Optical waveguide component

Abstract

To provide an optical waveguide component capable of reducing the loss of an optical signal.SOLUTION: An optical waveguide component comprises a plurality of optical fibers each including a first end and a second end, and a support member that supports the plurality of optical fibers. The support member includes: a base having a first surface; a first protruding portion protruding from the first surface in a first direction perpendicular to the first surface; and a second protruding portion protruding from the first surface in the first direction at a position separated from the first protruding portion. A plurality of first grooves that accommodate the first end of each of the plurality of optical fibers are formed in the first protruding portion. A plurality of second grooves that accommodate the second end of the plurality of optical fibers are formed in the second protruding portion. A pitch of the plurality of second grooves is larger than a pitch of the plurality of first grooves.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an optical waveguide component.

Background Art

[0002] The pitch of the light emitting part and the light receiving part included in an optical semiconductor element is smaller than the pitch of a plurality of optical fibers included in an optical fiber array used for transmission of an optical signal. Therefore, an optical waveguide component may be used which includes a plurality of optical waveguides made of an organic resin, the pitch of the optical waveguides at one end being equal to the pitch of the light emitting part and the light receiving part included in the optical semiconductor element, and the pitch of the optical waveguides at the other end being equal to the pitch of the optical fibers included in the optical fiber array.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Patent Document 2

Patent Document 3

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] In recent years, there has been an increasing demand for reducing the loss of optical signals between an optical semiconductor element and an optical fiber array.

[0005] An object of the present disclosure is to provide an optical waveguide component capable of reducing the loss of an optical signal.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, there are provided a plurality of optical fibers each having a first end portion and a second end portion, and a support member that supports the plurality of optical fibers. The support member includes a base portion having a first surface, a first protruding portion that protrudes from the first surface in a first direction perpendicular to the first surface, and a second protruding portion that protrudes from the first surface in the first direction away from the first protruding portion. A plurality of first grooves in which the first end portions of the plurality of optical fibers are received are formed in the first protruding portion, and a plurality of second grooves in which the second end portions of the plurality of optical fibers are received are formed in the second protruding portion. A pitch of the plurality of second grooves is larger than a pitch of the plurality of first grooves, and an optical waveguide component is provided.

Effect of the Invention

[0007] According to the present disclosure, loss of an optical signal can be reduced.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0008]

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Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0009] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present disclosure will be specifically described with reference to the accompanying drawings. In this specification and the drawings, components having substantially the same functional configuration may be denoted by the same reference numerals, and redundant descriptions may be omitted.

[0010] (First Embodiment) First, the first embodiment will be described. The first embodiment relates to an optical waveguide component. FIG. 1 is a perspective view illustrating an optical waveguide component according to the first embodiment. FIG. 2 is a view illustrating one end face of the optical waveguide component according to the first embodiment.

[0011] As shown in FIG. 1, the optical waveguide component 1 according to the first embodiment includes a plurality of optical fibers 90, a support member 11, an organic resin layer 40, a first cover 51, and a second cover 52. For example, the optical fibers 90, the support member 11, the first cover 51, and the second cover 52 are made of glass such as quartz glass. The diameter of the optical fiber 90 is, for example, 80 μm or less, and may be 50 μm. As shown in FIG. 2, the optical fiber 90 has a core 96 and a cladding 97. The diameter of the core 96 is, for example, 4 μm to 8 μm.

[0012] Here, the support member 11 will be described in detail. FIG. 3 is a perspective view illustrating the support member 11 in the first embodiment.

[0013] The support member 11 has a base portion 20 having a first surface 20A, a first protruding portion 21, and a second protruding portion 22. The base portion 20 has a flat plate shape and has a rectangular planar shape in a plan view perpendicular to the first surface 20A.

[0014] In this embodiment, for convenience, with the base 20 as a reference, the first surface 20A side is defined as the upper side or one side, and the opposite side is defined as the lower side or the other side. Also, the upper surface of each part is defined as one surface or the upper surface, and the lower surface is defined as the other surface or the lower surface. However, the optical waveguide component can be used in an upside-down state or arranged at an arbitrary angle. In the present disclosure, a plan view refers to viewing an object from the normal direction of the first surface 20A of the base 20, and a planar shape refers to the shape of an object viewed from the normal direction of the first surface 20A of the base 20.

[0015] The first protrusion 21 is provided at one end of the base 20 in the longitudinal direction and protrudes in the first direction (upward) perpendicular to the first surface 20A. For example, the first protrusion 21 is provided across both ends of the base 20 in the short-side direction. The first protrusion 21 has a substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape, and a plurality of first grooves 31 are formed on the upper surface of the first protrusion 21. The plurality of first grooves 31 extend, for example, parallel to the longitudinal direction of the base 20 and are arranged along the short-side direction. The pitch P1 of the plurality of first grooves 31 is, for example, 50 μm to 100 μm. The cross-sectional shape of the first groove 31 is, for example, a V shape having two inclined surfaces.

[0016] The second protrusion 22 is provided at the other end of the base 20 in the longitudinal direction and protrudes in the first direction (upward) perpendicular to the first surface 20A. For example, the second protrusion 22 is provided across both ends of the base 20 in the short-side direction. The second protrusion 22 has a substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape, and a plurality of second grooves 32 are formed on the upper surface of the second protrusion 22. The plurality of second grooves 32 extend, for example, parallel to the longitudinal direction of the base 20 and are arranged along the short-side direction. The pitch P2 of the plurality of second grooves 32 is larger than the pitch P1 of the plurality of first grooves 31 and is, for example, 200 μm to 300 μm. The cross-sectional shape of the second groove 32 is, for example, a V shape having two inclined surfaces.

[0017] The number of optical fibers 90, the number of first grooves 31, and the number of second grooves 32 are not limited, but for example, they are all 12. For example, one set of six first grooves 31 and six second grooves 32 and the other set of six first grooves 31 and six second grooves 32 are arranged symmetrically with respect to an axis parallel to the longitudinal direction of the base 20.

[0018] FIG. 4 is a plan view illustrating the support member 11 and the optical fibers 90 in the first embodiment. The plurality of optical fibers 90 have one first end 91 and the other second end 92. The first end 91 of each of the plurality of optical fibers 90 fits into the first groove 31, and the second end 92 fits into the second groove 32. The optical fibers 90 do not cross each other between the first protrusion 21 and the second protrusion 22.

[0019] The organic resin layer 40 is provided on the upper surface of the support member 11. The plurality of optical fibers 90 are sealed by the organic resin layer 40. The organic resin layer 40 has a first adhesive portion 41 and a second adhesive portion 42. The first adhesive portion 41 adheres the first end 91 to the first groove 31, and the second adhesive portion 42 adheres the second end 92 to the second groove 32. The plurality of first ends 91 are fixed to the first protrusion 21 by the first adhesive portion 41, and the plurality of second ends 92 are fixed to the second protrusion 22 by the second adhesive portion 42. The organic resin layer 40 is composed of, for example, a cured ultraviolet curable resin.

[0020] The first cover 51 is provided over the first protrusion 21 and the plurality of first ends 91. The first cover 51 has a rectangular parallelepiped shape including a second surface 51A facing the plurality of first grooves 31. In plan view, the outer edge of the first cover 51 and the outer edge of the first protrusion 21 overlap. The first adhesive portion 41 is also provided between the first protrusion 21 and the first cover 51, and the first cover 51 is adhered to the support member 11 by the first adhesive portion 41.

[0021] The second cover 52 is provided over the second protrusion 22 and the plurality of second ends 92. The second cover 52 has a rectangular parallelepiped shape with a third surface 52A facing the plurality of second grooves 32. In plan view, the outer edge of the second cover 52 and the outer edge of the second protrusion 22 overlap. The second adhesive portion 42 is also provided between the second protrusion 22 and the second cover 52, and the second cover 52 is adhered to the support member 11 by the second adhesive portion 42.

[0022] The end surface of the support member 11 on the side of the first protrusion 21, the end surfaces of the plurality of first ends 91, and the end surface of the first cover 51 are aligned. Also, the end surface of the support member 11 on the side of the second protrusion 22, the end surfaces of the plurality of second ends 92, and the end surface of the second cover 52 are aligned.

[0023] Next, the usage form of the optical waveguide component 1 will be described. FIGS. 5 and 6 are a plan view and a cross-sectional view respectively, illustrating the usage form of the optical waveguide component 1 according to the first embodiment.

[0024] As shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, for example, the optical waveguide component 1 is provided on a substrate 100. The optical waveguide component 1 is fixed to the substrate 100 using, for example, an ultraviolet curable adhesive (not shown). The substrate 100 is, for example, a printed wiring board. An optical semiconductor element 110 is also provided on the substrate 100. The optical semiconductor element 110 is configured using, for example, silicon photonics. The optical semiconductor element 110 has a plurality of electrodes 115 and is flip-chip mounted on the substrate 100. The optical semiconductor element 110 has a plurality of light emitting portions 111 and a plurality of light receiving portions 112. The number of the light emitting portions 111 and the light receiving portions 112 is not limited, but for example, each is six. The optical semiconductor element 110 may be a semiconductor laser.

[0025] The optical semiconductor element 110 and the optical waveguide component 1 are arranged such that a plurality of light emitting portions 111, a plurality of light receiving portions 112, and a plurality of first end portions 91 face each other one-to-one. The plurality of light emitting portions 111 and the plurality of light receiving portions 112 are arranged, for example, along the short side direction of the base 20, and the pitch of the plurality of light emitting portions 111 and the plurality of light receiving portions 112 is equal to the pitch P1.

[0026] An optical fiber array 120 is connected to the side of the optical waveguide component 1 opposite to the optical semiconductor element 110. The optical fiber array 120 includes a plurality of optical fibers 121, a support member 122, and a third cover 123. For example, the support member 122 and the third cover 123 are made of glass such as quartz glass. The diameter of the optical fiber 121 may be equal to the diameter of the optical fiber 90, or may be larger than the diameter of the optical fiber 90. The diameter of the core of the optical fiber 121 is preferably equal to the diameter of the core 96 of the optical fiber 90.

[0027] The optical waveguide component 1 and the optical fiber array 120 are arranged such that a plurality of second end portions 92 and a plurality of optical fibers 121 face each other one-to-one. The plurality of optical fibers 121 are arranged, for example, along the short side direction of the base 20, and the pitch of the plurality of optical fibers 121 on the support member 122 is equal to the pitch P2.

[0028] The third cover 123 is provided on the support member 122 and the plurality of optical fibers 121. The third cover 123 is adhered to the support member 122 with a plurality of optical fibers 121 sandwiched therebetween by an adhesive portion (not shown) made of a cured ultraviolet curable resin.

[0029] In addition, in FIG. 5, the organic resin layer 40, the first cover 51, the second cover 52, and the third cover 123 are omitted.

[0030] Since the optical fiber 90 included in the optical waveguide component 1 is made of glass, the transmission loss can be reduced as compared with an optical waveguide component using an optical resin waveguide. The transmission loss of the optical resin waveguide is 0.5 dB / cm, whereas the transmission loss of the glass optical fiber 90 is about 2 dB / km. Also, it is less likely to deteriorate even in a high-temperature and high-humidity environment as compared with an optical waveguide component using an optical resin waveguide. Therefore, excellent long-term reliability can be obtained in a high-temperature and high-humidity test or the like.

[0031] When the diameter of the core 96 of the optical fiber 90 is equal to the diameter of the core of the optical fiber 121, the connection loss and the reflection loss between the optical fiber 90 and the optical fiber 121 can be particularly reduced. Even when the diameter of the core 96 of the optical fiber 90 is not equal to the diameter of the core of the optical fiber 121, if the difference in diameter is small, the connection loss and the reflection loss can be reduced. Since the optical resin waveguide is formed through patterning or the like, it is extremely difficult to make the cross-sectional shape of the core of the optical resin waveguide circular. Therefore, by using the optical fiber 90 having a circular cross-sectional shape, it is easy to reduce the connection loss and the reflection loss with the optical fiber 121 as compared with an optical waveguide component using an optical resin waveguide.

[0032] Next, a method for manufacturing the optical waveguide component 1 will be described.

[0033] First, prepare a plurality of optical fibers 90, a support member 11, a first cover 51, and a second cover 52. As the optical fibers 90, those longer than the length in the completed optical waveguide component 1 are used. Next, attach each optical fiber 90 to the support member 11 so as to fit into the first groove 31 and the second groove 32. Then, apply an adhesive to the upper surface of the support member 11 so as to cover each optical fiber 90. As the adhesive, for example, an ultraviolet curable adhesive can be used. Subsequently, while pressing the first cover 51 against the first protrusion 21 and the plurality of first ends 91 from above, and pressing the second cover 52 against the second protrusion 22 and the plurality of second ends 92 from above, cure the adhesive to form the organic resin layer 40. Next, simultaneously polish the end face on the first protrusion 21 side of the support member 11, the end faces of the plurality of first ends 91, and the end face of the first cover 51. Also, polish the end face on the second protrusion 22 side of the support member 11, the end faces of the plurality of second ends 92, and the end face of the second cover 52.

[0034] In this way, the optical waveguide component 1 can be manufactured.

[0035] According to such a manufacturing method, at the stage before the adhesive is provided, stress due to the restraint by the first protrusion 21 and the second protrusion 22 acts on the portion between the first protrusion 21 and the second protrusion 22 of each optical fiber 90, but no other stress substantially acts. Also, even after the formation of the organic resin layer 40, the shape of each optical fiber 90 does not change from before the adhesive is provided. Therefore, the stress acting on the optical fiber 90 can be kept low.

[0036] When attaching the optical fiber 90 to the support member 11, the following attaching tool 200 may be used. FIG. 7 is a plan view illustrating the attaching tool 200 used when attaching the optical fiber 90 to the support member 11.

[0037] The attaching tool 200 includes a fixing jig 201, an alignment jig 202, a slide guide 203, and a pressing jig 204.

[0038] The fixing jig 201 sandwiches one end of the optical fiber 90 and fixes the position with respect to a predetermined first groove 31 at the end.

[0039] The alignment jig 202 has guide plates 202A and 202B, and a gap 202C having a width slightly larger than the diameter of the optical fiber 90 is provided between the guide plate 202A and the guide plate 202B. The alignment jig 202 is disposed between the first protrusion 21 and the second protrusion 22. One end of the gap 202C leads to the first groove 31 for attaching the optical fiber 90, and the other end leads to the second groove 32 for attaching the optical fiber 90. When attaching 12 optical fibers 90 to the support member 11, for example, six types of alignment jigs 202 are used.

[0040] The slide guide 203 is configured to be movable along two axes parallel to the first surface 20A of the base 20. The slide guide 203 slidably sandwiches the optical fiber 90 in a direction parallel to the first surface 20A. By moving the slide guide 203, the portion of the optical fiber 90 sandwiched by the slide guide 203 can be moved along the gap 202C.

[0041] The pressing jig 204 presses the optical fiber 90 toward the support member 11. The pressing jig 204 has, for example, a base 204A that contacts the upper surfaces of the guide plates 202A and 202B, and a pressing portion 204B that enters the gap 202C from the base 204A and presses the optical fiber 90 (see FIG. 9). The pressing jig 204 is provided on the fixing jig 201 side of the slide guide 203 and is configured to be movable integrally with the slide guide 203.

[0042] Here, a method for attaching the optical fiber 90 using the attachment device 200 will be described. FIG. 8 is a plan view illustrating a method for attaching the optical fiber 90 using the attachment device 200. FIG. 9 is a plan view illustrating a method for attaching the optical fiber 90 using the attachment device 200. FIGS. 8 and 9 show an intermediate stage of attaching the optical fiber 90 to the support member 11 using the attachment device 200.

[0043] First, arrange the guide plates 202A and 202B so that the gap 202C is continuous with the first groove 31 and the second groove 32, and fix the positions of the guide plates 202A and 202B with a jig (not shown) or the like. Also, sandwich one end of the optical fiber 90 with the fixing jig 201, and fix the position of the fixing jig 201 with a jig (not shown) or the like. Next, as shown by the arrow 7 in FIGS. 8 and 9, move the slide guide 203 and the pressing jig 204 from the vicinity of the fixing jig 201 along the first groove 31, the gap 202C, and the second groove 32. As a result, the optical fiber 90 is sequentially pushed into the first groove 31, the gap 202C, and the second groove 32 by the pressing jig 204. In this way, the optical fiber 90 can be attached to the support member 11.

[0044] Note that after the optical fiber 90 is pushed into the first groove 31, it is preferable to maintain the state in which the optical fiber 90 is housed in the first groove 31 using a temporary fixing plate (not shown) or the like so that the optical fiber 90 does not separate from the first groove 31.

[0045] (Second Embodiment) Next, the second embodiment will be described. The second embodiment is mainly different from the first embodiment in terms of the configuration of the support member. FIG. 10 is a perspective view illustrating the support member in the second embodiment.

[0046] The optical waveguide component according to the second embodiment has a support member 12 instead of the support member 11. The support member 12 has a base portion 20, a first protruding portion 21, and a second protruding portion 22, similar to the support member 11. The support member 12 further has a guide portion 23. The guide portion 23 is provided on the first surface 20A of the base portion 20 between the first protruding portion 21 and the second protruding portion 22. The guide portion 23 is separated from the first protruding portion 21 and the second protruding portion 22. A plurality of third grooves 33 are formed in the guide portion 23. The number of the third grooves 33 is equal to the number of the first grooves 31 and the second grooves 32. The third grooves 33 face the pair of first grooves 31 and second grooves 32.

[0047] Other configurations of the second embodiment are the same as those of the first embodiment.

[0048] In the second embodiment, each of the optical fibers 90 fits not only in the first groove 31 and the second groove 32 but also in the third groove 33. Therefore, the optical fiber 90 can be easily attached to the support member 12.

[0049] Also, although stress from the guide portion 23 can act on the optical fiber 90, since the guide portion 23 is separated from the first groove 31 and the second groove 32, the stress acting on the optical fiber 90 can be kept low.

[0050] Although the preferred embodiments have been described in detail above, the present disclosure is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various modifications and substitutions can be made to the above-described embodiments without departing from the scope described in the claims.

Description of Reference Numerals

[0051] 1 Optical waveguide component 11, 12 Support members 20 Base 20A First surface 21 First protrusion 22 Second protrusion 23 Guide portion 31 First groove 32 Second groove 33 Third groove 41 First adhesive portion 42 Second adhesive portion 51 First cover 51A Second surface 52 Second cover 52A Third surface 90 Optical fiber 91 First end 92 Second end P1, P2 Pitch

Claims

1. A plurality of optical fibers each having a first end portion and a second end portion, a support member that supports the plurality of optical fibers, and having, the support member is, a base portion having a first surface, a first protrusion protruding from the first surface in a first direction perpendicular to the first surface, a second protrusion protruding from the first surface in the first direction away from the first protrusion, and having, a plurality of first grooves are formed in the first protrusion, in which the first end portions of the plurality of optical fibers are received, a plurality of second grooves are formed in the second protrusion, in which the second end portions of the plurality of optical fibers are received, an optical waveguide component in which the pitch of the plurality of second grooves is larger than the pitch of the plurality of first grooves.

2. The optical waveguide component according to claim 1, wherein the diameter of the plurality of optical fibers is 80 μm or less.

3. The optical waveguide component according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the support member is made of glass.

4. a first adhesive portion that adheres the first end portion to the first groove, a second adhesive portion that adheres the second end portion to the second groove, and having the optical waveguide component according to claim 1 or 2.

5. a first cover having a second surface facing the plurality of first grooves and adhered to the support member by the first adhesive portion, a second cover having a third surface facing the plurality of second grooves and adhered to the support member by the second adhesive portion, and having the optical waveguide component according to claim 4.

6. The optical waveguide component according to claim 1 or 2, having a guide portion provided on the first surface between the first protrusion and the second protrusion, in which a plurality of third grooves in which the plurality of optical fibers are received are formed.

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