Optical path conversion member for optical communication and method for manufacturing the same

Abstract

To provide an optical path conversion member for optical communication that can stably and optically couple an optical fiber and an optically coupling object member, and besides, facilitates mounting.SOLUTION: An optical path conversion member 1 for optical communication comprises: a base body part 2 that has a hold part 4 holding an optical fiber A; and a reflection part 3 that is disposed on an optical path C of light being incident / emitted on / from the optical fiber A, and that reflects the light transmitted through an inside thereof to thus convert the optical path C of the light. The base body part 2 and the reflection part 3 are configured by an integral molding body.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an optical path conversion member for optical communication and a method for manufacturing the optical path conversion member for optical communication.

Background Art

[0002] In recent years, in order to meet the needs of high-speed transmission and large-capacity optical communication, a small and large-capacity optical transceiver using an optical circuit based on silicon photonics (SiPh) has been researched and developed. Regarding the optical coupling between SiPh and an optical fiber, there are various methods, but a method that is as simple as possible and has high reliability is required.

[0003] Patent Document 1 below discloses an optical connector portion for coupling between an optical fiber and a grating coupler formed on a silicon substrate. In Patent Document 1, the optical connector portion includes an optical path conversion member having a fiber holding portion that holds a single-mode optical fiber along a first direction and a reflecting surface that reflects an optical signal, and an intermediate member provided on a substrate provided with a grating coupler that inputs and outputs an optical signal in a second direction inclined with respect to a direction perpendicular to the substrate surface. Further, Patent Document 1 describes that the optical path conversion member is made of a transparent resin and the intermediate member is made of silica glass.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] However, when the optical path conversion member and the relay member are provided as separate members as in the optical connector portion of Patent Document 1, there is a problem that it takes time and effort to mount each member. Further, when the optical path conversion member and the relay member are provided as separate members, pitch deviation may occur between the pitch between the optical fibers and the pitch between the grating couplers when environmental changes such as temperature changes over time occur. As a result, there is a problem that it is difficult to stably optically couple the optical fiber and the grating coupler, and its reliability is not sufficient.

[0006] An object of the present invention is to provide an optical path conversion member for optical communication and a method for manufacturing the optical path conversion member for optical communication, which can stably optically couple an optical fiber and an optical coupling target member and are easy to mount.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0007] Hereinafter, each aspect of the optical path conversion member for optical communication and the method for manufacturing the optical path conversion member for optical communication that solve the above problems will be described.

[0008] The optical path conversion member for optical communication according to Aspect 1 of the present invention includes a base portion having a holding portion for holding an optical fiber, and is disposed in the optical path of light incident on and exiting from the optical fiber, and reflects the light transmitted through the inside thereof, thereby converting the optical path of the light. It is characterized in that the base portion and the reflection portion are constituted by an integrally molded body. In the present invention, "holding an optical fiber" means, for example, not only suppressing the movement of the optical fiber in the three-dimensional direction on the base portion, but also suppressing the movement in only the two-dimensional direction or only the one-dimensional direction.

[0009] In the optical path conversion member for optical communication according to Embodiment 1, since the base body portion having a holding portion for holding an optical fiber and the reflection portion are formed of an integrally molded body, compared with the case where the optical path conversion member for optical communication is constituted by a combination of a plurality of members, it is easy to mount on various components, devices, etc. Further, in the optical path conversion member for optical communication according to Embodiment 1, since the base body portion and the reflection portion are formed of an integrally molded body, even when environmental changes such as temperature changes occur over time as in the case where the optical path conversion member for optical communication is constituted by a combination of a plurality of members, optical connection displacement caused by differences in the coefficient of thermal expansion between members is less likely to occur. Therefore, according to the optical path conversion member for optical communication according to Embodiment 1, the optical fiber and the optical coupling target member can be stably optically coupled.

[0010] In the optical path conversion member for optical communication according to Embodiment 2, in Embodiment 1, the reflection portion may be constituted by a prism.

[0011] In the optical path conversion member for optical communication according to Embodiment 3, in Embodiment 2, it is preferable that the prism has an inclined surface, and a lens-shaped convex portion that is formed of an integrally molded body with the prism and that converts the optical path of the light is provided on the inclined surface of the prism. In this case, in the reflection portion, the light that has passed through the inside can be condensed, and the optical coupling efficiency between the optical fiber and the optical coupling target member can be further enhanced.

[0012] In the optical path conversion member for optical communication according to Embodiment 4, in any one of Embodiments 1 to 3, it is preferable that a reflection film is provided on the reflection surface of the reflection portion. In this case, in the reflection portion, the light that has passed through the inside can be more reliably reflected, and the optical coupling efficiency between the optical fiber and the optical coupling target member can be further enhanced.

[0013] In the optical path conversion member for optical communication according to Embodiment 5, in any one of Embodiments 1 to 4, the holding portion of the base body portion is constituted by providing a groove in the base body portion, and it is preferable that the optical fiber is disposed and held in the groove. In this case, the optical fiber can be more easily mounted by the holding portion.

[0014] In the optical path conversion member for optical communication according to Aspect 6, in Aspect 5, it is preferable that the groove is V-shaped. In this case, the optical fiber can be more easily mounted by the holding portion.

[0015] In the optical path conversion member for optical communication according to Aspect 7, in any one of Aspects 1 to 6, the reflection portion is arranged in the direction in which the optical fiber extends when the optical fiber is held, the base portion is provided below the reflection portion, and it may further have an optical path portion arranged in the optical path of the light. In this case, the optical fiber and the optical coupling target member can be more stably optically coupled.

[0016] In the optical path conversion member for optical communication according to Aspect 8, in Aspect 7, it is preferable that a lens-shaped convex portion, which is formed by an integral body with the optical path portion and is arranged in the optical path of the light, is provided on the lower surface of the optical path portion on the side opposite to the reflection portion. In this case, the light passing through the lens-shaped convex portion can be more reliably condensed.

[0017] In the optical path conversion member for optical communication according to Aspect 9, in Aspect 7 or Aspect 8, a bottom raising portion may be provided on at least the lower surface of the base portion excluding the optical path portion, and it is preferable that the base portion and the bottom raising portion are formed by an integral body. In this case, the optical fiber and the optical coupling target member can be more stably optically coupled, and moreover, the mounting is easier.

[0018] In the optical path conversion member for optical communication according to Embodiment 10, in any one of Embodiments 1 to 9, it is preferable that the entire optical path conversion member for optical communication is made of glass. In this case, even when environmental changes such as temperature changes occur over time, especially compared with the case where the optical path conversion member for optical communication is made of resin, shape changes of each member such as shape changes of the lens-shaped convex portions (for example, changes in the radius of curvature of the convex portions) are less likely to occur, and pitch deviation between optical fibers held by the holding portion is less likely to occur. Therefore, in the optical path conversion member for optical communication according to Embodiment 10, the optical fiber and the optical coupling target member can be more stably optically coupled, and the reliability of the optical path conversion member for optical communication can be further enhanced.

[0019] In the optical path conversion member for optical communication according to Embodiment 11, in any one of Embodiments 1 to 10, it may be used for optical coupling between the optical fiber and the grating coupler.

[0020] In the optical path conversion member for optical communication according to Embodiment 12, in Embodiment 11, the grating coupler is preferably disposed on the optical path converted in the reflection portion.

[0021] The manufacturing method of the optical path conversion member for optical communication according to Embodiment 13 of the present invention is a manufacturing method of an optical path conversion member for optical communication including a base portion having a holding portion capable of holding an optical fiber and a reflection portion that converts an optical path by reflecting light transmitted through the inside, and includes a step of preparing a glass base material and a step of obtaining an integrally formed body of the base portion and the reflection portion by press-molding the glass base material. According to the manufacturing method of the optical path conversion member for optical communication according to Embodiment 13, an optical path conversion member for optical communication that can stably optically couple an optical fiber and an optical coupling target member and is easy to mount can be manufactured.

Effects of the Invention

[0022] According to the present invention, there can be provided an optical path conversion member for optical communication that can stably optically couple an optical fiber and an optical coupling target member, and is also easy to mount, and a method for manufacturing the optical path conversion member for optical communication.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0023]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Figure 4

Figure 5

Modes for Carrying Out the Invention

[0024] Hereinafter, preferred embodiments will be described. However, the following embodiments are merely illustrative, and the present invention is not limited to the following embodiments. Also, in each drawing, members having substantially the same function may be referred to by the same reference numerals.

[0025] [First Embodiment] (Optical Path Conversion Member for Optical Communication) FIG. 1 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing an optical path conversion member for optical communication according to a first embodiment of the present invention. Further, FIG. 2 is a schematic plan view showing an optical path conversion member for optical communication according to a first embodiment of the present invention. Note that FIG. 1 is a schematic cross-sectional view taken along line I-I of FIG. 2.

[0026] The optical path conversion member 1 for optical communication is a member for optically coupling the optical fiber A and the member B to be optically coupled. Examples of the member B to be optically coupled include a grating coupler formed on silicon photonics, a photodiode, an optical fiber, and the like.

[0027] As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the optical path conversion member 1 for optical communication includes a base portion 2 and a reflection portion 3. The base portion 2 has a holding portion 4 for holding the optical fiber A. The base portion 2 and the reflection portion 3 are formed of an integrally molded body. Further, in the present embodiment, the reflection portion 3 and the holding portion 4 are provided above the base portion 2.

[0028] In the present embodiment, the base portion 2 has a substantially rectangular plate shape. However, the shape of the base portion 2 is not particularly limited.

[0029] The holding portion 4 is configured by providing a groove 5 on the upper surface 2a of the base portion 2. By disposing the optical fiber A in the groove 5, the optical fiber A can be held. The shape of the groove 5 is not particularly limited, and for example, it can be a V shape. When the shape of the groove 5 constituting the holding portion 4 is a V shape, the optical fiber A can be more easily mounted by the holding portion 4. Note that the holding portion 4 may be configured by other means than the groove 5, and for example, it may be configured by a flat surface. However, from the viewpoint of more easily mounting the optical fiber A by the holding portion 4, it is preferable that the holding portion 4 is configured by the groove 5.

[0030] When the holding portion 4 is configured by the groove 5, the dimensions of the groove 5 are not particularly limited as long as the target optical fiber A can be held, and can be appropriately determined according to the size of the optical fiber A. The width of the groove 5 can be, for example, 100 μm or more and 300 μm or less. Also, the depth of the groove 5 can be, for example, 60 μm or more and 180 μm or less.

[0031] As shown in FIG. 2, in the optical path conversion member 1 for optical communication, a plurality of grooves 5 are provided, and the optical fiber A can be held in each groove 5. Therefore, in the optical path conversion member 1 for optical communication, a plurality of optical fibers A can be held. However, in the present invention, the number of grooves 5 may be one, and the structure may be such that one optical fiber A is held in the groove 5. The number of grooves 5 may be appropriately determined according to the purpose of use of the optical path conversion member 1 for optical communication.

[0032] In the present embodiment, the groove 5 constituting the holding portion 4 extends in the X direction. Therefore, when the optical fiber A is held by the holding portion 4, the optical fiber A is arranged so as to extend in the X direction. Further, in the present embodiment, a plurality of grooves 5 constituting the holding portion 4 are arranged in the Y direction orthogonal to the X direction. Therefore, when the optical fiber A is held by the holding portion 4, a plurality of optical fibers A are arranged in the Y direction orthogonal to the X direction.

[0033] The reflecting portion 3 is arranged in the X direction, which is the direction in which the optical fiber A extends when the optical fiber A is held. The reflecting portion 3 and the holding portion 4 are arranged side by side in the X direction.

[0034] In the present embodiment, the reflecting portion 3 is constituted by a prism. In the present embodiment, the prism has a substantially triangular prism shape. However, the prism may have other shapes as long as it has a reflecting surface.

[0035] As shown in FIG. 1, the reflecting portion 3 has a light input / output surface 3a and a reflecting surface 3b. The light input / output surface 3a extends in the Y direction orthogonal to the X direction and the Z direction. The light input / output surface 3a is arranged on the side of the holding portion 4 where the optical fiber A is held. The light input / output surface 3a is arranged in the optical path C of the light incident on and exiting from the optical fiber A. When the optical fiber A is held by the holding portion 4, the light emitted from the light input / output surface 3a may be incident on the optical fiber A, or the light emitted from the optical fiber A may be incident on the light input / output surface 3a.

[0036] The reflecting surface 3b is disposed in the optical path C of the light entering and exiting the optical fiber A. The reflecting surface 3b is a surface that converts the optical path C of the light by reflecting the light that has passed through the inside of the reflecting portion 3. When holding the optical fiber A with the holding portion 4, the light reflected by the reflecting surface 3b may be incident on the optical fiber A, or the light emitted from the optical fiber A may be reflected by the reflecting surface 3b.

[0037] In the present embodiment, the reflecting surface 3b is provided on the inclined surface of the prism constituting the reflecting portion 3. A lens-shaped convex portion 6 formed of an integral body with the prism is provided on the inclined surface of the prism. In the present embodiment, the light that has passed through the inside of the reflecting portion 3 can be reflected by this lens-shaped convex portion 6. Therefore, in the present embodiment, it is preferable that the convex surface of the lens-shaped convex portion 6 constitutes the reflecting surface 3b.

[0038] In the present embodiment, the base portion 2 further has an optical path portion 7. The optical path portion 7 is provided below the reflecting portion 3. The optical path portion 7 is disposed in the optical path C of the light entering and exiting the optical fiber A. The light emitted from the optical path portion 7 may be incident on the reflecting portion 3, or the light emitted from the reflecting portion 3 may be incident on the optical path portion 7.

[0039] Also, a lens-shaped convex portion 8 is provided on the lower surface 7a of the optical path portion 7 on the side opposite to the reflecting portion 3. The convex portion 8 is disposed in the optical path C of the light entering and exiting the optical fiber A. Further, a light coupling target member B is disposed below the convex portion 8. In the convex portion 8, the light passing through the convex portion 8 can be condensed.

[0040] The optical path conversion member 1 for optical communication further includes a bottom raising portion 9. The bottom raising portion 9 is provided below the base portion 2 on the side opposite to the holding portion 4. The bottom raising portion 9 is provided below the portion of the base portion 2 where the optical path portion 7 is not provided. By providing the bottom raising portion 9, the optical path portion 7 and the light coupling target member B may be arranged with a space therebetween. Also, by not providing the bottom raising portion 9, the optical path portion 7 and the light coupling target member B may be arranged to be in direct contact. Note that in the optical path conversion member 1 for optical communication, no member such as a relay member is provided between the optical path portion 7 and the light coupling target member B.

[0041] The height of the bottom raising portion 9 is not particularly limited, but for example, it can be 0.1 times or more and 0.5 times or less the height of the base portion 2.

[0042] In the optical path conversion member 1 for optical communication, for example, when the optical coupling target member B is a grating coupler, the light emitted from the grating coupler is made to enter the optical path portion 7 from the convex portion 8. The light that has entered the optical path portion 7 passes through the inside of the optical path portion 7 and enters the reflection portion 3. The light that has entered the reflection portion 3 passes through the inside of the reflection portion 3 and is reflected by the reflection surface 3b. In this case, the light that has advanced upward toward the grating coupler is reflected in the X direction. In this way, the light whose optical path C has been converted by reflection by the reflection surface 3b exits from the light input / output surface 3a and enters the optical fiber A. In this manner, in the optical path conversion member 1 for optical communication, the optical fiber A and the grating coupler can be optically coupled.

[0043] Also, in the optical path conversion member 1 for optical communication, when the optical coupling target member B is a photodiode, the light emitted from the optical fiber A is made to enter the reflection portion 3 from the light input / output surface 3a. The light that has entered the reflection portion 3 passes through the inside of the reflection portion 3 and is reflected by the reflection surface 3b. In this case, the light that has advanced in the X direction is reflected downward toward the position of the photodiode. In this way, the light whose optical path has been converted by reflection by the reflection surface 3b exits from the reflection portion 3 and enters the optical path portion 7. The light that has entered the optical path portion 7 passes through the inside of the optical path portion 7 and exits from the convex portion 8. The light that has exited from the convex portion 8 enters the photodiode. In this manner, in the optical path conversion member 1 for optical communication, the optical fiber A and the photodiode may be optically coupled. Incidentally, when the optical coupling target member B is a grating coupler, the optical fiber A and the grating coupler may be optically coupled in the same optical path as that of the photodiode.

[0044] Conventionally, in an optical path conversion member for optical communication used for optically coupling an optical fiber and an optical coupling target member, a member for holding the optical fiber, a member for constituting a reflection part, or a relay member were separately configured. Therefore, it sometimes took time to mount each member, or complicated work was required. Further, when the thermal expansion coefficients of the respective members constituting the optical path conversion member for optical communication are different, when environmental changes such as temperature changes over time occur, due to the difference in the thermal expansion coefficients between the members, pitch deviation may occur between the pitches of the respective optical fibers and between the pitches of the respective grating couplers. As a result, in such an optical path conversion member for optical communication, there is a problem that it is difficult to stably optically couple an optical fiber and a grating coupler, and its reliability is not sufficient.

[0045] On the other hand, in the optical path conversion member 1 for optical communication of the present embodiment, a base part 2 and a reflection part 3 having a holding part 4 for holding the optical fiber A are constituted by an integrally molded body. Therefore, it can be easily mounted on various parts, devices, etc. as compared with the case where each member is constituted by separate members. Further, in the optical path conversion member 1 for optical communication of the present embodiment, a base part 2 and a reflection part 3 having a holding part 4 for holding the optical fiber A are constituted by an integrally molded body. Therefore, optical connection deviation caused by the difference in the thermal expansion coefficients of the respective members hardly occurs. Therefore, in the optical path conversion member 1 for optical communication of the present embodiment, the optical fiber A and the optical coupling target member B can be stably optically coupled. Therefore, the optical path conversion member 1 for optical communication is excellent in reliability.

[0046] In particular, in the optical path conversion member 1 for optical communication of the present embodiment, in addition to the base part 2 and the reflection part 3, lens-shaped convex parts 6, 8, and a bottom raising part 9 are constituted as an integrally molded body. Therefore, in the optical path conversion member 1 for optical communication, mounting on various parts, devices, etc. is even easier, and the optical fiber A and the optical coupling target member B can be more stably optically coupled. However, in the present invention, it is sufficient that at least the base part 2 having the holding part 4 and the reflection part 3 are constituted as an integrally molded body.

[0047] Examples of materials for the optical path conversion member 1 for optical communication include glass, transparent resin, and the like. Among these, it is preferable that at least the materials of the base portion 2 and the reflection portion 3 are glass, and it is more preferable that the entire material of the optical path conversion member 1 for optical communication is glass. In this case, even when environmental changes such as temperature changes occur over time, especially compared with the case where the optical path conversion member 1 for optical communication is made of resin, shape changes of each member such as shape changes of the lens-shaped convex portions 6 and 8 (for example, changes in the radius of curvature of the convex portions 6 and 8) are less likely to occur, and pitch deviation between the optical fibers A held by the holding portion 4 is less likely to occur. Further, when the optical fiber A is glass, it is possible to avoid an excessive difference in the coefficient of thermal expansion between the optical fiber A and the optical path conversion member 1 for optical communication. Therefore, when the entire material of the optical path conversion member 1 for optical communication is made of glass, the optical fiber A and the optical coupling target member B can be optically coupled more stably, and the reliability of the optical path conversion member 1 for optical communication can be further enhanced.

[0048] When using glass as the material of the optical path conversion member 1 for optical communication, the glass preferably has a coefficient of thermal expansion close to that of the material provided on the optical coupling target member B side, and more preferably has a coefficient of thermal expansion close to that of Si. In addition, considering the formability of the glass, the coefficient of thermal expansion of the glass is preferably 30×10 -7 or more, more preferably 40×10 -7 or more, preferably 80×10 -7 or less, more preferably 75×10 -7 or less. Further, the glass material is preferably borosilicate glass.

[0049] Hereinafter, an example of the manufacturing method of the optical path conversion member 1 for optical communication will be described.

[0050] (Manufacturing Method) Figs. 3(a) and (b) are schematic cross-sectional views for explaining the manufacturing method of the optical path conversion member for optical communication according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

[0051] In the manufacturing method of the optical path conversion member 1 for optical communication according to the present embodiment, first, a glass base material 15 shown in FIG. 3(a) is prepared. The glass base material 15 is not particularly limited, and for example, borosilicate glass can be used. The shape of the glass base material 15 is not particularly limited, and for example, plate-shaped glass can be used.

[0052] Next, a press mold 10 shown in FIG. 3(a) is prepared. In the present embodiment, the press mold 10 has a first press mold part 11, a second press mold part 12, a third press mold part 13, and a fourth press mold part 14.

[0053] The first press mold part 11 has a shape corresponding to the holding part 4. Therefore, in the present embodiment, the first press mold part 11 has a groove forming part 11a corresponding to the plurality of grooves 5. In FIGS. 3(a) and (b), the groove forming part 11a is shown in a simplified manner.

[0054] The second press mold part 12 has a shape corresponding to the reflection part 3. Therefore, in the present embodiment, it has a shape corresponding to a prism provided with lens-shaped convex parts 6 on the inclined surface.

[0055] The third press mold part 13 is provided together with the fourth press mold part 14 so as to form the bottom raising part 9. The fourth press mold part 14 has a shape corresponding to the lens-shaped convex part 8 of the optical path part 7.

[0056] Next, by press-molding the glass base material 15 using the first to fourth press mold parts 11 to 14, the base part 2, the reflection part 3, the holding part 4 (grooves 5), the convex parts 6, the optical path part 7, the convex part 8, and the bottom raising part 9 are integrally molded. Thereby, the optical path conversion member 1 for optical communication shown in FIG. 3(b) can be obtained.

[0057] The temperature of the press molding can be, for example, a temperature of the glass transition temperature of the glass base material 15 + 50°C or higher and the glass transition temperature + 100°C or lower. Also, the pressure of the press molding depends on the type of the glass base material 15, but can be, for example, 10 MPa or higher and 50 MPa or lower.

[0058] In the manufacturing method of the optical path conversion member 1 for optical communication according to the present embodiment, by integrally molding at least the base part 2 and the reflection part 3, the optical path conversion member 1 for optical communication as an integrally molded body can be obtained. Therefore, the optical path conversion member 1 for optical communication obtained by the manufacturing method of the optical path conversion member 1 for optical communication according to the present embodiment can be easily mounted on various parts, devices, etc., and moreover, the optical fiber A and the optical coupling target member B can be stably optically coupled.

[0059] [Second Embodiment] FIG. 4 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing an optical path conversion member for optical communication according to the second embodiment of the present invention.

[0060] As shown in FIG. 4, in the optical path conversion member 21 for optical communication, the raised bottom part 9 is not provided. Also, a lens-shaped convex part 8 is not provided below the optical path part 27 of the base part 22. Therefore, in the optical path conversion member 21 for optical communication, the lower surface 27a of the optical path part 27 is in contact with the optical coupling target member B. Therefore, no space is provided between the optical path part 27 and the optical coupling target member B. Other points are the same as in the first embodiment.

[0061] Also in the optical path conversion member 21 for optical communication according to the second embodiment, since the base part 22 having the holding part 4 for holding the optical fiber A and the reflection part 3 are constituted by an integrally molded body, the optical path conversion member 21 for optical communication can be easily mounted on various parts, devices, etc., and moreover, the optical fiber A and the optical coupling target member B can be stably optically coupled.

[0062] [Third Embodiment] FIG. 5 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing an optical path conversion member for optical communication according to the third embodiment of the present invention.

[0063] As shown in FIG. 5, in the optical path conversion member 31 for optical communication, a lens-shaped convex part 6 is not provided on the reflection part 33. In the reflection part 33, a reflection film 40 is provided on the inclined surface of the prism, whereby a reflection surface 33b is constituted.

[0064] The reflective film 40 can use, for example, a metal film, a dielectric multilayer film, or the like. The material of the metal film is not particularly limited, and metals such as aluminum and silver can be used. The thickness of the reflective film 40 can be, for example, 0.05 μm or more and 0.2 μm or less. The reflective film 40 can be formed, for example, by vapor deposition or sputtering.

[0065] Other aspects are the same as those of the second embodiment.

[0066] Also in the optical path conversion member 31 for optical communication of the third embodiment, since the base portion 22 having the holding portion 4 for holding the optical fiber A and the reflecting portion 33 are constituted by an integrally molded body, the optical path conversion member 31 for optical communication can be easily mounted on various parts, devices, etc., and moreover, the optical fiber A and the optical coupling target member B can be stably optically coupled.

[0067] Note that the reflective film 40 can be formed not only on the reflecting surface 33b of the optical path conversion member 31 for optical communication of the third embodiment, but also on the reflecting surface 3b of the optical path conversion member 1 for optical communication of the first embodiment or on the reflecting surface 3b of the optical path conversion member 21 for optical communication of the second embodiment.

Explanation of Reference Numerals

[0068] 1, 21, 31... Optical path conversion members for optical communication 2, 22... Base portions 2a... Upper surface 3, 33... Reflecting portions 3a... Optical input / output surface 3b, 33b... Reflecting surfaces 4... Holding portion 5... Groove 6, 8... Protrusions 7, 27... Optical path portions 7a, 27a... Lower surfaces 9... Bottom raising portion 10... Press mold 11... First press mold portion 11a... Groove forming portion 12... Second press mold portion 13... Third press mold portion 14…Fourth press mold part 15…Glass base material 40…Reflection film A…Optical fiber B…Optical coupling target member C…Optical path

Claims

1. A base part having a holding part for holding an optical fiber, A reflecting part which is arranged in the optical path of light incident on and exiting from the optical fiber and converts the optical path of the light by reflecting the light that has passed through the inside, Comprising: An optical path conversion member for optical communication, wherein the base part and the reflecting part are formed of an integrally molded body.

2. The optical path conversion member for optical communication according to claim 1, wherein the reflecting part is formed of a prism.

3. The prism has an inclined surface, The optical path conversion member for optical communication according to claim 2, wherein a lens-shaped convex part that is formed of an integrally molded body with the prism and converts the optical path of the light is provided on the inclined surface of the prism.

4. The optical path conversion member for optical communication according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein a reflection film is provided on the reflection surface of the reflecting part.

5. The optical path conversion member for optical communication according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the holding part of the base part is formed by providing a groove in the base part, and the optical fiber is arranged and held in the groove.

6. The optical path conversion member for optical communication according to claim 5, wherein the groove is V-shaped.

7. The reflecting part is arranged in the direction in which the optical fiber extends when the optical fiber is held, The base part is provided below the reflecting part and further has an optical path part that is arranged in the optical path of the light. The optical path conversion member for optical communication according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

8. The optical path conversion member for optical communication according to claim 7, wherein a lens-shaped convex part that is formed of an integrally molded body with the optical path part and is arranged in the optical path of the light is provided on the lower surface of the optical path part on the side opposite to the reflecting part.

9. The optical path conversion member for optical communication according to claim 7, wherein a bottom-raising part is provided on at least the lower surface of the base part excluding the optical path part, and the base part and the bottom-raising part are formed of an integrally molded body.

10. The optical path conversion member for optical communication according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the entire optical path conversion member for optical communication is formed of glass.

11. The optical path conversion member for optical communication according to any one of claims 1 to 3, which is used for optical coupling between the optical fiber and a grating coupler.

12. The optical path conversion member for optical communication according to claim 11, wherein the grating coupler is arranged in the optical path converted in the reflecting part.

13. A method for manufacturing an optical path changing component for optical communication, comprising: a base portion having a holding portion capable of holding an optical fiber; and a reflecting portion that changes an optical path of light by reflecting light transmitted through the inside, the method comprising the steps of: Preparing a glass base material; a step of obtaining an integrally molded body of the base portion and the reflecting portion by press molding the glass base material; A method for manufacturing an optical path changing component for optical communication comprising the steps of:

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