optical waveguide 10 and are disposed between the first photonic device 20 and the second photonic device 30. In some embodiments, the first side 111 and the second side 112 are disposed opposite to each other, and the third side 113 and the fourth side 114 are respectively connected between the first side 111 and the second side 112 as the top side and the bottom side. In other embodiments, the first side 111, the second side 112, the third side 113, and the fourth side 114 are sequentially connected to each other to define a rectangular outline. The optical waveguide 10 includes a waveguide substrate 11, a plurality of waveguide channels 12, and a plurality of alignment channel units 15. Specifically, the waveguide channels 12 extend between the first side 111 and the second side 112 and are located between the alignment channel units 15. In some embodiments, the waveguide substrate 11 may be made of silicon dioxide, silicon, or silicon nitride. Waveguide channel 12 is configured to form a planar optical waveguide (PLC), which can be implemented in various configurations, including but not limited to a linear optical path, an optical splitter, an arrayed waveguide grating wavelength multiplexer, and a cross-connected optical path. Preferably, the waveguide substrate 11 is made of silicon dioxide.

[0049] like Figure 1As shown, the first photonic device 20 includes a first coupling portion 21 and a plurality of first optical channels 22. The first optical channels 22 are configured to correspond to the waveguide channel 12 of the optical waveguide 10. The second photonic device 30 includes a second coupling portion 31 and a plurality of second optical channels 32. The second optical channels 32 are configured to correspond to the waveguide channel 12. In some embodiments, the first coupling portion 21 and the second coupling portion 31 are made of silicon. It should be noted that in other figures, for clarity, the first and second optical channels 22 and 32 can be represented by shortened lines. Specifically, the first photonic device 20 and the second photonic device 30 are respectively disposed on the first data processing device 71 and the second data processing device 72 (e.g., Figures 10A to 10B As shown below). The first photonic device 20 and the second photonic device 30 may be part of the optoelectronic integrated circuits in the first data processing device 71 and the second data processing device 72.

[0050] In this embodiment, the first optical channel 22 and the second optical channel 32 are functionally divided into an optical input region 101 and an optical output region 102, respectively. In some embodiments, an optical emitter (e.g., a laser diode (not shown)) and an optical receiver (not shown) (e.g., a photodiode) can be disposed on a data processing device or on the first photonic device 20 and the second photonic device 30. Preferably, the first photonic device 20 and the second photonic device 30 can be configured to receive light from an external light source equipped with an optical emitter to provide the light required for optical signal transmission, thereby eliminating the need for an integrated optical emitter.

[0051] In some embodiments, the optical signal path is the path of light emitted by the optical transmitter, allowing light to propagate from the optical input region 101 on the side of the first photonic device 20, through the waveguide channel 12 of the optical waveguide 10 in the forward direction, and then to the optical receiver in the optical output region 102 on the side of the second photonic device 30. Similarly, another optical signal path originates from the optical input region 101 on the side of the second photonic device 30, passes through the waveguide channel 12 in the opposite direction to the forward direction, and reaches the optical output region 102 on the side of the first photonic device 20. That is, the two optical input regions 101 and two optical output regions 102 on opposite sides of the optical waveguide 10 form a joint signal path.

[0052] See Figure 1 and 2Two alignment channel units 15 are positioned near the third side 113, and two alignment channel units 15 are positioned near the fourth side 114. Each alignment channel unit 15 is configured to achieve rapid and overall alignment, thereby simplifying conventional alignment methods for the first optical channel 22, waveguide channel 12, and second optical channel 32, such as sequential alignment. One alignment channel unit 15 positioned near the third side 113 includes two spaced-apart first alignment channels 151, and the other alignment channel unit 15 positioned near the third side 113 includes two spaced-apart second alignment channels 152. Preferably, the two first alignment channels 151 and the two second alignment channels 152 together define a set of alignment channel units 15. Specifically, the two sets of alignment channel units 15 are symmetrically arranged and located near the third side 113 and the fourth side 114 of the optical waveguide 10, respectively. In some embodiments, the first alignment channels 151 and the second alignment channels 152 in the two sets of alignment channel units 15 are symmetrically arranged.

[0053] like Figure 1 and 2 As shown, one end of each first alignment channel 151 extends to the first side 111 of the optical waveguide 10, and each first alignment channel 151 bends and extends to the third side 113, forming an optical input terminal 1511 and an optical output terminal 1512. The optical input terminal 1511 and the optical output terminal 1512 of the first alignment channel 151 are located at the ends of the first alignment channel 151 on the first side 111 away from the first side 111. Specifically, the optical input terminal 1511 is used to receive light from an external optical transmission component 60 (such as...). Figure 3 As shown in the figure (and described later), the first test optical signal is output to the external optical transmission component 60 via the optical output terminal 1512.

[0054] Similarly, one of the second alignment channels 152 includes an optical input terminal 1521 for receiving a second test optical signal from an external optical transmission component 60, and the other second alignment channel 152 includes an optical output terminal 1522 for outputting the second test optical signal to the external optical transmission component 60. The optical input terminal 1521 and the optical output terminal 1522 of the second alignment channel 152 are located at the ends of the second alignment channel 152 on the second side 112 away from the ends. In this embodiment, the third side 113 and the fourth side 114 are each provided with a set of optical input terminals 1511, 1521 and optical output terminals 1512, 1522 of the alignment channel unit 15, and are respectively edge-coupled to the optical transmission component 60.

[0055] Continue reading Figure 1 and Figure 2Two first return channels 153 are disposed on the first photonic device 20 and located near the optical waveguide 10. Each first return channel 153 has a generally inverted U-shaped configuration to form a curved section 1531, such that the opposite ends of the first return channel 153 are optically aligned with the corresponding ends of the first alignment channel 151 on the first side 111 facing the first photonic device 20. Similarly, two second return channels 154 are disposed on the second photonic device 30 and located near the optical waveguide 10. Each second return channel 154 has a generally inverted U-shaped configuration to form a curved section 1541, such that the opposite ends of the second return channel 154 are optically aligned with the corresponding ends of the second alignment channel 152 on the second side 112 facing the second photonic device 30.

[0056] See Figure 3 and cooperate Figure 2 , Figure 3 for Figure 1 A three-dimensional schematic diagram of the onboard optical coupling device and optical transmission component 60 during the optical alignment process. (See diagram for reference.) Figure 3 As shown, two optical transmission components 60 are configured to be optically connected to a plurality of first alignment channels 151 and a plurality of second alignment channels 152 on the third side 113 and the fourth side 114. Specifically, each optical transmission component 60 includes a coupling head 61 and an optical cable 63. Specifically, the optical cable 63 includes at least two sets of optical fibers, each set of optical fibers including an input fiber 631 and an output fiber 632. Two input fibers 631 are terminated at the coupling head 61, and two output fibers 632 are terminated at the coupling head 61. The input fibers 631 are used to provide test optical signals from an external light source with adjustable light intensity (not shown), and the output fibers 632 are optically connected to an external optical power meter (not shown). In use, the two input fibers 631 are optically connected to the optical input terminals 1511 and 1521 of a set of alignment channel units 15, and the two output fibers 632 are optically connected to the optical output terminals 1512 and 1522 of the corresponding set of alignment channel units 15.

[0057] like Figure 1 and Figure 2As shown, the first test optical signal is input from the optical input terminal 1511, travels along the first alignment channel 151 to the first return channel 153 and turns at the bend 1531, and then is output from the optical output terminal 1512 to the external optical power meter. Similarly, the second test optical signal is input from the optical input terminal 1521, travels along the second alignment channel 152 to the second return channel 154 and turns at the bend 1541, and then is output from the optical output terminal 1522 to the external optical power meter. When the external optical power meter detects that the optical loss of the first test signal and the second test signal is lower than a predetermined value, it means that the first photonic device 20 and the second photonic device 30 have been accurately positioned and optically coupled to the optical waveguide 10, thereby simultaneously achieving optical alignment of each group of first optical channels 22 and second optical channels 32 with the waveguide channel 12, without the need to individually optically align each first optical channel 22 and each second optical channel 32 with the waveguide channel 12.

[0058] Specifically, the multiple first optical channels 22, multiple second optical channels 32, and multiple waveguide channels 12 are all fabricated from the same set of photomasks using epitaxial and photolithographic processes. If one or two sets of the multiple first optical channels 22, multiple second optical channels 32, and multiple waveguide paths 12 are aligned, then all corresponding sets of first optical channels 22, second optical channels 32, and waveguide paths 12 are aligned. Using the above structure, the multiple first optical channels 22 and multiple second optical channels 32 are optically aligned with all waveguide channels 12 in a single alignment process, and simultaneously optically aligned with a smaller set of first return channels 153, second return channels 154, and alignment channel units 15. It should be noted that the optical alignment mentioned in this disclosure does not supply power to the light sources of the first photonic device 20 and the second photonic device 30 during the assembly process, thereby reducing alignment time, simplifying alignment operations, and improving optical coupling efficiency.

[0059] See Figure 4 and 5 , Figure 4 An onboard optical coupling device 1B according to another embodiment of the present invention is shown. Figure 5 for Figure 4 A three-dimensional schematic diagram of the onboard optical coupling device 1B and the optical transmission component 60 in an optically aligned state. The main difference between the onboard optical coupling device 1B and the onboard optical coupling device 1A is that the first photonic device 20 is larger than the second photonic device 30, resulting in a recess 301 formed between the second side 112 of the optical waveguide 10 and one side of the second photonic device 30. The configuration of the first alignment channel 151 and the second alignment channel 152 differs from that of the onboard optical coupling device 1A.

[0060] like Figure 4 and 5As shown, the optical input terminal 1511 and optical output terminal 1512 of the first alignment channel 151 start from the second side 112 of the optical waveguide 10, and the optical input terminal 1521 and optical output terminal 1522 of the second alignment channel 152 also start from the second side 112. The second alignment channel 152 is optically aligned with the second return channel 154 on the second side 112 of the optical waveguide 10. That is, the optical input terminals 1511 and 1521 and the optical output terminals 1512 and 1522 are located on the second side 112 of the optical waveguide 10 and adjacent to the recess 301. Two optical transmission components 60 are optically connected to the optical input terminals 1511 and 1521 and the optical output terminals 1512 and 1522 at the two recesses 301, respectively.

[0061] See Figure 6 , Figure 7A and Figure 7B , Figure 6 This is a perspective view of an onboard optical coupling device 1C according to another embodiment of the present invention. Figure 7A for Figure 6 A three-dimensional enlarged schematic diagram of the dashed circle portion of the onboard optical coupling device 1C. Figure 7B for Figure 6 A three-dimensional schematic diagram of the onboard optical coupling device 1C and the optical transmission component 60 in an optically aligned state. The main difference between the onboard optical coupling device 1C and the onboard optical coupling device 1A is that the optical transmission component 60 is optically coupled to the first alignment channel 151 and the second alignment channel 152 from above the upper surface of the optical waveguide 10.

[0062] like Figure 6 and 7A As shown, the optical input terminals 1511 and 1521 and the optical output terminals 1512 and 1522 of the group of aligned channel units 15 adjacent to the third side 113 are located on the upper surface of the optical waveguide 10. Specifically, as Figure 7A and 7B As shown, the optical input terminals 1511 and 1521 of the aligned channel unit 15 are flush with the optical output terminals 1512 and 1522. In this embodiment, the optical input terminals 1511, 1521 and the optical output terminals 1512, 1522 are surface-coupled to the optical transmission component 60 and are not located on the third side 113. Figure 1 The edge coupling shown is different. In this embodiment, the first test optical signal is input to the optical waveguide 10 from top to bottom and returns to the optical transmission component 60 from bottom to top, which is beneficial for arranging devices in a limited space, especially when there is not enough space around the optical waveguide 10 to place the optical transmission component 60. Similarly, a set of aligned channel units 15 symmetrically arranged near the fourth side 114, with optical input terminals 1511 and 1521 and optical output terminals 1512 and 1522, are coupled to the surfaces of other optical transmission components 60.

[0063] See Figure 8 The diagram shows a three-dimensional view of an optical waveguide 10 according to an embodiment of this application. A channel 103 is formed in the optical waveguide 10, spanning a waveguide channel 12 on the optical waveguide 10. An optical isolator 13 is inserted into the channel 103 and spans the waveguide channel 12 on the optical waveguide 10. The optical isolator 13 includes an input polarization element 131, an output polarization element 132, and a rotator 133 disposed between the input polarization element 131 and the output polarization element 132. The optical isolator 13 is used to propagate light from the waveguide channel 12 in a desired direction to the first photonic device 20 and the second photonic device 30, and to reduce interference caused by reflected light, thereby exhibiting relatively low propagation loss in the desired direction.

[0064] See Figures 9A to 9C , Figure 9A for Figure 8 A partially magnified side view of optical waveguide 10. Figure 9B for Figure 8 A partially magnified top view of optical waveguide 10. Figure 9C This is a schematic diagram illustrating the working principle of an optical isolator 13 provided in an embodiment of this application. Specifically, the optical waveguide 10 further includes multiple light-guiding structures 121 located on opposite sides of the channel 103. Specifically, each group of light-guiding structures 121 extends from the waveguide channel 12, such that the light-guiding structure 121 forms an aperture larger than the diameter of the waveguide channel 12. For example... Figure 9C As shown, when light is reflected while propagating between the first optical channel 22 and the second optical channel 32, the light will be reflected by the light guide structure 121 and enter the waveguide channel 12 in the desired direction.

[0065] See Figure 10A and 10B The onboard optical coupling devices 1A / 1B / 1C are electrically mounted on the first and second data processing devices 71 and 72 using multiple conductive pillars or conductive balls 105 via flip-chip bonding technology. (See also...) Figure 10C The onboard optical coupling devices 1A / 1B / 1C are connected to the first and second data processing devices 71 and 72 via wire bonding.

[0066] See Figure 11 and 12 , Figure 11 This is an exploded view of an onboard optical coupling device 1D according to another embodiment of the present invention. Figure 12 yes Figure 11A schematic diagram of the onboard optical coupling device 1D is shown. In this embodiment, the onboard optical coupling device 1D does not include an optical waveguide 10. Specifically, the onboard optical coupling device 1D includes a first photonic device 20', a second photonic device 30' disposed adjacent to the first photonic device 20', and two optical transmission components 601 and 602 optically connected to the first photonic device 20' and the second photonic device 30', respectively. Preferably, both the first photonic device 20' and the second photonic device 30' are implemented as silicon photonic integrated circuits. Compared with the first photonic device 20 and the second photonic device 30 shown in the above embodiment, in some embodiments, the first photonic device 20' and the second photonic device 30' can omit the optical emitter (not shown), such as a laser diode, and the optical receiver (not shown), such as a photodiode, to reduce size and improve manufacturing yield.

[0067] like Figure 11 and 12 As shown, the first photonic device 20' includes a plurality of first return channels 153' disposed on one side of the first photonic device 20', a plurality of second return channels 154' disposed on the other side of the first photonic device 20', and a plurality of first optical paths 222 disposed between the first return channels 153' and the second return channels 154'. The second photonic device 30' includes two third alignment channels 155 optically aligned with one of the plurality of second return channels 154', two fourth alignment channels 156 optically aligned with the other of the plurality of second return channels 154', and a plurality of second optical paths 322 optically aligned with the plurality of first optical paths 222. Optical transmission components 601 and 602 each include a coupling head 61 and a plurality of main optical fibers 633 disposed between two sets of input optical fibers 631 and output optical fibers 632. The main optical fiber 633 of one of the optical transmission components 601 and 602 is optically aligned with the first optical path 222, and the main optical fiber 633 of the other of the optical transmission components 601 and 602 is optically aligned with the second optical path 322.

[0068] like Figure 12 As shown, each first return channel 153' includes a bent section 1531' and two opposite ends optically aligned with the corresponding ends of the input fiber 631 and the output fiber 632. Each second return channel 154' includes a bent section 1541' and two opposite ends optically aligned with the corresponding ends of the third alignment channel 155 and the fourth alignment channel 156. The third alignment channel 155 and the fourth alignment channel 156 are optically connected to the coupling head 61 of the optical transmission component 602. It should be noted that... Figure 11 and 12The input fiber 631 and output fiber 632 shown can operate in the same manner as in the embodiments described above. Therefore, their functions will not be described again herein. In some embodiments, each of the optical transmission components 601 and 602 may include a transceiver head (not shown) connected to a mating connector (not shown) for providing and receiving optical signals.

[0069] With the above structure, during a single alignment process, multiple first optical paths 222 and multiple second optical paths 322 are optically aligned with each other. Simultaneously, multiple first return channels 153' and two sets of input optical fibers 631 and output optical fibers 632 of one of their optical transmission components 601 and 602 are optically aligned. Furthermore, multiple second return channels 154', multiple third alignment channels 155, and multiple fourth alignment channels 156, along with two sets of input optical fibers 631 and output optical fibers 632 of another optical transmission component 601 and 602, are optically aligned. Optical transmission components 601 and 602 are respectively connected to data processing devices 71 and 72 to enable optical communication between data processing devices 71 and 72 via the first photonic device 20' and the second photonic device 30'.

[0070] See Figure 13 This is a structural schematic diagram of the onboard optical coupling device provided in the embodiments of this application in its usage state. In some embodiments, the first and second data processing devices 71 and 72 are optical data processing devices. The onboard optical coupling device 1D optically couples between the first data processing device 71 and the second data processing device 72 to realize a fully optical network. Similarly, as Figure 11 and 12 The onboard optical coupling device 1D shown can also be used in all-optical networks. The first and second data processing devices 71 and 72 are both optical processors, and the onboard optical coupling device 1D communicates with the first and second data processing devices 71 and 72 via optical signals. In some embodiments, the onboard optical coupling devices 1A / 1B / 1C can be applied to, for example... Figure 13 In the all-optical network structure shown.

[0071] This application utilizes an onboard optical coupling device to connect the first and second data processing devices, enabling optical signal transmission without the need for optical cables. This facilitates device configuration within limited space and improves overall system performance. Furthermore, before coupling with the first and second data processing devices, the optical waveguide, the first photonic device, and the second photonic device are quickly aligned with each other, solving the problem of time-consuming and cumbersome alignment processes in traditional methods. Similarly, the configuration of the first and second photonic devices not only achieves the same functional effect but also improves manufacturing yield.

[0072] The above embodiments are used to illustrate the technical concept disclosed herein, and are not intended to limit the technical concept disclosed herein. Therefore, the scope of protection of this disclosure is not limited to these embodiments. The scope of protection of this disclosure should be interpreted by the claims, and should be interpreted as including all technical concepts that are the same as or equivalent to the above scope of protection within the scope of protection of this disclosure.

Claims

1. An onboard optical coupling device, connected between two data processing devices, characterized in that, The onboard optical coupling device includes: An optical waveguide includes a first side, a second side, a third side, and a fourth side that collectively define the contour of the optical waveguide, a plurality of alignment channel units disposed near at least one of the third side and the fourth side, and a plurality of waveguide channels extending between the first side and the second side. A first photonic device, disposed on one of the data processing devices near a first side of the optical waveguide, includes a plurality of first return channels optically aligned with corresponding alignment channel units of the optical waveguide, and a plurality of first optical channels disposed between the first return channels and optically aligned with corresponding waveguide channels; and The second photonic device, disposed on another data processing device, near the second side of the optical waveguide, includes a plurality of second return channels, which are optically aligned with corresponding alignment channel units of the optical waveguide, and a plurality of second optical channels, which are disposed between the second return channels and optically aligned with corresponding waveguide channels. The plurality of first optical channels and the plurality of second optical channels are optically aligned with their respective waveguide channels in a one-time alignment process, and the plurality of first return channels, the plurality of second return channels and the plurality of alignment channel units are optically aligned in the one-time alignment process.

2. The onboard optical coupling device according to claim 1, characterized in that, One of the plurality of alignment channel units includes two first alignment channels spaced apart from each other, and the other of the plurality of alignment channel units includes two second alignment channels spaced apart from each other. The two first alignment channels and the two second alignment channels together define a set of the alignment channel units. One of the plurality of first alignment channels includes an optical input terminal for receiving a first test optical signal from an external optical transmission component, and the other of the plurality of first alignment channels includes an optical output terminal for outputting the first test optical signal to the external optical transmission component. One of the plurality of second alignment channels includes an optical input terminal for receiving a second test optical signal from the external optical transmission component, and the other of the plurality of second alignment channels includes an optical output terminal for outputting the second test optical signal to the external optical transmission component.

3. The onboard optical coupling device according to claim 2, characterized in that, Each of the first return channels includes a curved section and two opposite ends, the two opposite ends of which are optically aligned with the corresponding ends of the two first alignment channels on the first side, and each of the second return channels includes a curved section and two opposite ends, the two opposite ends of which are optically aligned with the corresponding ends of the two second alignment channels on the second side.

4. The onboard optical coupling device according to claim 3, characterized in that, The plurality of optical input terminals and plurality of optical output terminals of the group of alignment channel units are located on at least one of the third side and the fourth side.

5. The onboard optical coupling device according to claim 3, characterized in that, The multiple optical input terminals and multiple optical output terminals of the set of aligned channel units are located on the upper surface of the optical waveguide.

6. The onboard optical coupling device according to claim 2, characterized in that, The two sets of alignment channel units are symmetrically arranged and located near the third and fourth sides of the optical waveguide, respectively, wherein the first alignment channel and the second alignment channel in each set of alignment channel units are symmetrically arranged.

7. The onboard optical coupling device according to claim 2, characterized in that, The optical input and output ends of the plurality of first alignment channels are located at the ends of each first alignment channel away from the first side, and the optical input and output ends of the second alignment channels are located at the ends of each second alignment channel away from the second side, wherein the optical input and output ends of each pair of alignment channel units are flush with each other.

8. The onboard optical coupling device according to claim 2, characterized in that, The optical input and output terminals of the set of aligned channel units are located on the second side of the optical waveguide.

9. The onboard optical coupling device according to claim 8, characterized in that, At least one recess is defined between one side of the second photonic device and the second side of the optical waveguide, and the optical input end and the optical output end are located adjacent to the recess.

10. The onboard optical coupling device according to claim 2, characterized in that, The external optical transmission component includes a coupling head, two input optical fibers terminated at the coupling head, and two output optical fibers terminated at the coupling head. The two input optical fibers communicate optically with the optical input end of the alignment channel unit, and the two output optical fibers communicate optically with the optical output end of the alignment channel unit.

11. The onboard optical coupling device according to claim 10, characterized in that, The multiple optical input terminals and multiple optical output terminals of the alignment channel unit are located on the upper surface of the optical waveguide, such that the external optical transmission component is optically coupled to the alignment channel unit from above the upper surface of the optical waveguide.

12. The onboard optical coupling device according to claim 1, characterized in that, It also includes a support unit configured to support the optical waveguide, the first photonic device, and the second photonic device.

13. The onboard optical coupling device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The optical waveguide also includes an optical isolator, which is disposed across a waveguide channel on the optical waveguide.

14. An onboard optical coupling device, connected between two data processing devices, characterized in that, The onboard optical coupling device includes: The first photonic device includes a plurality of first return channels disposed on one side of the first photonic device, a plurality of second return channels disposed on the other side of the first photonic device, and a plurality of first optical paths disposed between the plurality of first return channels and the plurality of second return channels; A second photonic device, disposed adjacent to the first photonic device, includes two third alignment channels optically aligned with one of the plurality of second return channels, two fourth alignment channels optically aligned with the other of the plurality of second return channels, and a plurality of second optical paths optically aligned with the plurality of first optical paths; and Two optical transmission components are optically connected to the first photonic device and the second photonic device, respectively. Each optical transmission component includes two input optical fibers and an output optical fiber disposed adjacent to the two input optical fibers. The plurality of first optical paths and the plurality of second optical paths are optically aligned, and the plurality of first return channels are optically aligned with the two sets of input and output optical fibers of one of the optical transmission components. The plurality of second return channels, the plurality of third alignment channels, the plurality of fourth alignment channels, and the two sets of input and output optical fibers of the other optical transmission component are optically aligned in one alignment process.

15. The onboard optical coupling device according to claim 14, characterized in that, Each of the optical transmission components includes a coupling head and a plurality of main optical fibers disposed between the two sets of input optical fibers and the output optical fibers, wherein the main optical fiber of one optical transmission component is optically aligned with the plurality of first optical paths, and the main optical fiber of another optical transmission component is optically aligned with the plurality of second optical paths.

16. The onboard optical coupling device according to claim 15, characterized in that, Each of the first return channels includes a bent section and two opposite ends optically aligned with the corresponding ends of the input fiber and the output fiber, and each of the second return channels includes a bent section and two opposite ends optically aligned with the corresponding ends of the third alignment channel or the fourth alignment channel.

17. The onboard optical coupling device according to claim 14, characterized in that, The optical transmission component is connected to the two data processing devices respectively to realize optical communication between the data processing devices.

18. The onboard optical coupling device according to claim 14, characterized in that, It also includes a support unit configured to support the first photonic device and the second photonic device.

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