Optical waveguide components, holding members, and optical connection members

Abstract

To provide a compact optical waveguide component with a positioning structure. [Solution] The optical waveguide component comprises a substrate and a plurality of optical waveguides. The plurality of optical waveguides extend in a first direction within the substrate and are aligned in a second direction intersecting the first direction. Each of the plurality of optical waveguides has a pair of ends. The substrate includes a positioning structure for positioning the substrate and has a surface from which the pair of ends are exposed. The plurality of optical waveguides include a curved portion that is curved in the second direction. The positioning structure is positioned to overlap with the curved portion in the second direction.

Description

Technical Field

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[0001] The present disclosure relates to an optical waveguide component, a holding member, and an optical connection member.

Background Art

[0002] Optical waveguide components including optical waveguides are known (Patent Document 1). Patent Document 1 discloses an optical connection member provided with an optical waveguide component. This optical waveguide component includes a plurality of optical waveguides arranged in a predetermined direction, and has a surface on which the ends of each of the plurality of optical waveguides are exposed.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] In positioning an optical waveguide component, when a positioning structure is provided in the optical waveguide component, there is a risk that the positioning structure may interfere with the optical waveguide. In order to avoid interference between the positioning structure and the optical waveguide, it is conceivable to maintain the distance between the positioning structure and the optical waveguide. However, when maintaining the distance between the positioning structure and the optical waveguide, miniaturization of the optical waveguide component is hindered in order to maintain the arrangement space of the positioning structure.

[0005] An object of the present disclosure is to provide a compact optical waveguide component having a positioning structure, a holding member in which the optical waveguide component is more reliably positioned and is compact, and a compact optical connection member in which positioning of the optical waveguide component is easy.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] An optical waveguide component according to one embodiment of the present disclosure comprises a substrate and a plurality of optical waveguides. The plurality of optical waveguides extend in a first direction within the substrate and are aligned in a second direction intersecting the first direction. Each of the plurality of optical waveguides has a pair of ends. The substrate includes a positioning structure for positioning the substrate and has a surface on which the pair of ends are exposed. The plurality of optical waveguides include a curved portion that is curved in the second direction. The positioning structure is positioned to overlap the curved portion in the second direction. [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] According to this disclosure, it is possible to provide a compact optical waveguide component having a positioning structure, a compact holding member that allows for more reliable positioning of the optical waveguide component, and a compact optical connection member that facilitates the positioning of the optical waveguide component. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0008] [Figure 1] Figure 1 is a perspective view showing the optical connection member of this embodiment. [Figure 2] Figure 2 is a perspective view showing a part of the optical connection component. [Figure 3] Figure 3(a) shows the optical waveguide components, and Figure 3(b) shows the retaining member. [Figure 4] Figure 4 is a schematic perspective view showing optical waveguide components. [Figure 5] Figure 5 is a plan view of the optical waveguide component in this embodiment. [Figure 6] Figure 6 is a plan view of an optical waveguide component in a modified example of this embodiment. [Figure 7] Figure 7 shows a plan view and a side view of an optical waveguide component in a modified example of this embodiment. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0009] [Description of Embodiments in this Disclosure] First, the contents of embodiments of the present disclosure will be listed and described. [1] An optical waveguide component according to one embodiment of the present disclosure comprises a substrate and a plurality of optical waveguides. The plurality of optical waveguides extend in a first direction within the substrate and are aligned in a second direction intersecting the first direction. Each of the plurality of optical waveguides has a pair of ends. The substrate includes a positioning structure for positioning the substrate and has a surface on which the pair of ends are exposed. The plurality of optical waveguides include a curved portion that is curved in the second direction. The positioning structure is positioned in the second direction to overlap with the curved portion.

[0010] In this optical waveguide component, the positioning structure is positioned to overlap with the curved portion of the optical waveguide. In this case, the positioning structure is positioned in the space maintained by the curved portion. Therefore, a compact optical waveguide component is provided in which interference between the positioning structure and the optical waveguide is avoided.

[0011] [2] In the optical waveguide component described in [1] above, the surface may include a first end face and a second end face. On the first end face, the first end of a pair of ends of multiple optical waveguides may be exposed. On the second end face, the second end of a pair of ends of multiple optical waveguides may be exposed and located on the opposite side of the first end face in the first direction. The arrangement order of the multiple optical waveguides exposed on the first end face may be the same as the arrangement order of the multiple optical waveguides exposed on the second end face. In this case, the input to the optical waveguide component and the output from the optical waveguide component are the same. Therefore, a compact optical waveguide component with identical input and output is provided without interference between the positioning structure and the optical waveguide.

[0012] [3] In the optical waveguide component described in [1] or [2] above, the shortest distance between the optical waveguide and the positioning structure may be less than 1 mm. In this case, a compact optical waveguide component with a positioning structure is provided.

[0013] [4] Any one of the optical waveguide components [1] to [3] above may have a pair of side surfaces arranged in the second direction. The positioning structure may have a shape in which the side surfaces are recessed in the second direction. An easily positionable and compact optical waveguide component is provided.

[0014] [5] The holding member according to another embodiment of the present disclosure includes an engaging portion. The engaging portion engages with the positioning structure of any one of the optical waveguide components [1] to [4] above. A holding member is provided in which the optical waveguide component is more reliably positioned with a compact configuration.

[0015] [6] The optical connection member according to yet another embodiment of the present disclosure includes any one of the optical waveguide components [1] to [4] above, a holding member, and a plurality of optical fibers. The holding member includes an engaging portion that engages with the positioning structure of the optical waveguide component. The plurality of optical fibers are connected to the optical waveguide component. An optical waveguide component that can easily position the optical waveguide component with a compact configuration is provided. [Details of Embodiments of the Present Disclosure]

[0016] Specific examples of the present disclosure will be described below with reference to the drawings. Note that the present invention is not limited to this exemplification, and is intended to be indicated by the claims and to include all modifications within the meaning and scope equivalent to the claims. In the following description, the same reference numerals are given to the same elements in the description of the drawings, and redundant descriptions are omitted.

[0017] FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing an optical connection member according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing a part of the optical connection member. An XYZ orthogonal coordinate system is shown in these figures for easy understanding.

[0018] The optical connection member 1 is connected to a device. For example, the optical connection member 1 is connected to a chip for silicon photonics. The optical connection member 1 includes, for example, a plurality of optical fibers 2, a holding member 3, an upper lid 4, and an optical waveguide component 5. FIG. 3(a) shows the optical waveguide component, and FIG. 3(b) shows the holding member. FIG. 4 is a schematic perspective view showing the optical waveguide component.

[0019] The plurality of optical fibers 2 are optically connected to the optical waveguide component 5. The plurality of optical fibers 2 are optically connected to the optical waveguide of the silicon photonics chip via the optical waveguide component 5. Each optical fiber 2 is, for example, a single-mode optical fiber. The mode field diameter of the optical fiber 2 is, for example, larger than the mode field diameter of the optical waveguide of the silicon photonics chip. The refractive index of the core of the optical fiber 2 is, for example, smaller than the refractive index of the optical waveguide of the silicon photonics chip.

[0020] The holding member 3 holds the optical waveguide component 5. The holding member 3 positions, for example, the optical waveguide component 5 with respect to the silicon photonics chip. The holding member 3 is fixed to the silicon photonics chip, for example, by an adhesive. The holding member 3 includes an engaging portion 31 as shown in FIGS. 2 and 3(b). The engaging portion 31 engages with the optical waveguide component 5. The holding member 3 has, for example, an internal space S1 in which the optical waveguide component 5 is disposed.

[0021] The engaging portion 3 includes a pair of protrusions 32 that protrude toward the internal space S1 in the X-axis direction. The pair of protrusions 32 face each other, for example, in the X-axis direction. Each protrusion 32 protrudes toward the other protrusion 32. Each protrusion 32 protrudes toward the optical waveguide component 5, for example. The pair of protrusions 32 sandwich, for example, the optical waveguide component 5.

[0022] The top cover 4 is fixed to the retaining member 3. For example, the top cover 4 includes a claw portion 41 that engages with the retaining member 3. For example, the claw portion 41 engages with the retaining member 3 and is fixed to the retaining member 3 as shown in Figure 1. The top cover 4 fixes the optical waveguide component 5 to the retaining member 3 in the Z-axis direction.

[0023] The optical waveguide component 5 is optically connected to multiple optical fibers 2. The optical waveguide component 5 is used, for example, to convert the mode field diameter. The optical waveguide component 5 facilitates the conversion of the mode field diameter and refractive index difference between the optical fiber 2 and the silicon photonics chip, thereby reducing optical loss. The optical waveguide component 5 guides light from multiple optical fibers 2 to the optical waveguide of the silicon photonics chip, for example. The optical waveguide component 5 comprises a base material 51 and multiple optical waveguides 52.

[0024] The substrate 51 has a surface S2 on which a plurality of optical waveguides 52 are exposed. As shown in Figure 4, the surface S2 includes a pair of main surfaces 51a, 51b, a pair of end surfaces 51c, 51d, and a pair of side surfaces 51e, 51f. The pair of main surfaces 51a, 51b, the pair of end surfaces 51c, 51d, and the pair of side surfaces 51e, 51f are, for example, flat surfaces and rectangular. The substrate 51 is, for example, substantially rectangular. The substrate 51 is made of, for example, glass. The material of the substrate 51 is, for example, quartz glass, alkali-free glass (e.g., EAGLE XG®), or borosilicate glass (e.g., TEMPAX Float®).

[0025] A pair of main surfaces 51a and 51b are aligned along the X-axis and Y-axis directions and face each other in the Z-axis direction. One of the pair of main surfaces 51a and 51b is located on the opposite side of the other in the Z-axis direction. The pair of main surfaces 51a and 51b are aligned along the Z-axis direction and may be parallel to each other or inclined to each other. A pair of end surfaces 51c and 51d are aligned along the X-axis and Z-axis directions and face each other in the Y-axis direction. One of the pair of end surfaces 51c and 51d is located on the opposite side of the other in the Y-axis direction. The pair of end surfaces 51c and 51d are aligned along the Y-axis direction and may be parallel to each other or inclined to each other. A pair of side surfaces 51e and 51f are aligned along the Y-axis and Z-axis directions and face each other in the X-axis direction. One of the pair of side surfaces 51e and 51f is located on the opposite side of the other in the X-axis direction. The pair of side surfaces 51e and 51f are aligned along the X-axis direction and may be parallel to each other or inclined to each other.

[0026] The multiple optical waveguides 52 are cores formed inside the substrate 51. The multiple optical waveguides 52 include at least two optical waveguides. The optical waveguides 52 extend in the Y-axis direction and propagate light in that direction. The multiple optical waveguides 52 extend in the Y-axis direction inside the substrate 51 and are aligned in a direction intersecting the Y-axis direction. Each of the multiple optical waveguides 52 has a pair of ends 52a, 52b. The pair of ends 52a, 52b includes a first end 52a and a second end 52b opposite to the first end 52a. The first end 52a is exposed from the end face 51c of the substrate 51. The second end 52b is exposed from the end face 51d of the substrate 51. For example, the first end 52a is coupled to an optical fiber 2, and the second end 52b is coupled to an optical waveguide of a silicon photonics chip.

[0027] The optical waveguide 52 may guide light from the first end 52a to the second end 52b, or from the second end 52b to the first end 52a. The optical waveguide 52 includes a modified region with a refractive index greater than that of the surrounding substrate 51. The modified region is a laser-processed region formed by focusing and scanning a laser beam having an extremely short time width, such as on the order of femtoseconds, into the interior of the substrate 51, thereby modifying the glass by multiphoton absorption.

[0028] Next, the configuration of the optical waveguide component 5 will be described in more detail. Figure 5 is a plan view of the optical waveguide component 5 in this embodiment.

[0029] The multiple optical waveguides 52 include a curved portion CS that is curved in the X-axis direction, as shown in Figure 5. In Figure 5, the multiple optical waveguides 52 are indicated by No. 1 to No. 20, respectively. In the example shown in this embodiment, at least a portion of the multiple optical waveguides 52 are curved by the curved portion CS and intersect with other optical waveguides 52 when viewed along the Z-axis direction. In the example shown in this embodiment, the arrangement order of the multiple optical waveguides 52 exposed at the end face 51c is different from the arrangement order of the multiple optical waveguides 52 exposed at the end face 51d.

[0030] The multiple optical waveguides 52 form a space S3 between the surface S2 of the substrate 51 and the multiple optical waveguides 52 when viewed from the Z-axis direction, due to the curved portion CS. The space S3 is located in a position that overlaps with the multiple optical waveguides 52 in the Y-axis direction. In other words, the space S3 is located in a position that overlaps with the multiple optical waveguides 52 when viewed along the Y-axis direction. The overall width in the X-axis direction of the multiple optical waveguides 52 in the curved portion CS is smaller than the overall width in the X-axis direction of the multiple optical waveguides 52 at the end faces 51c and 51d.

[0031] The base material 51 includes a positioning structure 55 for positioning the base material 51. The positioning structure 55 engages with the engaging portion 31 of the holding member 3. The positioning structure 55 is positioned in the X-axis direction, overlapping with the curved portion CS. The positioning structure 55 is located in space S3. In other words, space S3 is positioned in the Y-axis direction, overlapping with the multiple optical waveguides 52.

[0032] The positioning structure 55 is, for example, a recess formed in the surface S2 of the base material 51. The positioning structure 55 has a shape in which the surface S2 is recessed in the X-axis direction. The positioning structure 55 includes, for example, a pair of recesses 55a, 55b provided on each of the sides 51e, 51f. The pair of recesses 55a, 55b have a shape in which they are recessed in the X-axis direction. Recess 55a is recessed from the side 51e toward the curved portion CS. At least a portion of recess 55a is located in space S3. Recess 55b is recessed from the side 51f toward the curved portion CS. At least a portion of recess 55b is located in space S3. For example, the pair of recesses 55a, 55b are located collinearly in the X-axis direction. For example, recesses 55a, 55b have an arc shape when viewed along the Z-axis direction.

[0033] In the optical waveguide component 5, the shortest distance L1 between the optical waveguide 52 and the positioning structure 55 is, for example, 0.1 mm or more and less than 1 mm. When the shortest distance L1 between the optical waveguide 52 and the positioning structure 55 is 0.1 mm or more, light leakage from the optical waveguide 52 is reduced. When the shortest distance between the optical waveguide 52 and the positioning structure 55 is less than 1 mm, space for positioning the positioning structure 55 is maintained.

[0034] For example, the pair of projections 32 of the retaining member 3 are fitted into the recesses 55a and 55b, respectively. In other words, the pair of projections 32 of the retaining member 3 are inserted into the recesses 55a and 55b, respectively.

[0035] Next, with reference to Figure 6, the optical waveguide component 5A in a modified example of this embodiment will be described. Figure 6 is a plan view of the optical waveguide component 5A in this modified example. This modified example is generally similar to or the same as the embodiment described above. This modified example differs from the embodiment described above in terms of the configuration of the multiple optical waveguides and the positioning structure. The differences between the embodiment described above and this modified example will be mainly described below.

[0036] The optical waveguide component 5A comprises a base material 61 and a plurality of optical waveguides 62. The base material 61 includes a positioning structure 65 for positioning the base material 61, and has the same configuration as the base material 51 except for the configuration of the positioning structure 65 and the configuration of the plurality of optical waveguides 62. The positioning structure 65 differs from the positioning structure 55 only in size. For example, the positioning structure 65 includes a pair of recesses 65a, 65b, similar to the pair of recesses 55a, 55b of the positioning structure 55. The pair of recesses 65a, 65b have a shape that is recessed in the X-axis direction.

[0037] In the optical waveguide component 5A, the shortest distance L2 between the optical waveguide 62 and the positioning structure 65 is, for example, 0.1 mm or more and less than 1 mm. When the shortest distance L2 between the optical waveguide 62 and the positioning structure 65 is 0.1 mm or more, light leakage from the optical waveguide 62 is reduced. When the shortest distance between the optical waveguide 62 and the positioning structure 65 is less than 1 mm, space for positioning the positioning structure 65 is maintained.

[0038] The multiple optical waveguides 62 are cores formed inside the substrate 61. The multiple optical waveguides 62 include at least two optical waveguides. The optical waveguides 62 extend in the Y-axis direction and propagate light in that direction. The multiple optical waveguides 62 extend in the Y-axis direction inside the substrate 61 and are aligned in a direction intersecting the Y-axis direction. Each of the multiple optical waveguides 62 has a pair of ends 62a, 62b. The pair of ends 62a, 62b includes a first end 62a and a second end 62b opposite to the first end 62a. The first end 62a is exposed from the end face 51c of the substrate 61. The second end 62b is exposed from the end face 51d of the substrate 61. For example, the first end 62a is coupled to an optical fiber 2, and the second end 62b is coupled to an optical waveguide of a silicon photonics chip.

[0039] The optical waveguide 62 may guide light from the first end 62a to the second end 62b, or from the second end 62b to the first end 62a. The optical waveguide 62 includes a modified region in which the refractive index is greater than that of the surrounding substrate 61.

[0040] The multiple optical waveguides 62 include a curved portion CS that is curved in the X-axis direction, as shown in Figure 6. In Figure 6, the multiple optical waveguides 62 are indicated by No. 1 to No. 20, respectively. In this modified example, at least a portion of the multiple optical waveguides 62 are curved by the curved portion CS and intersect with other optical waveguides 62 when viewed along the Z-axis direction. The arrangement order of the multiple optical waveguides 62 exposed at the end face 51c is the same as the arrangement order of the multiple optical waveguides 62 exposed at the end face 51d.

[0041] The multiple optical waveguides 62 form a space S3 between the surface S2 of the substrate 61 and the multiple optical waveguides 62 when viewed from the Z-axis direction, due to the curved portion CS. The space S3 is located in a position that overlaps with the multiple optical waveguides 62 in the Y-axis direction. In other words, the space S3 is located in a position that overlaps with the multiple optical waveguides 62 when viewed along the Y-axis direction. The overall width in the X-axis direction of the multiple optical waveguides 62 in the curved portion CS is smaller than the overall width in the X-axis direction of the multiple optical waveguides 62 at the end faces 51c and 51d.

[0042] Therefore, without the intersection of multiple optical waveguides 62 when viewed along the Z-axis, the space S3 of the optical waveguide component 5A is maintained to be wider than the space S3 of the optical waveguide component 5. The proportion of the size of the positioning structure 65 relative to the base material 61 is maintained to be wider than the proportion of the size of the positioning structure 55 relative to the base material 51. In a further modification of this modification, the size of the positioning structure 65 may be reduced, and the size of the optical waveguide component 5A may be further reduced.

[0043] Next, with reference to Figure 7, the optical waveguide component 5B in a modified example of this embodiment will be described. Figure 7 is a plan view of the optical waveguide component 5B in this modified example. This modified example is generally similar to or the same as the embodiment described above. This modified example differs from the embodiment described above in terms of the configuration of the multiple optical waveguides and the positioning structure. The differences between the embodiment described above and this modified example will be mainly described below.

[0044] The optical waveguide component 5B comprises a base material 71 and a plurality of optical waveguides 72. The base material 71 includes a positioning structure 75 for positioning the base material 71, and has the same configuration as the base material 51 except for the configuration of the positioning structure 75 and the configuration relating to the plurality of optical waveguides 72. The positioning structure 75 differs from the positioning structure 75 only in size. For example, the positioning structure 75 includes a pair of recesses 75a, 75b, similar to the pair of recesses 75a, 75b of the positioning structure 75. The pair of recesses 75a, 75b have a shape that is recessed in the X-axis direction.

[0045] In the optical waveguide component 5B, the shortest distance L3 between the optical waveguide 72 and the positioning structure 75 is, for example, 0.1 mm or more and less than 1 mm. When the shortest distance L3 between the optical waveguide 72 and the positioning structure 75 is 0.1 mm or more, light leakage from the optical waveguide 72 is reduced. When the shortest distance between the optical waveguide 72 and the positioning structure 75 is less than 1 mm, space for positioning the positioning structure 75 is maintained.

[0046] The multiple optical waveguides 72 are cores formed inside the substrate 71. The multiple optical waveguides 72 include at least two optical waveguides. The optical waveguides 72 extend in the Y-axis direction and propagate light in that direction. The multiple optical waveguides 72 extend in the Y-axis direction inside the substrate 71 and are aligned in a direction intersecting the Y-axis direction. Each of the multiple optical waveguides 72 has a pair of ends 72a, 72b. The pair of ends 72a, 72b includes a first end 72a and a second end 72b opposite to the first end 72a. The first end 72a is exposed from the end face 51c of the substrate 71. The second end 72b is exposed from the end face 51d of the substrate 71. For example, the first end 72a is coupled to an optical fiber 2, and the second end 72b is coupled to an optical waveguide of a silicon photonics chip.

[0047] The optical waveguide 72 may guide light from the first end 72a to the second end 72b, or from the second end 72b to the first end 72a. The optical waveguide 72 includes a modified region in which the refractive index is greater than that of the surrounding substrate 71.

[0048] The multiple optical waveguides 72 include a curved portion CS that is curved in the X-axis direction, as shown in Figure 7. In Figure 7, the multiple optical waveguides 72 are indicated by No. 1 to No. 20, respectively. In this modified example, at least a portion of the multiple optical waveguides 72 are curved by the curved portion CS and intersect with other optical waveguides 72 when viewed along the Z-axis direction. The arrangement order of the multiple optical waveguides 72 exposed at the end face 51c is the same as the arrangement order of the multiple optical waveguides 72 exposed at the end face 51d.

[0049] The multiple optical waveguides 72 are partially composed of multiple stages. The multiple optical waveguides 72 include multiple optical waveguides 76 and multiple optical waveguides 77. The multiple optical waveguides 76 and multiple optical waveguides 77 are partially located at different heights in the Z-axis direction. The multiple optical waveguides 76 and multiple optical waveguides 77 intersect along the Z-axis direction without interfering with each other.

[0050] The multiple optical waveguides 72 form a space S3 between the surface S2 of the substrate 71 and the multiple optical waveguides 72 when viewed from the Z-axis direction, due to the curved portion CS. The space S3 is located in a position that overlaps with the multiple optical waveguides 72 in the Y-axis direction. In other words, the space S3 is located in a position that overlaps with the multiple optical waveguides 72 when viewed along the Y-axis direction. The overall width in the X-axis direction of the multiple optical waveguides 72 in the curved portion CS is smaller than the overall width in the X-axis direction of the multiple optical waveguides 62 at the end faces 51c and 51d.

[0051] Therefore, the space S3 of the optical waveguide component 5B is kept wider than the space S3 of the optical waveguide components 5 and 5A. The size of the positioning structure 75 relative to the base material 71 is kept wider than the size of the positioning structure 55 relative to the base material 51 and the size of the positioning structure 65 relative to the base material 61. As a further modification of this modification, the size of the positioning structure 75 may be reduced, and the size of the optical waveguide component 5B may be further reduced.

[0052] The effects obtained by the optical waveguide components 5, 5A, and 5B of this embodiment, as described above, will now be explained.

[0053] In the optical waveguide component 5, the positioning structure 55 is positioned to overlap with the curved portion CS of the optical waveguide 52. In this case, the positioning structure 55 is positioned in the space S3 maintained by the curved portion CS. Therefore, a compact optical waveguide component 5 is provided in which interference between the positioning structure 55 and the optical waveguide 52 is avoided. Optical waveguide components 5A and 5B have a similar configuration to optical waveguide component 5 in this respect and achieve the same effect.

[0054] In the optical waveguide component 5A, the surface S2 includes a first end face 51c and a second end face 51d. On the first end face 51c, one end 62a of a pair of ends 62a, 62b of a plurality of optical waveguides 62 is exposed. On the second end face 51d, one end 62b of a pair of ends 62a, 62b of a plurality of optical waveguides 62 is exposed and is located on the opposite side of the first end face 51c in the Y-axis direction. The arrangement order of the plurality of optical waveguides 62 exposed on the first end face 51c is the same as the arrangement order of the plurality of optical waveguides 62 exposed on the second end face 51d. In this case, the input to the optical waveguide component 5A and the output from the optical waveguide component 5A are the same. Therefore, a compact optical waveguide component 5A with identical input and output is provided without interference between the positioning structure 65 and the optical waveguides 62. Optical waveguide component 5B has the same configuration as optical waveguide component 5A in this respect, and thus achieves the same effect.

[0055] In optical waveguide component 5, the shortest distance between the optical waveguide 52 and the positioning structure 55 is less than 1 mm. In this case, space for positioning the positioning structure 55 is maintained. Therefore, a compact optical waveguide component with a positioning structure 55 is provided. Optical waveguide components 5A and 5B have the same configuration as optical waveguide component 5 in this respect and achieve the same effect.

[0056] The optical waveguide component 5 has a pair of side surfaces 51e and 51f aligned in the X-axis direction. In the optical waveguide component 5, the positioning structure 55 has a shape in which the side surfaces 51e and 51f are recessed in the X-axis direction. A compact optical waveguide component 5 that can be easily positioned is provided. Optical waveguide components 5A and 5B have the same configuration as optical waveguide component 5 in this respect and achieve the same effect.

[0057] The holding member 3 is equipped with an engaging portion 31. The engaging portion 31 engages with the positioning structure 55 for the optical waveguide components 5, 5A, and 5B. A holding member 3 is provided that allows for more reliable positioning of the optical waveguide components 5, 5A, and 5B in a compact configuration.

[0058] Although embodiments of this disclosure have been described in detail above, the present invention is not limited to the above embodiments and can be applied to various embodiments.

[0059] For example, the engaging portion 31 is not limited to a pair of protrusions 32. The engaging portion 31 may be inserted, for example, into a hole provided in the optical waveguide component 5 in the Z-axis direction, thereby positioning the optical waveguide component 5 relative to the silicon photonics chip.

[0060] The positioning structures 55, 65, and 75 may, for example, be holes formed on the surface S2 of the base materials 51, 61, and 71. For example, the positioning structures 55, 65, and 75 may be holes formed on the side surface 51e of the base materials 51, 61, and 71. For example, the positioning structures 55, 65, and 75 may be holes formed on the main surface 51a of the base materials 51, 61, and 71. The positioning structures 55, 65, and 75 may be multiple holes formed in a single space S3. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0061] 1…Optical connection component 2… Fiber optic 3…Retaining member 4...Top lid 5,5A,5B…Optical waveguide parts 31...Engaging part 32...Protrusion 41… Nail area 51,61,71…Base material 51a, 51b…main surface 51c,51d...end face 51e,51f…side 52,62,72,76,77…Optical waveguide 52a, 52b, 62a, 62b, 72a, 72b...end 55, 65, 75… Positioning structure 55a, 55b, 65a, 65b, 75a, 75b... recessed CS... curved section L1,L2,L3…Shortest distance S1…Internal space S2…Surface S3...Space.

Claims

1. Substrate and The substrate comprises a plurality of optical waveguides that extend in a first direction within the substrate and are arranged in a second direction intersecting the first direction, Each of the aforementioned plurality of optical waveguides has a pair of ends, The substrate includes a positioning structure for positioning the substrate, and has a surface on which the pair of ends are exposed. The plurality of optical waveguides include a curved portion that is curved in the second direction, The positioning structure is an optical waveguide component positioned in the second direction, overlapping with the curved portion.

2. The surface includes a first end face on which the first end of the pair of ends of the plurality of optical waveguides is exposed, and a second end face on which the second end of the pair of ends of the plurality of optical waveguides is exposed and which is located on the opposite side of the first end face in the first direction. The optical waveguide component according to claim 1, wherein the arrangement order of the plurality of optical waveguides exposed on the first end face is the same as the arrangement order of the plurality of optical waveguides exposed on the second end face.

3. The optical waveguide component according to claim 1, wherein the shortest distance between the optical waveguide and the positioning structure is less than 1 mm.

4. The optical waveguide component has a pair of sides aligned in the second direction, The optical waveguide component according to claim 1, wherein the positioning structure has a shape in which the side surface is recessed in the second direction.

5. A retaining member comprising an engaging portion that engages with the positioning structure of an optical waveguide component according to any one of claims 1 to 4.

6. An optical waveguide component according to any one of claims 1 to 4, A retaining member having an engaging portion that engages with the positioning structure of the optical waveguide component, An optical connection member comprising a plurality of optical fibers connected to the aforementioned optical waveguide component.

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