Optical connector having a support point for optical alignment

Abstract

The optical cradle is configured to mate with the optical ferrule and permanently bond to the substrate, such that light from an optical waveguide coupled to the optical ferrule exits the optical ferrule and couples to an optical component on the substrate after entering the optical cradle at a first position of the optical cradle. The optical cradle includes at least one fulcrum extending from a bottom surface of the optical cradle and configured to contact the substrate and enable rotation of the optical cradle about the contact to angularly align the optical cradle to the optical component without substantially changing a distance d between the first position and the optical component.

Description

Summary of the Invention

[0001] In some aspects herein, an optical cradle is provided that is configured to mate with an optical ferrule and permanently bond to a substrate, whereby light may be coupled between an optical waveguide coupled to the optical ferrule via at least a first location of the optical cradle and an optical component. The optical cradle includes at least one fulcrum extending from a bottom surface of the optical cradle and contacting the substrate and configured to enable rotation of the optical cradle about the contact to angularly align the optical cradle to the optical component without substantially changing a distance d between the first location and the optical component.

[0002] In some aspects herein, an optical cradle is provided that is configured to removably receive and secure an optical ferrule, whereby a central light beam exiting the optical ferrule enters the optical cradle at a first position of the optical cradle and exits the optical cradle at a second position of the optical cradle. The first position and the second position define an optical axis passing through the optical cradle. The optical cradle includes one or more pivot portions that extend from a bottom surface of the optical cradle and define an axis of rotation of the optical cradle, whereby the optical axis passes within about 500 microns of the axis of rotation.

[0003] In some aspects herein, an optical cradle is provided that is mounted on a substrate and configured to receive and secure an optical ferrule, such that a central optical beam is coupled between the optical ferrule and an optical component of the substrate. The optical cradle includes one or more pivot portions extending from a bottom surface of the optical cradle and that in combination define an axis of rotation of the optical cradle, such that when the optical cradle is placed on the substrate, the one or more pivot portions enable the optical cradle to rotate about the axis of rotation to adjust the tilt of the optical cradle relative to the substrate.

[0004] In some aspects herein, an optical cradle is provided that includes a fulcrum extending from a bottom surface of the optical cradle and is configured to be mounted on a substrate and receive and secure an optical ferrule, and when the optical cradle is mounted and the fulcrum rests on the substrate, the optical cradle is configured to rock at least about 0.5 degrees about the fulcrum to optimize coupling of light from an optical waveguide attached to the optical ferrule to an intended optical component of the substrate.

[0005] In some aspects herein, an optical cradle is provided that is mounted on a substrate and configured to receive and secure an optical ferrule, such that when the optical cradle is permanently mounted on the substrate such that light from the optical ferrule is optimally transmitted to the optical components of the substrate, the optical cradle is in physical contact with the substrate only along one or more substantially collinear contact lines.

[0006] In some aspects herein, a method of aligning an optical cradle to an optical component is provided, the method including the steps of: inserting an optical ferrule into an optical cradle including a pocket for receiving and securing the optical ferrule and at least one fulcrum configured to contact a substrate; contacting the fulcrum to the substrate; and aligning the cradle to the optical component while coupling light between the optical ferrule and the optical component, the aligning step including the steps of measuring an intensity of light coupled between the optical ferrule and the optical component and rotating the optical cradle about the fulcrum to angularly align the optical cradle to the optical component based on the intensity of the coupled light. The method includes the steps of: applying an adhesive to the optical cradle; and curing the adhesive. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0007] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of a light cradle having a fulcrum feature according to an embodiment herein. [Diagram 2]FIG. 13 is an alternative perspective view of a light cradle having a fulcrum feature according to an embodiment herein. [Diagram 3] FIG. 13 is an additional alternative perspective view of a light cradle having a fulcrum feature according to an embodiment herein. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a cutaway view of an optical connection between an optical ferrule and an optical cradle according to an embodiment herein. [Diagram 5] FIG. 13 is a cutaway view of a light cradle with a fulcrum feature showing additional details of the light path according to one embodiment of the present description. [Figure 6] 1 is a flow chart detailing steps in a method for aligning an optical cradle to an optical component according to embodiments described herein. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0008] In the following description, reference is made to the accompanying drawings, which form a part hereof, and in which various embodiments are shown by way of illustration. The drawings are not necessarily to scale. It is to be understood that other embodiments are contemplated and may be made without departing from the scope or spirit of the present disclosure. Accordingly, the following detailed description is not to be taken in a limiting sense.

[0009] As data rates in computers continue to rise, copper conductors become increasingly unable to transmit large amounts of high-speed data between components at the speeds customers demand. Silicon photonics (i.e., systems that use silicon as the optical medium to transmit data) can help alleviate this bottleneck by enabling data transmission over optical fibers rather than copper traces. Efficient coupling of light between optical fibers and small-core photonic integrated circuit (PIC) waveguides can be difficult to achieve. Existing solutions involve active alignment and permanent attachment of optical fibers that are expensive, slow, often lossy, and incompatible with the temperatures associated with solder reflow in PICs.

[0010] Some silicon photonics systems use a pluggable connector interface between an optical fiber and a silicon photonics transceiver, which includes an optical cradle that is mated to the PIC and an optical ferrule that sits in the optical cradle and is held in optical alignment with the transceiver. Although this pluggable interface offers an improvement in the process of obtaining optical alignment, it can still be difficult to align the lenses built into some optical cradles with the optical grating couplers on the PIC. The cradle lenses must be laterally aligned with their respective grating couplers for optical data transfer. However, manufacturing process variations can result in significant cross-wafer and wafer-to-wafer variations in the angle of the output beam from the grating couplers, and therefore the cradle must be actively angularly aligned to focus the light into (or out of) the grating couplers while holding the grating couplers at or near the focal point of their respective cradle lenses.

[0011] According to some aspects herein, the optical cradle includes a fulcrum feature extending from a bottom of the optical connector (e.g., from a bottom of the optical cradle), the fulcrum feature allowing the optical connector to be tilted to adjust the alignment of the optical cradle lens with the optical component (e.g., the grating coupler of the PIC). In some embodiments, the optical cradle may be configured to mate with an optical ferrule and permanently bond to a substrate, such that light may be coupled between an optical waveguide (e.g., an optical fiber) coupled to the optical ferrule via at least a first position of the optical cradle and the optical substrate. In some embodiments, the optical cradle may include at least one fulcrum configured to contact the substrate and allow rotation of the optical cradle about the contact to angularly align the optical cradle to the optical component without substantially changing the distance d between the first position and the optical component.

[0012] In some embodiments, the optical cradle further includes an optical lens disposed proximate to the first location, hi some embodiments, a distance between the first location and the optical component is approximately equal to a focal length of the optical lens.

[0013] In some embodiments, at least one fulcrum may include at least two segments separated by a space. In some embodiments, the space may be such that at least two segments are disposed on either side of the optical component, and at least one fulcrum does not directly contact the optical component. In other words, the segments of the fulcrum (e.g., the pivot point of the fulcrum that is in contact with the substrate) may be spaced apart so that the cradle straddles the optical component (e.g., the grating coupler of the PIC) to which it is being aligned (to avoid damaging the optical component during active alignment).

[0014] According to some aspects herein, the optical cradle may be configured to removably receive and secure an optical ferrule (e.g., the cradle may include a "pocket" configured to receive the optical ferrule and hold it in alignment with the optical component), such that a light beam exiting the optical ferrule enters the optical cradle at a first position of the optical cradle and exits the optical cradle at a second position of the optical cradle. The first and second positions may define an optical axis passing through the optical cradle. In some embodiments, the optical cradle may include one or more pivot portions (e.g., one or more fulcrum segments) that define an axis of rotation of the optical cradle, the pivot portions passing through or near the axis of rotation. In some embodiments, the optical axis may pass within about 500 microns, or about 450 microns, or about 400 microns, or about 350 microns, or about 300 microns, or about 250 microns, or about 200 microns, or about 150 microns, or about 100 microns, or about 50 microns, or about 25 microns, or about 10 microns, or about 5 microns of the axis of rotation.

[0015] In some embodiments, the light cradle may further include an optical lens in at least one of the first position and the second position, In some embodiments, the optical lens may be configured to change an optical property of light passing therethrough, such as the divergence of the light (e.g., to focus the light at a position).

[0016] In some embodiments, the optical component may be within about 50 microns, or about 45 microns, or about 40 microns, or about 35 microns, or about 30 microns, or about 25 microns, or about 20 microns, or about 15 microns, or about 10 microns, or about 5 microns of the focal point of the optical lens.

[0017] In some embodiments, one or more pivot portions of the light cradle may be positioned so as not to include the second position of the light cradle (e.g., the pivot portions may be positioned on one or more sides of the second position, such as two pivot portions on either side of the second position, so as not to interfere with the coupling of light from the second position).

[0018] According to some aspects herein, an optical cradle may be mounted on a substrate and configured to receive and secure an optical ferrule, such that a central optical beam is coupled between the optical ferrule and an optical component of the substrate (e.g., a grating coupler of a photonics integrated circuit). That is, the optical cradle may be configured to hold the optical ferrule in alignment with the optical component. In some embodiments, the optical cradle may include one or more pivoting portions that in combination define an axis of rotation of the optical cradle. In some embodiments, when the optical cradle is placed on the substrate, the one or more pivoting portions may enable the optical cradle to rotate about the axis of rotation to adjust the tilt of the optical cradle relative to the substrate.

[0019] In some embodiments, the one or more pivoting portions may be configured such that the tilt of the optical cradle relative to the substrate may be adjusted up to 5 degrees, or up to 2 degrees, or up to 1.5 degrees, or up to 1.0 degrees, or up to 0.5 degrees. In some embodiments, rotating the optical cradle about the rotation axis may change the angle of the optical path of the light beam between the optical ferrule and the optical component. In some embodiments, the optical component may include an optical grating coupler. In some embodiments, changing the angle of the optical path of the light beam between the optical ferrule and the optical component changes the intensity of the optical signal (i.e., the light beam) coupled between the optical waveguide (e.g., optical fiber) coupled to the optical ferrule and the optical component.

[0020] According to some aspects of the present specification, the optical cradle may include a fulcrum and may be mounted on a substrate and configured to receive and secure an optical ferrule. In some embodiments, when the optical cradle is mounted and the fulcrum rests on the substrate, the optical cradle may be configured to rock at least about 0.5 degrees, or about 1.0 degrees, or about 1.5 degrees, or about 2 degrees, or about 5 degrees about the fulcrum to optimize coupling of light from the optical waveguide attached to the optical ferrule to the intended optical component of the substrate. In some embodiments, the intended optical component is an optical grating coupler.

[0021] In some embodiments, the fulcrum includes two segments separated by a space, in such embodiments, the space is configured such that the two segments are disposed on either side of the optical component, such that the fulcrum straddles the optical component when mounted on the substrate.

[0022] According to some aspects herein, an optical cradle may be mounted on a substrate and configured to receive and secure an optical ferrule. In some embodiments, when the optical cradle is permanently mounted on the substrate and light from the optical ferrule is optimally transmitted to the optical components of the substrate, the optical cradle may only physically contact the substrate along one or more substantially collinear contact lines. In some embodiments, the optical cradle may include a bottom surface having one or more substantially collinear contact lines disposed between and spaced apart from opposing leading and trailing edge lines of the optical cradle. In some embodiments, the bottom surface may include a fulcrum feature, the fulcrum feature defining the one or more substantially collinear contact lines.

[0023] According to some aspects herein, a method for aligning an optical cradle to an optical component includes: Inserting the optical ferrule into an optical cradle including a pocket for receiving and securing the optical ferrule and at least one fulcrum configured to contact a substrate; contacting the fulcrum with a substrate; and coupling light between the optical ferrule and the optical component. aligning the cradle with the optical component; applying an adhesive to the optical cradle and the substrate; and c) curing the adhesive.

[0024] In some embodiments, aligning the cradle with the optical component may include measuring an intensity of light coupled between the optical ferrule and the optical component, and rotating the optical cradle about a fulcrum to angularly align the optical cradle with the optical component based on the intensity of the coupled light. In some embodiments, aligning the cradle with the optical component further includes maximizing the intensity of the coupled light.

[0025] In some embodiments, the optical ferrule may be removed from the optical cradle prior to applying the adhesive. In some embodiments, the method may further include applying an optical material to the substrate prior to contacting the fulcrum with the substrate. In such embodiments, the optical material may be substantially index-matched to the material of the optical cradle and may include / surround an optical path between the optical cradle and the substrate. In some embodiments, the optical material may be an optical gel. In other embodiments, the optical material may be an optical adhesive. In such embodiments, the optical adhesive may be cured by actinic radiation (e.g., cured by application of light).

[0026] In some embodiments, curing the adhesive may include thermal curing (i.e., application of heat to initiate curing of the adhesive). In some embodiments, the adhesive may be configured to withstand temperatures associated with a solder reflow process.

[0027] Turning now to the drawings, FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an optical cradle with a fulcrum feature according to the present disclosure. In some embodiments, the optical cradle 10 is configured to mate with an optical ferrule 20 and permanently bond to a substrate 30. In some embodiments, the optical cradle may be configured such that light from an optical waveguide 40 (e.g., one or more optical fibers) coupled to the optical ferrule 20 exits the optical ferrule 20 and couples to an optical component 50 on the substrate 30. (See additional details regarding the optical path and other features of the light in other figures contained elsewhere herein). Note that light may pass in either direction along the optical path such that light may be transmitted from the optical component 50 to the optical ferrule 20, or from the optical ferrule 20 to the optical component 50, or in both directions. The examples provided herein are not intended to be limiting and generally encompass the coupling of light between the optical ferrule 20 and the optical component 50 regardless of the direction of light transmission.

[0028] In some embodiments, the optical cradle 10 may have at least one fulcrum 60 located on a bottom surface 17 of the optical cradle 10 (i.e., the surface of the optical cradle 10 that faces the substrate 30). In some embodiments, the fulcrum 60 is configured to contact the substrate 30 and allow rotation of the optical cradle 10 about the contact to angularly align the optical cradle 10 with the optical component 50. In some embodiments, the optical component 50 may be an optical grating coupler of a photonic integrated circuit (PIC).

[0029] In some embodiments, at least one fulcrum 60 may define one or more substantially collinear contact lines 60a / 60b (see FIG. 3) that are positioned between and spaced apart from the leading edge line 15a and the opposing trailing edge line 15b of the optical cradle 10.

[0030] Figure 2 is an alternative perspective view of the light cradle 10 of Figure 1 showing additional details of an embodiment of the fulcrum 60. In particular, Figure 2 shows the light cradle 10 from below to highlight the bottom surface 17. The bottom surface 17 of the light cradle 10 may include a fulcrum feature 60 having one or more segments or "pivot portions" (e.g., the two portions marked as 60 in Figure 2). The fulcrum feature 60 may be located away from the front edge 15a of the cradle 10.

[0031] Figure 3 is an additional alternative perspective view of the optical cradle 10 of Figures 1 and 2, including additional detail regarding the fulcrum feature 60. Figure 3 again shows a view of the cradle 10 highlighting the bottom surface 17 and one or more pivot portions (fulcrums) 60. The one or more pivot portions 60 of the fulcrum feature define an axis of rotation 62 for the optical cradle 10. When the one or more pivot portions 60 of the optical cradle 10 come into physical contact with a substrate (such as substrate 30 of Figure 1), they contact the substrate 30 only along one or more substantially collinear contact lines 60a, 60b.

[0032] In some embodiments, the optical cradle 10 is configured to removably receive and secure an optical ferrule (such as optical ferrule 20 of FIG. 1) such that a light ray (i.e., a central ray of the light beam) exiting the optical ferrule 20 enters the optical cradle 10 at a first position of the optical cradle (e.g., a first position proximate the optical ferrule, see element 11 of FIG. 4) and exits the optical cradle at a second position 12 on a bottom surface 17 of the optical cradle 10. In some embodiments, the first position 11 and the second position 12 define an optical axis 13 passing through the optical cradle. In some embodiments, the optical axis 13 passes within about 500 microns, or about 450 microns, or about 400 microns, or about 350 microns, or about 300 microns, or about 250 microns, or about 200 microns, or about 150 microns, or about 100 microns, or about 50 microns, or about 25 microns, or about 10 microns, or about 5 microns of the axis of rotation 62.

[0033] 4 is a cutaway view of an optical connection between an optical ferrule 20 and an optical cradle 10 according to aspects of the present disclosure. In some embodiments, the optical cradle 10 includes a pocket 25 for receiving and securing the optical ferrule 20. In some embodiments, one or more optical waveguides 40 (e.g., optical fibers) are coupled to the optical ferrule 20. In some embodiments, a light ray 42 (e.g., a central ray) from the optical waveguide 40 may be directed through (e.g., redirected or refocused by) the optical ferrule 20 and exit the optical ferrule 20. After exiting the optical ferrule 20, the light ray 42 may enter the optical cradle 10 and the first position 11 and exit the optical cradle 10 at the second position 12. The exiting light ray 42 may follow an optical axis 13 defined by the first position 11 and the second position 12. In some embodiments, the optical cradle 10 may further include an optical lens 14 disposed at least one of the first position 11 and the second position 12 and configured to change at least the divergence of the light beam 42 passing therethrough (e.g., to focus the light beam 42 at a target position). In some embodiments, the optical cradle 10 includes one or more pivot portions 60 (defining one or more fulcrums) that contact 61 with the substrate 30 and define an axis of rotation 62 (see axis of rotation 62 in FIG. 3). In some embodiments, the optical axis 13 passes within about 500 microns, or about 450 microns, or about 400 microns, or about 350 microns, or about 300 microns, or about 250 microns, or about 200 microns, or about 150 microns, or about 100 microns, or about 50 microns, or about 25 microns, or about 10 microns, or about 5 microns of the axis of rotation 62 (i.e., the axis of rotation defined by the contact point 61 with the substrate 30).

[0034] In some embodiments, the optical cradle 10 may be rotated about a pivot / fulcrum 60 to angularly align the optical ferrule 20 with an optical component 50 (e.g., an optical diffraction grating coupler) on the substrate 30. The pivot / fulcrum 60 and one or more substantially collinear contact lines (see elements 60a, 60b in FIG. 3) may be located between and spaced apart from the leading edge line 15a and the opposing trailing edge line 15b of the optical cradle 10. In some embodiments, the optical cradle 10 may be aligned with the optical component 50 by coupling light (e.g., light beam 42) between the optical ferrule 20 and the optical component 50 and rotating the optical cradle 10 about the pivot / fulcrum 60 until an optical signal (e.g., an optical signal of maximum intensity) is coupled between the optical ferrule 20 and the optical component 50. Once optical angular alignment between the optical ferrule 20 and the optical component 50 has been achieved, an adhesive (e.g., a structural thermal adhesive) may be applied between the substrate 30 and the optical cradle 10 to hold the substrate at the desired angle. Additional details regarding the alignment process are provided in FIG. 6 and the corresponding description.

[0035] 5 is a cutaway view of the optical cradle 10 with a fulcrum feature 60 showing additional details of the optical path. In some embodiments, the optical cradle 10 may be configured to mate with an optical ferrule 20 (see optical ferrule 20 in FIG. 4) and be permanently bonded to the substrate 30. Light (such as light beam 42 in FIG. 4) exits the optical cradle 10, enters the optical cradle 10 and a first location 11 of the optical cradle 10, and exits the optical cradle 10 at a second location 12, defining an optical axis 13 and a distance d between the first location 11 and the optical component 50. In some embodiments, the optical cradle 10 includes a fulcrum 60 configured to contact 61 the substrate 30 and enable rotation of the optical cradle 10 about an axis of rotation 62 defined by the contact line 61. In some embodiments, the fulcrum 60 may be configured to allow rotation of the optical cradle 10 about the axis of rotation 62 to angularly align the optical cradle 10 with the optical component 50 without substantially changing the distance d between the first position 11 and the optical component 50. In some embodiments, the distance d is approximately the focal length of any lens (e.g., optical lens 14 of FIG. 4) proximate the position 11.

[0036] 6 is a flow chart detailing steps in a method for optically aligning an optical cradle to an optical component on a substrate according to the present disclosure. In some embodiments, the method 100 includes the following steps:

[0037] Step 110: An optical ferrule (such as optical ferrule 20 of FIG. 4) is inserted into an optical cradle (such as optical cradle 10 of FIG. 4). The optical cradle 10 may include a pocket for receiving and securing the optical ferrule 20, and the optical cradle 10 may further include at least one fulcrum (such as fulcrum 60 of FIG. 4) configured to contact a substrate. In some embodiments, the purpose of the fulcrum is to allow rotation of the optical cradle to optimize optical coupling between the optical ferrule and optical components on the substrate.

[0038] Optional step 115: In some embodiments, an optical material (e.g., optical gel or optical adhesive) may be applied to the substrate prior to aligning the cradle with the optical components, such that the optical material includes or encompasses an optical path between the optical cradle and the optical components on the substrate. In some embodiments, for example if the optical material is an optical adhesive, the optical material may be cured once the alignment of the cradle and the optical components is optimized. In some embodiments, the optical material may be substantially index matched to the material of the optical cradle. In such embodiments, the optical adhesive may be cured (e.g., photocured) by actinic radiation.

[0039] Step 120: The fulcrum of the optical cradle is brought into contact with the substrate to generate an axis of rotation along the contact point between the fulcrum and the substrate. A suitable fixture may be used to position the cradle while holding the fulcrum in contact with the substrate during subsequent steps.

[0040] Step 130: Coupling light between the optical ferrule and the optical component via the optical cradle.

[0041] Step 140: Align the optical ferrule with the optical component. In some embodiments, this alignment involves repositioning the optical cradle and rotating the optical cradle about a fulcrum while measuring the intensity of the light coupled between the optical ferrule and the optical component until the intensity of the coupled light is optimal. In some embodiments, the optimal optical alignment is defined as the angle of alignment at which the light coupled between the optical ferrule and the optical component is at its maximum intensity.

[0042] In some embodiments of the method 100, the optical ferrule may be removed from the optical cradle before applying the adhesive (and after optical alignment has been achieved).

[0043] Step 150: Once optical alignment is achieved in step 140, adhesive is applied to the optical cradle.

[0044] Step 160: Curing the adhesive. In some embodiments, curing the adhesive may be thermal curing (e.g., application of heat) of the adhesive. In such embodiments, the cured adhesive may be configured to withstand temperatures associated with a solder reflow process.

[0045] Terms such as "about" will be understood by those of skill in the art in the context in which they are used and described herein. Where the use of "about" as applied to quantities describing feature sizes, quantities, and physical properties is not otherwise clear to those of skill in the art in the context in which it is used and described herein, "about" will be understood to mean within 10 percent of the particular value. A quantity given as about a particular value may be exactly that particular value. For example, where the use of "about" as applied to quantities describing feature sizes, quantities, and physical properties is not otherwise clear to those of skill in the art in the context in which it is used and described herein, a quantity having a value of about 1 means that the quantity has a value between 0.9 and 1.1, and may even be 1.

[0046] Terms such as "substantially" will be understood by those of skill in the art in the context in which they are used and described herein. If the use of "substantially equal" is not clear to those of skill in the art in the context in which they are used and described herein, "substantially equal" means approximately equal, with about as above. If the use of "substantially parallel" is not clear to those of skill in the art in the context in which they are used and described herein, "substantially parallel" means within 30 degrees of parallel. Directions or surfaces described as substantially parallel to one another may, in some embodiments, be within 20 degrees or within 10 degrees of parallel, or may be parallel or nominally parallel. If the use of "substantially aligned" is not clear to those of skill in the art in the context in which they are used and described herein, "substantially aligned" means aligned within 20% of the width of the objects being aligned. Objects described as substantially aligned may, in some embodiments, be aligned within 10% or within 5% of the width of the objects being aligned.

[0047] All references, patents, or patent applications referenced above are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety. In the event of any inconsistency or contradiction between any of the incorporated references and this application, the information in the foregoing description shall prevail.

[0048] Descriptions of elements in the drawings should be understood to apply equally to corresponding elements in other drawings unless otherwise indicated. Although specific embodiments have been illustrated and described herein, those skilled in the art will appreciate that the specific embodiments illustrated and described may be replaced by various alternative and / or equivalent implementations without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. This application is intended to cover any adaptations or variations of the specific embodiments discussed herein. Accordingly, the present disclosure is intended to be limited only by the claims and the equivalents thereof.

Claims

1. An optical cradle configured to mate with an optical ferrule and permanently bond to a substrate, whereby light can be coupled between an optical waveguide coupled to the optical ferrule and an optical component on the substrate via at least a first position of the optical cradle, the optical cradle comprising at least one fulcrum extending from a bottom surface of the optical cradle and configured to contact the substrate and enable rotation of the optical cradle about the contact to angularly align the optical cradle with the optical component without substantially changing the distance between the first position and the optical component.

2. The optical cradle of claim 1 , further comprising an optical lens disposed proximate the first location.

3. The optical cradle of claim 2 , wherein the distance between the first position and the optical component is approximately a focal length of the optical lens.

4. The optical cradle of claim 1 , wherein the optical component is an optical grating coupler.

5. The optical cradle of claim 1 , wherein the at least one fulcrum includes at least two segments separated by a space.

6. The optical cradle of claim 5 , wherein the space is such that the at least two segments are disposed on either side of the optical component and the at least one fulcrum does not directly contact the optical component.

7. 1. An optical cradle configured to removably receive and secure an optical ferrule, whereby a central light ray exiting the optical ferrule enters the optical cradle at a first position of the optical cradle and exits the optical cradle at a second position of the optical cradle, the first position and the second position defining an optical axis passing through the optical cradle, the optical cradle comprising one or more pivot portions defining an axis of rotation of the optical cradle, whereby the optical axis passes within approximately 500 microns of the axis of rotation.

8. 8. The optical cradle of claim 7, further comprising an optical lens in at least one of the first position and the second position, the optical lens configured to change at least the divergence of light passing therethrough.

9. 9. The optical cradle of claim 8, wherein the optical component is within about 50 microns of the focal point of the optical lens.

10. The light cradle of claim 7 , wherein the one or more pivot portions are positioned so as not to include the second position of the light cradle.

11. The light cradle of claim 7 , wherein the one or more pivot portions include two pivot portions spaced apart on either side of the second position of the light cradle.

12. An optical cradle mounted on a substrate and configured to receive and secure an optical ferrule, thereby coupling a beam of light between the optical ferrule and an optical component of the substrate, the optical cradle comprising one or more pivoting portions extending from a bottom surface of the optical cradle and combining to define a rotation axis of the optical cradle, such that when the optical cradle is placed on the substrate, the one or more pivoting portions rotate the optical cradle around the rotation axis to adjust the tilt of the optical cradle relative to the substrate.

13. The optical cradle of claim 12 , wherein the one or more pivot portions are configured such that the tilt of the optical cradle relative to the substrate can be adjusted by up to 5 degrees.

14. The optical cradle of claim 12 , wherein rotating the optical cradle about the axis of rotation changes an angle of an optical path of the light beam between the optical ferrule and the optical component.

15. The optical cradle of claim 12 , wherein the optical component is an optical grating coupler.

Images