Optical connection component and optical connection structure

Abstract

To provide a compact optical connection component and optical connection structure that realize stable optical connections.SOLUTION: An optical connection component (1600a) connects to another optical connection component (1600b), and comprises: an optical waveguide component (16_04), an alignment component (16_02) that accommodates and secures one longitudinal end of the optical waveguide component, and a magnetic structure (16_03_3) that integrates with the alignment component (16_02). A connecting end face of the alignment component (16_02) is provided with a positioning structure (16_41) that determines the relative position of the connecting end face with respect to a connecting end face of an alignment component that another optical connection component has. The magnetic structure is made of a soft magnetic material, and the magnetic structure is located at at least part of an outer periphery of the alignment component along the outer periphery of the alignment component, in which a magnet (16_03_1) made of a soft magnetic material is located at an end on the side opposite the connecting end face of the alignment component in the surrounding of a longitudinal section of the optical wave component that is not accommodated in the alignment component.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 36A

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a compact optical connecting component and optical connecting structure in which optical waveguide components are held and pressed against each other by a magnet. [Background technology]

[0002] In recent years, with the increase in traffic due to video services, IoT (Internet of Things), cloud services, and the like, there is a demand for a significant expansion of communication capacity within and between data centers. In order to achieve this expansion of communication capacity, the introduction of optical interconnection technology using optical transmission technology used in optical communication, etc., is progressing, replacing the conventional short-distance communication method using electrical signals. In this optical interconnection technology, an optical transceiver form called a pluggable transceiver is often used. In addition, with the need for increasing communication capacity in recent years, optical transceivers constituting optical interconnections are becoming multi-channel, and it has become necessary to mount a large number of optical fibers on a board. In order to connect the large number of optical fibers to each other in a space-saving manner on a board or at a board edge, there is a demand for miniaturizing multi-core optical connectors.

[0003] The pluggable transceiver contains in its metal housing various optical components including an optical transmitter / receiver, as well as electrical circuit components and a printed circuit board for controlling them, etc. The housing is also equipped with a guide structure that allows an optical connector to be inserted and removed from the outside, and by inserting an optical connector that fits into the guide structure, it is possible to optically couple with the optical transmitter / receiver inside the housing.

[0004] As mentioned above, with the need for increased communication capacity, the size of the pluggable transceiver is getting smaller year by year, and the housing is getting smaller to the same extent as the guide structure for the optical connector. Therefore, in order to further reduce the size of the housing in the future, it is required to also reduce the size of the guide mechanism, that is, to further reduce the size of the optical connector that fits the guide mechanism. In addition, there is also an application in which optical fibers are connected to each other within the small housing, and for this application as well, an optical connector that is as small as possible is required.

[0005] Furthermore, it is expected that the introduction of optical interconnections on boards that do not require housings will progress in the future, and in that case, there will be an increasing demand for small optical connectors to reduce the area occupied by the optical connection parts on the board.

[0006] Generally, optical connectors for connecting optical fibers, including optical connectors for pluggable transceivers, are known to use cylindrical ferrules, such as SC connectors and LC connectors, as single-core connectors, while MT connectors and MPO connectors based on MT connectors are known as multi-core connectors (Non-Patent Document 2).

[0007] Like single-core connectors, multi-core connectors are used as interfaces for pluggable transceivers, and are particularly widely used for multi-channel parallel transmission. As shown in Non-Patent Document 1, in single-core connectors, the fibers are accommodated and aligned in cylindrical ferrule components, and these are connected facing each other via a split sleeve for positioning. In other words, the optical fiber alignment component (single-core ferrule) and the high-precision alignment component (split sleeve) for the ferrules are separate components.

[0008] On the other hand, multi-fiber connectors use a resin-molded ferrule with multiple holes for accommodating fibers and two guide holes for accommodating / inserting guide pins. Multiple fibers are glued and fixed to the ferrule, and the guide pins on one ferrule are fitted into the other ferrule to connect the fibers. At this time, the high hole diameter accuracy and high hole position accuracy of the fiber accommodating holes and guide pin holes allow for high-precision positioning of the fibers.

[0009] In addition, in each optical connector, the connection end face between the fiber and the ferrule is polished. For example, in the case of an MT connector, which is a multi-core connector, a right-angled end face is formed, and in the case of an MPO connector, an oblique end face is formed.

[0010] Also, in multi-core connectors, the end faces of the fibers are often polished so that they protrude slightly beyond the end faces of the ferrules. To prevent Fresnel reflection between the fiber and the air space at the connection end face, for example, in MT connectors, the ferrules are pressed together with a clip and the connection end face is filled with a resin with a matching refractive index. Also, in MPO connectors, for example, the connection end face is tilted, and coil springs attached to the rear of each ferrule press the ferrules against each other with sufficient force to achieve a physical contact (PC) connection, which is a tight connection between the cores.

[0011] Furthermore, in order to realize the optical interconnection, it is necessary to connect the optical elements constituting the optical transceiver with a number of optical fibers or an optical waveguide device having a core material such as polymer or quartz glass, and conventionally, these are integrated by being positioned with high precision using active alignment and then permanently fixed with adhesive, etc. Also, a structure is being considered that can easily connect the optical elements and multiple optical fibers or optical waveguides on a board without performing the active alignment by repurposing the above-mentioned optical connector technology.

[0012] For example, the optical fiber or optical waveguide side is integrated as an optical connection part using an MT ferrule or the like, and a positioning structure that fits with the guide pin of the MT ferrule is arranged in advance on the optical element side, thereby realizing a multi-core connector connection with the optical element. Even in such connector connections with optical elements, since the optical elements themselves are becoming smaller and denser year by year, there is a demand for further miniaturization of the connection parts as well. [Prior art documents] [Non-patent literature]

[0013] [Non-Patent Document 1] Ryo Nagase and Kazuo Hokari, "Optical Connector," NTT Technical Review, December 2007, pp.74-78. [Non-Patent Document 2] “History of Fiber Optic Physical Contact Connector for Low Insertion and High Return Losses,” Ryo Nagase, Yoshiteru Abe, Mitsuru Kihara, Proc. IEEE HISTory of ELectrotechnolgy CONference (HISTELCON), 2017. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0014] However, conventional multi-core optical connectors require spring parts such as clips and coil springs, and a mechanical fastening structure to constantly apply the pressing force of the spring parts to the connection end face, so there is a limit to how much they can be miniaturized. In particular, as shown in Non-Patent Documents 1 and 2, MPO connectors that use coil springs need to use multiple parts and housing parts to achieve manual push-pull connection while resisting the reaction force of the coil spring, and the size of these parts is an obstacle to further miniaturization of the connector. Similarly, when using spring parts for connecting optical elements, it is necessary to use clips and spring parts to fasten them, and the size of these parts is an obstacle to miniaturization of the connector connection part.

[0015] The present invention has been made to solve the above-mentioned problems, and aims to provide a small-sized optical connection component and optical connection structure that achieves a stable optical connection by applying a pressing force between the connection end faces without using mechanical fastening components, spring components, etc. [Means for solving the problem]

[0016] In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, an optical connecting part according to the present invention is an optical connecting part for connecting to another optical connecting part, and includes an optical waveguide part, an alignment part for receiving and fixing one end in a longitudinal direction of the optical waveguide part, and a magnetic structure integrated with the alignment part, and a connection end surface of the alignment part is provided with a positioning structure for determining a relative position between the connection end surface and a connection end surface of an alignment part included in the other optical connecting part, the magnetic structure being made of a soft magnetic material, and the magnetic structure being attached to at least a part of the outer periphery of the alignment part along the outer periphery of the alignment part. Joint and a magnet made of a hard magnetic material is arranged around a portion of the optical waveguide component that is not accommodated in the alignment component in the longitudinal direction at the end of the alignment component opposite the connection end face. Effect of the Invention

[0017] According to the present invention, a stable optical connection can be realized, and a smaller optical connecting component and optical connecting structure can be realized. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0018] [Figure 1A] FIG. 1A is a perspective view of an optical connector according to a first embodiment of the present invention before connection. FIG. [Figure 1B] FIG. 1B is a perspective view of the optical connector according to the first embodiment of the present invention after connection. [Figure 2A] FIG. 2A is a top cross-sectional view of the optical connector according to the first embodiment of the present invention before connection. [Figure 2B] FIG. 2B is a top cross-sectional view of the optical connector according to the first embodiment of the present invention after connection. [Figure 3A] FIG. 3A is a top cross-sectional view of the fitting structure of the optical connector according to the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 3B] FIG. 3B is a top cross-sectional view of the fitting structure of the optical connector according to the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 4A] FIG. 4A is a top cross-sectional view of an optical fiber connecting portion of an optical connector according to a first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 4B] FIG. 4B is a top cross-sectional view of the optical fiber connecting portion of the optical connector according to the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 5A] FIG. 5A is a top cross-sectional view of an optical connector according to a modified example of the first embodiment of the present invention before connection. [Figure 5B] FIG. 5B is a top cross-sectional view of the optical connector according to the modified example of the first embodiment of the present invention after connection. [Figure 6A] FIG. 6A is a top cross-sectional view of an optical connector according to a second embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 6B] FIG. 6B is a side cross-sectional view of the optical connector according to the second embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 7A] FIG. 7A is a top cross-sectional view of an optical connector according to a third embodiment of the present invention before connection. [Figure 7B] FIG. 7B is a top cross-sectional view of the optical connector according to the third embodiment of the present invention after connection. [Figure 7C] FIG. 7C is an enlarged top cross-sectional view of the optical fiber joint portion after connection of the optical connector according to the third embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 8A] FIG. 8A is a perspective view of an optical connector according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 8B] FIG. 8B is a top cross-sectional view of the optical connector according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 9A] FIG. 9A is a perspective view of an optical connection structure according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 9B] FIG. 9B is a top cross-sectional view of the optical connection structure according to the fifth embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 10A] FIG. 10A is a perspective view of an optical connection structure according to a sixth embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 10B] FIG. 10B is a top cross-sectional view of the optical connection structure according to the sixth embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is a top cross-sectional view of a fitting portion of an optical connection structure according to the sixth embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 12] FIG. 12 is a top cross-sectional view of an optical connection structure according to a modified example of the sixth embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 13] FIG. 13 is a top cross-sectional view of an optical connection structure according to a modified example of the sixth embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 14A] FIG. 14A is a top cross-sectional view of an optical connector according to a seventh embodiment of the present invention before connection. [Figure 14B] FIG. 14B is a top cross-sectional view of the optical connector according to the seventh embodiment of the present invention after connection. [Figure 15A] FIG. 15A is a side cross-sectional view of an optical connection structure according to an eighth embodiment of the present invention before connection. [Figure 15B] FIG. 15B is a side cross-sectional view of the optical connection structure according to the eighth embodiment of the present invention after connection. [Figure 16A] FIG. 16A is a side cross-sectional view of an optical connection structure according to a modified example of the eighth embodiment of the present invention before connection. [Figure 16B] FIG. 16B is a side cross-sectional view of the optical connection structure according to the modified example of the eighth embodiment of the present invention after connection. [Figure 17A] FIG. 17A is a perspective view of an optical connection structure according to a ninth embodiment of the present invention before connection. [Figure 17B] FIG. 17B is a perspective view of the optical connection structure according to the ninth embodiment of the present invention after connection. [Figure 18A] FIG. 18A is a top cross-sectional view of an optical connection structure according to a ninth embodiment of the present invention before connection. [Figure 18B] FIG. 18B is a top cross-sectional view of the optical connection structure according to the ninth embodiment of the present invention after connection. [Figure 19] FIG. 19 is a top cross-sectional view showing an example of an optical connection structure according to a ninth embodiment of the present invention before connection. [Figure 20A] FIG. 20A is a cross-sectional view of a connection end surface showing an example of an optical connection structure according to a ninth embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 20B] FIG. 20B is a cross-sectional view of a connection end surface showing an example of an optical connection structure according to the ninth embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 20C] FIG. 20C is a cross-sectional view of a connection end surface showing an example of an optical connection structure according to the ninth embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 20D] FIG. 20D is a cross-sectional view of a connection end surface showing an example of an optical connection structure according to the ninth embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 20E] FIG. 20E is a cross-sectional view of a connection end surface showing an example of an optical connection structure according to the ninth embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 20F] FIG. 20F is a cross-sectional view of a connection end surface showing an example of an optical connection structure according to the ninth embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 20G] FIG. 20G is a cross-sectional view of a connection end surface showing an example of an optical connection structure according to the ninth embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 20H]FIG. 20H is a cross-sectional view of a connection end surface showing an example of an optical connection structure according to the ninth embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 20I] FIG. 20I is a cross-sectional view of a connection end surface showing an example of an optical connection structure according to the ninth embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 20J] FIG. 20J is a cross-sectional view of a connection end surface showing an example of an optical connection structure according to the ninth embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 20K] FIG. 20K is a cross-sectional view of a connection end surface showing an example of an optical connection structure according to the ninth embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 21A] FIG. 21A is a side cross-sectional view showing an example of an optical connection structure according to a ninth embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 21B] FIG. 21B is a side cross-sectional view showing an example of an optical connection structure according to the ninth embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 21C] FIG. 21C is a side cross-sectional view showing an example of an optical connection structure according to the ninth embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 21D] FIG. 21D is a side cross-sectional view showing an example of an optical connection structure according to the ninth embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 21E] FIG. 21E is a side cross-sectional view showing an example of an optical connection structure according to the ninth embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 21F] FIG. 21F is a side cross-sectional view showing an example of an optical connection structure according to the ninth embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 22A] FIG. 22A is a side cross-sectional view showing an example of an optical connection structure according to a ninth embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 22B] FIG. 22B is a side cross-sectional view showing an example of an optical connection structure according to the ninth embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 23A] FIG. 23A is a side cross-sectional view showing an example of an optical connection structure according to a ninth embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 23B] FIG. 23B is a side cross-sectional view showing an example of an optical connection structure according to the ninth embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 23C] FIG. 23C is a side cross-sectional view showing an example of an optical connection structure according to the ninth embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 24A] FIG. 24A is a perspective view of an optical connection structure according to a tenth embodiment of the present invention before connection. [Figure 24B] FIG. 24B is a perspective view of the optical connection structure according to the tenth embodiment of the present invention after connection. [Figure 25A] FIG. 25A is a perspective view showing an example of an optical connection structure according to a tenth embodiment of the present invention before connection. [Figure 25B] FIG. 25B is a perspective view showing an example of an optical connection structure according to the tenth embodiment of the present invention before connection. [Figure 26A] FIG. 26A is a perspective view of an optical connection structure according to an eleventh embodiment of the present invention before connection. [Figure 26B] FIG. 26B is a perspective view of the optical connection structure according to the eleventh embodiment of the present invention after connection. [Figure 27A] FIG. 27A is a perspective view showing an example of an optical connection structure according to an eleventh embodiment of the present invention before connection. [Figure 27B] FIG. 27B is a perspective view showing an example of an optical connection structure according to the eleventh embodiment of the present invention before connection. [Figure 28A] FIG. 28A is a perspective view of an optical connection structure according to a twelfth embodiment of the present invention before connection. [Figure 28B] FIG. 28B is a perspective view of the optical connection structure according to the twelfth embodiment of the present invention after connection. [Figure 29] FIG. 29 is a perspective view of an optical connection structure according to a modified example of the twelfth embodiment of the present invention before connection. [Diagram 30] FIG. 30 is a perspective view showing an example of an optical connection structure according to a modified example of the twelfth embodiment of the present invention before connection. [Figure 31A] FIG. 31A is a perspective view of an optical connection structure according to a thirteenth embodiment of the present invention before connection. [Figure 31B] FIG. 31B is a perspective view of the optical connection structure according to the thirteenth embodiment of the present invention after connection. [Figure 31C]FIG. 31C is a top cross-sectional view of an optical connection structure according to the thirteenth embodiment of the present invention before connection. [Figure 32A] FIG. 32A is a perspective view of an optical connection structure according to a modified example of the thirteenth embodiment of the present invention before connection. [Figure 32B] FIG. 32B is a perspective view of the optical connection structure according to the modified example of the thirteenth embodiment of the present invention after connection. [Figure 33A] FIG. 33A is a cross-sectional view of a connection end face of an optical connection structure according to a fourteenth embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 33B] FIG. 33B is a side cross-sectional view of the optical connection structure according to the fourteenth embodiment of the present invention before connection. [Figure 33C] FIG. 33C is a side cross-sectional view of the optical connection structure according to the fourteenth embodiment of the present invention after connection. [Figure 34A] FIG. 34A is a side cross-sectional view of an optical connection structure according to a fifteenth embodiment of the present invention before connection. [Figure 34B] FIG. 34B is a side cross-sectional view of the optical connection structure according to the fifteenth embodiment of the present invention after connection. [Figure 35A] FIG. 35A is a side cross-sectional view of an optical connection structure according to a modification of the fifteenth embodiment of the present invention before connection. [Figure 35B] FIG. 35B is a side cross-sectional view of the optical connection structure according to the modified example of the fifteenth embodiment of the present invention before connection. [Figure 36A] FIG. 36A is a perspective view of an optical connection structure according to a sixteenth embodiment of the present invention before connection. [Figure 36B] FIG. 36B is a perspective view of the optical connection structure according to the sixteenth embodiment of the present invention after connection. [Figure 37A] FIG. 37A is a cross-sectional view of a connection end face of an optical connection structure according to a sixteenth embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 37B] FIG. 37B is a side cross-sectional view of the optical connection structure according to the sixteenth embodiment of the present invention before connection. [Figure 37C]FIG. 37C is a side cross-sectional view of the optical connection structure according to the sixteenth embodiment of the present invention after connection. [Figure 38] FIG. 38 is a top cross-sectional view of the optical connection structure according to the sixteenth embodiment of the present invention after connection. [Figure 39A] FIG. 39A is a perspective view of an optical connection structure according to a seventeenth embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 39B] FIG. 39B is a cross-sectional view of a connection end face of an optical connection structure according to the seventeenth embodiment of the present invention. [Diagram 40] FIG. 40 is a perspective view of an optical connection structure according to a modified example of the seventeenth embodiment of the present invention. [Diagram 41] FIG. 41 is a perspective view of an optical connection structure according to the eighteenth embodiment of the present invention. [Diagram 42] FIG. 42 is a top cross-sectional view of an optical connection structure according to the eighteenth embodiment of the present invention. [Diagram 43] FIG. 43 is a top cross-sectional view showing an example of an optical connection structure according to the eighteenth embodiment of the present invention. [Diagram 44] FIG. 44 is a top cross-sectional view showing an example of an optical connection structure according to the eighteenth embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 45A] FIG. 45A is a top cross-sectional view of an optical connection structure according to a nineteenth embodiment of the present invention before connection. [Figure 45B] FIG. 45B is a top cross-sectional view of the optical connection structure according to the nineteenth embodiment of the present invention after connection. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0019] <First embodiment> The first embodiment will be described in detail below with reference to the drawings.

[0020] 1A and 1B are perspective views of an optical connector 100 according to a first embodiment of the present invention before and after connection. Plane A in the figures is a horizontal plane including the central axis of the optical connector 100. This embodiment is an example of an optical connection structure using optical fibers as optical waveguide components and a pair of optical connection components in which the optical fibers are aligned. FIGS. 2A and 2B are cross-sectional views (hereinafter referred to as "top cross-sectional views") of the optical connector 100 before and after connection, taken along plane A. In addition, hereinafter, the direction of the optical fiber housed in the optical connector according to the present invention is referred to as the "optical fiber longitudinal direction". In addition, hereinafter, a cross-sectional view of the optical connector according to the present invention, taken along a plane perpendicular to plane A and including the central axis in the optical fiber longitudinal direction, is referred to as the "side cross-sectional view".

[0021] As shown in the figure, the optical connector 100 comprises an optical fiber 101 and an optical fiber alignment part 102, and these are aligned by a positioning structure (fitting structure) provided in the optical fiber alignment part 102 so that the optical fibers 101 are connected to each other. As described above, the optical connector 100 is shown as one example of an optical connection structure. The optical connector 100, which is an optical connection structure, is configured by connecting two optical connection parts 100a and 100b, each of which comprises an optical fiber 101, an optical fiber alignment part 102, and a positioning structure (fitting structure).

[0022] Here, the optical fiber alignment component 102 has at least a plurality of microholes with an inner diameter slightly larger than the outer diameter of the optical fiber 101, the optical fiber 101 with its coating removed is housed in the microholes, and the optical fiber 101 and the optical fiber alignment component 102 are fixed together with an adhesive. Note that the adhesive is not shown in the drawings. The optical fiber 101 is shown as an example of an optical waveguide component. Other optical waveguide components include optical waveguides and optical elements.

[0023] Additionally, a plurality of optical fibers 101 are attached to an optical fiber ribbon 104 .

[0024] The connection end faces 105 of the optical fiber 101 and the optical fiber alignment component 102 are polished flat so that they are almost flush with each other. Furthermore, a connection component 103 capable of accommodating the optical fiber alignment component 102 is arranged to surround the outer periphery of the optical fiber alignment component 102 in the outer periphery. Here, the outer periphery of the optical fiber alignment component refers to the direction along the outer periphery of the optical fiber alignment component in a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the optical fibers.

[0025] In this embodiment, connecting part 103 has an opening capable of accommodating optical fiber alignment part 102 (for example, in the case of a structure based on an MT ferrule, the width is approximately 2 to 10 mm, the height is approximately 1 to 5 mm, and the length is approximately 2 to 10 mm), and the size of connecting part 103 is approximately 3 to 15 mm in width, approximately 2 to 10 mm in height, and approximately 3 to 10 mm in length.

[0026] The optical fiber alignment part 102 has a fitting structure, and two metal guide pins 1041 used in known multi-core ferrules are inserted into guide pin holes 1042 provided in the optical fiber alignment part (ferrule) 102 to fit the pins and align them. Note that the guide pins and pin holes are provided only in a portion of the longitudinal direction in the figure, but they may be arranged to penetrate the ferrule in the longitudinal direction. While these guide pins are fitted together, the connecting part 103 is made of a magnet, and an attractive force acts to attract the connection end faces to each other.

[0027] In the present invention, any known type and material can be used for the optical fiber and the type and material of the optical fiber alignment component 102. For example, the optical fiber may be a silica-based fiber or a plastic fiber.

[0028] In addition, although an MT ferrule is used for the optical fiber alignment component 102, a known multi-core ferrule can also be used. In this case, any of general-purpose plastics, engineering plastics, super engineering plastics, and the like, which are often used for multi-core ferrules, can be used. Also, glass materials, semiconductor materials such as silicon, and ceramics can be used in a structure similar to that of a multi-core ferrule. In addition, any other material that positions and arranges optical fibers with high precision can achieve the same effect, and for example, a structure in which fibers are accommodated in a glass V-groove, and a lid component is placed on top of it and fixed with an adhesive can be used, as in the known fiber array.

[0029] In addition, the optical fiber 101 is covered with a coating, and may be covered with a known tube or nylon coating twice or more. Furthermore, in the case of a multi-core fiber, it may be bundled into a known fiber tape.

[0030] The positioning structure (fitting structure) in this embodiment uses guide pin 1041 and guide pin hole 1042. The fitting structure is not limited to the above, and for example, as shown in Fig. 3A, a protrusion or the like may be formed or attached to one ferrule end face, and a guide groove or the like that fits the protrusion may be provided on the other ferrule end face, such as the fitting of notch 1111 and groove 1112.

[0031] 3B, an external fitting guide structure 107 or the like may be used, and any other fitting structure may be used as long as it can ensure the same accuracy. In the external fitting guide structure 107 of the fourteenth embodiment, one ferrule has an insertion hole, and the other ferrule has an external shape that fits the shape of the insertion hole.

[0032] Here, the connecting part 103 is made of a permanent magnet. Any known magnet may be used as the material of the permanent magnet depending on the magnetic force to be exerted. For example, it is a neodymium magnet. Other materials that can be used include ferrite magnets, alnico magnets, samarium cobalt magnets, KS steel, MK steel, and neodymium iron boron magnets. At this time, the connecting part 103 made of a permanent magnet is magnetized with north and south poles along the longitudinal direction of the optical fiber. Hereinafter, the "connecting part" is also referred to as a "magnetic structure."

[0033] It should be noted that even if both are not permanent magnets, when one connecting part 103 is a magnet made of a hard magnetic material, the other connecting part 103 may be made of a soft magnetic material such as metal. For example, materials that are inexpensive and easy to machine include SUS430, iron, nickel, cobalt, or stainless steel (SUS), an iron-based alloy that has magnetic properties.

[0034] The optical fiber alignment part 102 and the connecting part 103 are integrated in advance by any method such as adhesion, mechanical fitting, or various joining techniques. In the first embodiment, the optical fiber alignment part 102 and the connecting part 103 are shown in an example of a rectangular / rectangular outer shape as shown in Figures 1A and 1B, but the outer shape can of course be any shape. For example, the outer shape may be a circle, an ellipse, a polygon, etc. The above also applies to the other embodiments described below.

[0035] Here, the optical fiber 101 is polished so that it protrudes slightly beyond the optical fiber alignment part 102 in the longitudinal direction of the optical fiber at the connection end face, and the connection end face of the connecting part 103 and the connection end face of the optical fiber alignment part 102 are positioned and integrated so that they are approximately on the same plane.

[0036] Such a structure provides the following advantages: In conventional multi-core optical connectors, a pressing force is applied by a coil spring or clip to hold the opposing optical fibers 101 so as to eliminate any gaps, and MPO connectors and the like are provided with a housing structure that provides a mechanical fastening structure for constantly applying the pressing force of the coil spring to the connection end face.

[0037] This structure makes it possible to apply a pressing force for connecting the optical fibers 101 together by the attractive force of the magnet, without adding a spring element. In addition, the attractive force of the magnet also exerts the effect of holding the components, so a stable optical connection can be maintained without the need for mechanical fastening parts to resist the reaction force of the spring as in the past. In other words, the number of components can be reduced, and as a result, a more compact multi-core optical connector can be realized.

[0038] 4A, by appropriately setting the protrusion of the end face of the optical fiber 101 from the end face of the optical fiber alignment component 102 and applying a pressing force by a magnet, physical contact (PC) connection 108 can be realized for all the optical fibers 101. Note that a refractive index matching agent may be provided between them, as will be described later in other embodiments.

[0039] 4B, it is also possible to provide a microlens 109 or the like on the end face of the optical fiber 101 and connect the optical fibers 101 with an air gap 110 between them. Alternatively, the air gap 110 may be provided without providing the microlens 109. Furthermore, an anti-reflection coating or the like may be applied to the connecting end face of the optical fiber 101 as necessary. Furthermore, as will be described later in the second embodiment, the end face of the optical fiber alignment component 102 and the end face of the optical fiber 101 may be polished at a certain angle with respect to the direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the optical fibers.

[0040] Here, it is preferable that the opposing surfaces of the connecting part 103 are parallel to each other in order to stabilize the vector of the attractive force of the magnet in the longitudinal direction of the optical fiber. However, even if the parallelism is not perfect, as long as the butt angle between the ferrules in the longitudinal direction is not significantly different, the decrease in optical coupling loss can be ignored. In other words, good optical characteristics can be achieved with a parallelism that can be guaranteed by practical machining accuracy.

[0041] In addition, in this embodiment, the connecting part 103 is arranged to cover the outer periphery of the optical fiber alignment part 102, but it does not need to cover it completely, and it may be arranged on only one or two surfaces of the outer periphery.

[0042] In detail, in this embodiment, the connecting component 103 is arranged so as to surround a part of the four sides of the side wall in the outer circumferential direction of the optical fiber alignment component 102, but without being limited thereto, the connecting component 103 may be arranged so as to surround the entire outer circumferential direction of the side wall of the optical fiber alignment component 102. Also, the connecting component 103 may be arranged so as to surround a part of only one side rather than all four sides of the side wall of the optical fiber alignment component 102, and it is sufficient that the connecting component 103 is arranged around a part of at least one side of the side surface in the outer circumferential direction of the optical fiber alignment component 102.

[0043] If the four outer circumferential side walls of the optical fiber alignment component 102 are not surrounded, there is a concern that the attractive force will decrease as the contact area of ​​the magnet decreases, but the size of the contact area can be set larger as necessary.

[0044] In addition, due to the properties of the magnet, this optical connector can be arranged in multiple rows. In other words, by arranging the multiple-core optical connectors side by side, it is possible to provide a multiple-core optical connector with no gaps.

[0045] <Modification of the first embodiment> A modification of the first embodiment will be described below with reference to FIGS. 5A and 5B.

[0046] 5A and 5B are top cross-sectional views of an optical connector (optical connection structure) that connects optical connection parts according to a modification of the first embodiment of the present invention, before and after connection. In this modification of the present embodiment, even if the coupling part (magnet) 123, which is a magnetic structure, is appropriately disposed in the vicinity of the connection end face 125 of the optical fiber alignment part 122, the same effect as in the first embodiment can be achieved by appropriately setting the size of the magnet, etc.

[0047] Here, the connecting parts (magnets) 123 may be arranged in a row (surrounding) in the outer circumferential direction of the optical fiber alignment part 122 near the connection end face 125 of the optical fiber alignment part 122, or may be arranged in a part, i.e., one location or multiple locations, near the connection end face 125. The connecting part 123 may have a structure that includes a magnet in a part thereof.

[0048] <Second embodiment>

[0049] Fig. 6A shows a top cross-sectional view of an optical connector (optical connection structure) 200 according to a second embodiment of the present invention, and Fig. 6B shows a side cross-sectional view thereof. Fig. 6A also shows an enlarged view of peripheral portion B of optical fiber 201 at connection end surface 205 of optical fiber alignment part 202. Fig. 6B also shows an enlarged view of peripheral portion C of optical fiber 201 at connection end surface 205 of optical fiber alignment part 102.

[0050] The configuration of an optical connector (optical connection structure) 200 according to this embodiment is the same as that of the first embodiment, being configured by connecting two optical connecting parts 200a and 200b, but a multi-core ferrule 202 for an MT connector is used as an optical fiber alignment part. The optical fiber 201 is an array of single mode fibers with a core diameter of about 10 μm.

[0051] Also, when viewed from the side, the connection end face is polished to an inclined end face at approximately 8 degrees. By having such an inclined surface, the influence of reflected light of the light guided through the optical fiber can be prevented. The angle may be an angle other than 8 degrees, such as 5 degrees or 10 degrees. Furthermore, the end face of the optical fiber 201 is polished so that it protrudes slightly from the end face of the ferrule 202, and the fiber tip is polished to have a convex spherical surface.

[0052] In addition, the connecting part 103 uses a neodymium magnet, whose poles are magnetized in the longitudinal direction of the optical fiber and are arranged to face each other so that they exert an attractive force on the N pole (S pole) of the connecting part. All the fiber cores are pressed against each other by the attractive force of the magnet, realizing the PC connection as shown in Fig. 4A.

[0053] With this structure, similar to the effect of the first embodiment, it is possible to realize a small PC-connection multi-core optical connector by eliminating mechanical pressing and holding structures such as the clips used in conventional MT connectors and the coil springs and multiple housing parts used in MPO connectors.

[0054] Furthermore, although arranging the poles of the magnet in the longitudinal direction of the optical fiber dictates the male and female of the right and left sides of Figures 6A and B, the attractive force of the magnet can be made greater than if one side were made of a metallic magnetic material (soft magnetic material), making it possible to provide a smaller optical connector and optical connection structure.

[0055] In other words, by arranging the poles of the magnets in the longitudinal direction of the optical fiber, the polarity between the magnets is determined, which limits the freedom of selection of the polarity of the magnets. On the other hand, it has the effect of making it possible to exert a greater attractive force by the magnets.

[0056] <Third embodiment> 7A and 7B show top cross-sectional views of an optical connector (optical connection structure) 300 in which optical connecting components according to a third embodiment of the present invention are connected to each other before and after connection. Also, Fig. 7C shows an enlarged view of a connection portion of an optical fiber 301.

[0057] The optical connector (optical connection structure) 300 according to this embodiment has a configuration similar to that of the second embodiment, and is configured by connecting two optical connection parts 300a and 300b, but each fiber end face is protruded and polished so as to form a right-angle end face when viewed from the side. In addition, one of the magnetic structures, the connecting part, is made of SUS430. Furthermore, a refractive index matching material 305 is interposed between the connection end faces of the optical fibers 301 to be connected.

[0058] With this structure, similar to the effect of the first embodiment, it is possible to realize a compact multi-core optical connector by eliminating mechanical pressing and holding structures such as the clips used in conventional MT connectors and the coil springs and multiple housing parts used in MPO connectors.

[0059] In addition, although the attractive force of the magnet is reduced by making one of the components metal, the connection can be made without specifying the male / female pair. In other words, in a configuration in which one connecting component includes a metallic magnetic material and the other connecting component includes a magnet, the attractive force of the magnet is reduced, but since the polarity of the magnet of the other connecting component is not determined, the degree of freedom in selecting the polarity of the magnet is not restricted.

[0060] At this time, since the refractive index matching material 305 is used, Fresnel reflection can be prevented without PC connection, and as a result, sufficient characteristics can be achieved even with a small pressing force, making it possible to provide a smaller optical connector and optical connection structure. Note that any known matching material such as a gel, liquid, or film may be used as the refractive index matching material 305 as long as it has the same effect.

[0061] <Fourth embodiment> Fig. 8A shows a perspective view of an optical connector (optical connection structure) 400 in which optical connection parts according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention are connected to each other, and Fig. 8B shows a top cross-sectional view of the same. The configuration of optical connector (optical connection structure) 400 according to this embodiment is almost the same as that of the first embodiment, and is configured by connecting two optical connection parts 400a, 400b, but in a connecting part 403 which is a magnetic structure, two magnets 4031, 4032 are in the form of a structure in which two divided magnets are stacked on top of each other. The N pole and S pole of the connecting part on the opposing side are arranged so that an attractive force acts.

[0062] In detail, optical connector (optical connection structure) 400 according to this embodiment has a pair of coupling parts 403A and 403B. Coupling part 403A is composed of divided parts 4031A and 4032A. Part 4031A faces part 4032A on two surfaces (the upper and lower sides of optical fiber alignment part 402 in FIG. 8A), one surface (e.g., the upper side of optical fiber alignment part 402 in FIG. 8A) is magnetized to the N pole, and the other surface (e.g., the lower side of optical fiber alignment part 402 in FIG. 8A) is magnetized to the S pole, and is magnetized in the outer circumferential direction of optical fiber alignment part 402.

[0063] In addition, portion 4032A faces portion 4031A on two sides (the upper and lower sides of optical fiber alignment part 402 in FIG. 8A), one side (e.g., the upper side of optical fiber alignment part 402 in FIG. 8A) is magnetized to a south pole, and the other side (e.g., the lower side of optical fiber alignment part 402 in FIG. 8A) is magnetized to a north pole, and is magnetized in the outer circumferential direction of optical fiber alignment part 402.

[0064] Thus, since portions 4031A and 4032A have opposite polarities on the opposing faces, an attractive force acts between portions 4031A and 4032A.

[0065] Furthermore, connecting part 403B has a similar configuration to connecting part 403A, but is arranged so that the north pole and south pole of 4031B and 4032B have polarities opposite to those of connecting part 403A.

[0066] As a result, 4031B has the opposite polarity on the opposing surface to 4032A, which it contacts in the longitudinal direction of the optical fiber. While 4032A is magnetized with a north pole on one surface (e.g., the upper side of the optical fiber alignment part 402 in FIG. 8A) and a south pole on the other surface (e.g., the lower side of the optical fiber alignment part 402 in FIG. 8A), 4032B is magnetized with a south pole on one surface (e.g., the upper side of the optical fiber alignment part 402 in FIG. 8A) and a north pole on the other surface (e.g., the lower side of the optical fiber alignment part 402 in FIG. 8A).

[0067] Thus, since portion 4031B and portion 4032A have opposite polarities on opposing faces, an attractive force acts between portion 4031B and portion 4032A.

[0068] Similarly, because portions 4032B and 4031A have opposite polarities on opposing faces, an attractive force acts between portions 4032B and 4031A.

[0069] With this structure, similar to the effect of the first embodiment, a small-sized optical connector for PC connection can be realized without a mechanical pressing / holding structure, and the attractive force of the magnet can be made larger. As a result, even if the size of the connecting parts is made smaller, a sufficient pressing force can be generated, and it is possible to provide a smaller-sized optical connector and optical connection structure.

[0070] Here, in this embodiment, each of the connecting parts 403A and 403B is configured to be divided into two parts (4031A and 4032A, 4031B and 4032B), but a configuration consisting of multiple divided parts is also possible, and each divided part (magnet) is magnetized in the outer circumferential direction of the optical fiber alignment part 402, and each has an opposite polarity on the opposing surface. Furthermore, between the connecting parts (403A and 403B), the opposing surfaces may have an opposite polarity.

[0071] In this embodiment, each of the divided parts may be magnetized in the longitudinal direction of the optical fiber. The polarities may be opposite on the opposing surfaces. Furthermore, the polarities may be opposite on the opposing surfaces between the connecting parts (403A and 403B).

[0072] That is, the connecting part 403, which is a magnetic structure, has a portion including a plurality of magnets in the outer circumferential direction of the optical fiber alignment part 402, and the opposing surfaces between the respective portions have opposite polarities. Also, at least one pair of connecting parts (403A and 403B) may have opposite polarities on the opposing surfaces.

[0073] In addition, even if both of the connecting parts 403A and 403B, which are a pair of magnetic structures, are not permanent magnets, when one connecting part is a magnet, the other connecting part may be made of a soft magnetic material such as metal. Also, 4031A and 4031B may be magnets and 4032A and 4032B may be soft magnetic materials such as metal, or 4031A and 4031B may be soft magnetic materials such as metal, and 4032A and 4032B may be magnets. In this way, in a pair of connecting parts, it is sufficient that the part adjacent to the part made of a soft magnetic material such as metal is a magnet. In other words, it is sufficient that the surface of the part facing the surface of the part made of a soft magnetic material such as metal is a magnet. As the soft magnetic material such as metal, for example, a material that is inexpensive and excellent in machining can be used, such as SUS430, iron, nickel, cobalt, or stainless steel (SUS), which is an iron-based alloy, having magnetic properties.

[0074] <Fifth embodiment> Fig. 9A shows a perspective view of an optical connection structure 500 in which optical connecting parts according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention are connected to each other, and Fig. 9B shows a top cross-sectional view thereof. The configuration of the optical connector in the optical connection structure 500 according to this embodiment may be any combination of the first to fourth embodiments. Here, a plate 505 is provided surrounding each of the peripheries of the coupling parts 503, which are a pair of connected magnetic structures. The plate 505 is made of a metal or other soft magnetic material. For example, it is a plate of SUS430.

[0075] In this embodiment, plate 505 is disposed so as to surround the outer periphery of connecting part 503. Here, the outer periphery of connecting part 503 refers to the direction along the outer periphery of connecting part 503 in a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the optical fibers.

[0076] Such a structure makes it possible to realize a small optical connection structure similar to the first to fourth embodiments, and also makes it possible to confine the magnetic field lines via plate 505, thereby further increasing the attractive force of the magnet, thereby making it possible to provide an even smaller optical connector and optical connection structure.

[0077] Furthermore, by using a soft magnetic material for plate 505, the influence of magnetic force on the outside can be reduced, and there are secondary effects such as preventing magnets from being attracted to surrounding members and eliminating adverse effects of magnetic fields. Here, the shape of plate 505 is arbitrary, and it may be larger or smaller than the two outer circumferences of the connecting parts as necessary. Also, a single large plate may be provided in accordance with the multiple multi-core connector so as to contact the periphery thereof.

[0078] Sixth embodiment Fig. 10A shows a perspective view of an optical connection structure 600 in which optical connection parts according to a sixth embodiment of the present invention are connected to each other, and Fig. 10B shows a top cross-sectional view thereof. The configuration of the optical connector in the optical connection structure 600 according to this embodiment may be any combination of the first to fourth embodiments, but it is preferable that both of the connecting parts 603, which are magnetic structures, are permanent magnets. Here, a plate 605 is provided so as to contact one surface of each of the pair of connected connecting parts 603. The plate 605 is made of metal or other soft magnetic material. For example, it is a plate of SUS430.

[0079] By using such a structure, a small optical connection structure can be realized as in the first to fourth embodiments. In addition, since the magnetic field lines can be confined via plate 605, the attractive force of the magnet can be further increased as in the fifth embodiment, making it possible to provide an even smaller optical connector and optical connection structure.

[0080] In addition, by making plate 605 from a soft magnetic material, the influence of magnetic force on the outside can be reduced, which has the secondary effects of preventing the magnet from sticking to surrounding components and eliminating the adverse effects of magnetic fields.

[0081] In addition, in this structure, the connecting part (permanent magnet) 603, which is a magnetic structure, is attracted to one plate 605. As a result, it is possible to further improve the positioning accuracy when fitting the fitting parts together. In detail, as shown in FIG. 11, when engaging a guide pin 6041 or the like, it is necessary to provide a small gap 606 between the guide pin 6041 and the guide pin hole 6042, and this gap 606 can cause a deterioration in positioning accuracy.

[0082] However, with this structure, the engaging portion will be biased to one side of the gap 606 due to the attractive force (arrow 607 in the figure) that pulls the optical fiber alignment part 602 by the magnet. Therefore, if the relative positions of the respective fibers and the guide pins 6041 are adjusted in advance to be optimal positions in the biased direction, it is possible to achieve the further effect of improving the positioning accuracy of the fibers.

[0083] <Modification of the sixth embodiment> A modification of the sixth embodiment will now be described with reference to FIGS.

[0084] 12 and 13 show top cross-sectional views of an optical connection structure in which optical connection parts according to a modification of the sixth embodiment of the present invention are connected to each other. The structure shown in FIG. 12 can also achieve the effects of the sixth embodiment. That is, by making the arrangement of the connecting parts 613, which are two opposing magnetic structures, asymmetrical with respect to the direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the optical fiber 611, the vector of the attractive force (arrow 617 in the figure) by the magnet is slightly applied in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the optical fiber as shown in the figure, in addition to the longitudinal direction of the optical fiber. Therefore, similarly, the engaging part is in one direction of the gap due to the attractive force of the magnet pulling the optical fiber alignment part 612. This can provide an additional effect of improving the positioning accuracy of the fiber.

[0085] Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 13, even if the connecting part 623 is arranged on one side of the periphery of the optical fiber alignment part 622 and the guide pin 6241 is made of a metallic magnetic material (soft magnetic material), an attractive force (arrow 628 in the figure) acts on the guide pin 6241, and the same effect as above can be achieved.

[0086] <Seventh embodiment> 14A and 14B are top cross-sectional views of an optical connector (optical connection structure) 700 in which optical connecting components according to a seventh embodiment of the present invention are connected together before and after connection. In the drawings, a configuration 71 before connection and a configuration 72 after connection are shown in the optical connector (optical connection structure) 700 according to this embodiment.

[0087] The configuration of the optical connector (optical connection structure) 700 according to this embodiment is almost the same as that of the second embodiment, and is configured by connecting two optical connection parts 700a, 700b, but a metal foil 705 made of a magnetic material is inserted between the opposing connecting parts 703. For example, a metal foil of SUS430 with an opening for an optical fiber alignment part is inserted. By adopting such a structure, in addition to being able to realize a small optical connector like the second embodiment, since the magnetic material is filled in the gap between the connecting parts 703, which are magnetic structures, the gap is effectively made small, that is, even if the gap is large, the decrease in the attractive force can be reduced, and a small multi-core optical connector with enhanced magnetic effect can be realized.

[0088] <Eighth embodiment> 15A and 15B are cross-sectional side views of an optical connection structure 800 according to an eighth embodiment of the present invention before and after connection.

[0089] The configuration of the optical connector in the optical connection structure 800 according to this embodiment is almost the same as that of the second embodiment, but one of the optical connectors has a fiber extraction side connected and integrated with an optical waveguide device 810 via an adhesive 815 so that an optical waveguide core 813 of the optical waveguide device 810 and a core of a short fiber 805 are optically coupled with low loss. In this example, an optical fiber and an optical waveguide device are used as the optical waveguide components.

[0090] The optical waveguide device 810 includes an optical waveguide layer 812 on an optical waveguide substrate 811, and has an optical waveguide core 813 in the optical waveguide layer 812. The optical waveguide device 810 also includes a reinforcing plate 814 at a connection portion with an optical connector.

[0091] Here, the optical waveguide device 810 may be a planar lightwave circuit having an optical propagation mechanism, an optical light emitting element, an optical light receiving element, an optical modulation element, an optical functional element (e.g., a splitter, a wavelength multiplexer / demultiplexer, an optical switch, a polarization control element, an optical filter), etc. Examples of materials for the optical waveguide device include semiconductors such as silicon and germanium, III-V group semiconductors represented by indium phosphide (InP), gallium arsenide (GaAs), indium gallium arsenide (InGaAs), etc., ferroelectrics such as lithium niobate, polymers, and quartz glass.

[0092] With this structure, a small optical connection structure can be realized similarly to the first to seventh embodiments, and a small multi-core optical connector connection between an optical waveguide device and an optical fiber can be provided in a pseudo manner by using a short fiber. Note that the material and structure of the connection part may be any of those described in the first to seventh embodiments.

[0093] <Modification of the eighth embodiment> 16A and 16B are cross-sectional side views of an optical connection structure 820 according to a modified example of the eighth embodiment of the present invention, before and after connection.

[0094] In the optical connection structure 800 shown in Figures 15A and 15B, the optical fiber alignment part 802 is directly adhesively fixed to the end face of the optical waveguide device 810. However, as in the optical connection structure 820 shown in Figures 16A and 16B, a short fiber 825 and an optical waveguide layer 832 may be connected via a connection block 836 such as a fiber array made of glass or the like, and an optical fiber alignment part 822 and a connection part 823 may be attached and connected at the end of the short fiber 825 after a certain length of transmission.

[0095] <Ninth embodiment> 17A and 17B are perspective views of an optical connection structure 900 according to a ninth embodiment of the present invention before and after connection, respectively. Also, Fig. 18A and 18B are schematic cross-sectional views of the optical connection structure 900 before and after connection on plane A in Fig. 17B, respectively.

[0096] As shown in Figures 17A and 17B and Figures 18A and 18B, the optical connection structure 900 is configured by connecting an optical connecting part 900a and an optical connecting part 900b. Each of the optical connecting parts 900a and 900b includes a plurality of optical fibers 901, an alignment part 902 that positions and fixes the optical fibers in a predetermined arrangement, and a magnetic structure 903 provided around the alignment part 902. A positioning structure is provided on a connection end surface 9021 of the alignment part 902. Here, the optical fiber 901 (optical waveguide part) is, for example, a silica-based single mode fiber with a cladding diameter of 125 µm and a core diameter of approximately 10 µm.

[0097] The alignment part 902 is a ferrule having a plurality of micro holes with an inner diameter slightly larger (eg, about 0.5 to 1.5 μm) than the outer diameter of the optical fiber 901, and is, for example, a well-known MT ferrule.

[0098] The positioning structure is, for example, as used in the MT ferrule, and is composed of two guide pins (male side) 9041 and guide pin holes (female side) 9042 at both ends. As shown in the figure, alignment parts 902 are arranged opposite each other, and the alignment parts 902 are fitted into the positioning structures provided on their connection end faces 9021, thereby realizing alignment of the optical fibers 901 with each other, and this structure allows multiple optical fibers 901 to be optically connected together at once.

[0099] Here, the optical fiber 901 with its coating removed is housed in the microhole provided in the alignment part 902, and the optical fiber 901 and the alignment part 902 are fixed with an adhesive. Note that the adhesive is not shown in the drawings.

[0100] Furthermore, the connection end face of the optical fiber 901 and the connection end face 9021 of the alignment part 902 are polished to be substantially flush with each other. In practice, the connection end face of the optical fiber 901 is polished to be slightly convex spherical. The optical fibers 901 are arranged at a pitch of, for example, about 250 μm, and the number of optical fibers 901 is eight in the figure. Naturally, the above pitch and number of cores are arbitrary, and any number of cores, such as 2 cores, 4 cores, 8 cores, 12 cores, 16 cores, or 24 cores, can be used.

[0101] The optical fiber 901 is coated around it, and in the areas other than inside the microholes of the alignment part 902, a known resin coating (e.g., acrylic, epoxy, silicone, polyimide, etc.) is applied around it, and it is further bundled together into multiple fiber tapes 904.

[0102] 17A and 17B, the fiber tape 904 is further protected by a boot 911. This boot 911 is a known type used in the assembly of an MT connector, etc., and this boot 911 may be omitted as necessary.

[0103] 18A and 18B, one of the alignment parts 902 and the guide pin 9041 may be fixed by any means such as a separate part or a bonding material to prevent the guide pin 9041 for the positioning structure from falling off, if necessary. Although not shown in the drawings, the guide pin hole 9042, the microhole, and the vicinity of the tip of the guide pin 9041 may be tapered to facilitate insertion, if necessary.

[0104] 17A and 17B and 18A and 18B, a magnetic structure 903 capable of housing the alignment component 902 is disposed so as to surround the alignment component 902 and is integrated with the alignment component 902. Here, all of the magnetic structures 903 are made of a hard magnetic material (so-called magnet), and any known magnet may be used as the material of the magnet depending on the magnetic force to be exerted. A typical magnet may be a neodymium magnet. In addition, any known magnet such as a ferrite magnet, an alnico magnet, a samarium cobalt magnet, a KS steel, an MK steel, or a neodymium iron boron magnet may be used. Naturally, any magnet whose magnetic properties are adjusted by slightly changing the composition of these magnets may be used in the same manner.

[0105] In the magnetic structures 903 (referred to as a connecting part in the first to eighth embodiments) made of magnets, the north and south poles are arranged so that a magnetic attractive force acts between the connection end faces 9031 of the opposing magnetic structures 903 in Figs. 18A and 18B. In Figs. 17A and 17B, the magnetic structures 903 are magnetized to form a pair of north and south poles along the longitudinal direction of the fiber. This causes an attractive force to attract the connection end face 9021 of the alignment part 902 and the connection end face 9031 of the magnetic structure 903 to each other. Note that the same application can be achieved even if the pair of opposing magnetic structures 903 is not both made of the hard magnetic material (magnets) but only one is made of a magnet and the other magnetic structure 903 is made of a soft magnetic material, since a magnetic force acts between the magnetic structures 903.

[0106] As the soft magnetic material, metals that are attracted to magnets are known, and for example, iron, nickel, cobalt, or an iron-based alloy such as stainless steel (SUS) that has magnetism (e.g., SUS430) can be used. If both of the opposing magnetic structures 903 are magnets, the magnetic force that is exerted is naturally larger, and the attractive force is also larger.

[0107] On the other hand, although the attractive force is inferior to that of the above, the other material may be a soft magnetic material from the standpoint of processability, prevention of sticking to other parts, prevention of influence by magnetic force, etc., and these can be selected appropriately depending on the required attractive force, the size of the magnetic structure 903, the required conditions, etc.

[0108] Also, the alignment part 902 and the magnetic structure 903 are integrated, and any joining method such as adhesion, mechanical fitting, or metal joining (solder, etc.) may be used. Also, instead of joining the alignment part 902 and the magnetic structure 903, they may be integrated via a separate grip part 912 as shown in the cross-sectional view of Fig. 19. The grip part 912 may be provided with a structure 9044 for preventing the guide pin 9041 from falling off. Also, a fastening structure may be appropriately provided so that the grip parts 912 fit together when connected.

[0109] 18A and 18B, optical fiber 901 is polished so as to slightly protrude beyond alignment part 902 in the longitudinal direction of the optical fiber at the connection end face. Also, connection end face 9031 of magnetic structure 903 and connection end face 9021 of alignment part 902 are configured to be on the same plane, or connection end face 9031 of magnetic structure 903 is positioned to be recessed from connection end face 9021 of alignment part 902 in the longitudinal direction of the optical fiber, and a gap is formed between the opposing connection end faces 9031 of magnetic structures 903.

[0110] Generally, the magnetic force acting between magnets becomes stronger as the gap between them becomes smaller. Ideally, therefore, a greater magnetic force can be exerted if the surfaces between the magnetic structures and the alignment components are flush with each other.

[0111] On the other hand, if the magnetic structure protrudes even slightly toward the connection surface in the longitudinal direction of the optical fiber, there is a risk that the alignment component end face or the end face of the optical fiber may not be able to come into contact. However, by adopting the above-mentioned positional relationship, the gap between the magnets, which are the magnetic structure, can be made as small as possible without impeding the contact between the alignment component 902 end face and the end face of the optical fiber, and the magnetic force can be fully exerted.

[0112] Such a structure provides the following effects.

[0113] In other words, in conventional multi-core optical connectors, it was necessary to apply a pressing force to the connection end face to reduce the gap between opposing optical fibers (or to make the gap zero), and the components used to apply this pressing force were coil springs, clips, etc.

[0114] Furthermore, for example, in an MPO connector, it was necessary to have multiple spring retaining parts and housing parts that integrated them. Also, in order to maintain the connection state with the application of pressure, it was necessary to provide a mechanical fastening structure in the housing parts, and to generate pressure by maintaining the mechanical fastening structure via an adapter part that fits with this housing part.

[0115] The structure of the present invention makes it possible to apply a pressing force between the connection end faces of the optical fibers by magnetic attraction, without using any mechanical spring parts as described above.

[0116] Furthermore, since the magnetic attractive force also has the effect of maintaining the connection, a stable optical connection can be maintained without the need for housing parts or adapter parts with mechanical fastenings to counter the reaction force of the spring parts, as was previously required.

[0117] In other words, by using the structure of the present invention, even when the same pressing force is exerted, the number of components can be significantly reduced, making it possible to realize a multi-core optical connector connection structure that is significantly smaller than conventional structures.

[0118] For example, a known MT ferrule is generally 6.4 mm wide, 8 mm long, and 2.5 mm thick, but an MPO connector, including the surrounding housing and fiber protection section, requires an external dimension of approximately 12 mm wide, 7.5 mm thick, and 25 mm long, and also requires adapter parts for connection.

[0119] The elastic force of the coil spring exerted at this time is, for example, 10 N. On the other hand, by using a structure in which general neodymium magnets are used around both MT ferrules, when they are arranged with a thickness of 1 mm and a length of 20 mm, for example, the external dimensions including magnetic structure 903 can be significantly reduced in size to 8.4 mm in width, 8 mm in length, and 4.5 mm in thickness, and a magnetic force of 10 N or more can be exerted, and adapter parts can also be eliminated, leading to significant miniaturization.

[0120] The above calculations are examples, and it is possible to further increase the magnetic force or to achieve miniaturization with the same magnetic force by adding any of the following methods: making the magnet out of a stronger material, making the magnet into a one-dimensional or two-dimensional multi-pole magnet array as described in the embodiment below, or adding another magnetic structure 903 such as a metal plate that functions as a so-called yoke and exerts a greater magnetic force. In recent years, thin MT ferrules (e.g., 1.25 mm thick and 4 mm long) have also been developed, and further miniaturization is possible by combining these thin MT ferrules.

[0121] In addition, in the structures shown in Figures 17A and 17B and Figures 18A and 18B, the magnetic structure 903 is arranged to surround the alignment component 902, but this is not necessarily the case as long as the structure is capable of generating magnetic force.

[0122] 20A-K show variations in the positional relationship between magnetic structure 903 and alignment component 902 when viewed from the connection end surface side of Figures 17A and B. As shown in Figure 20A, in addition to a structure in which the entire outer periphery is surrounded by magnetic structure 903 as in Figures 17A and B, a configuration in which only one surface of the outer periphery is made of magnetic structure 903 as shown in Figure 20B may also be used.

[0123] 20C and 20D, the magnets may be arranged on the top and bottom or on the left and right sides. The magnetic structure 903 does not have to be made of a single material, and may be a combination of hard magnetic material 903a and soft magnetic material 903b. For example, as shown in FIG. 20E, part of the outer periphery may be made of hard magnetic material (magnet) 903a and part of the outer periphery may be made of soft magnetic material 903b.

[0124] 20F and 20G, the magnetic structure 903 or a part of the magnetic structure 903 can be embedded in the alignment component 902 to further reduce the size and improve the mountability. These may be mechanically joined, may be integrated by magnetic force, or may be joined by any joining means such as adhesion or soldering. Here, the structure in which at least a part of the magnetic structure 903 is embedded in the alignment component 902 also includes a structure in which at least a part of the magnetic structure 903 penetrates the alignment component 902.

[0125] Similarly, as shown in Figures 20H, 20I, and 20J, a combination of multiple magnetic structures 903 (903a, 903b) may be used. As will be described later in other embodiments, a structure (Figure 20K) may be used in which a plate of magnetic structure 903b made of a soft magnetic material is further provided around magnetic structure 903a. Naturally, this is not limited to Figure 20, and any analogy may be used. Also, any combination of Figure 20 may be used for the pairs to be connected.

[0126] 21A-F show variations in the positional relationship between magnetic structure 903 and alignment component 902 in a side cross section in the longitudinal direction of the optical fiber. As shown in FIG. 21A, magnetic structure 903 may be shorter than alignment component 902 on the surface (opposite the connection end surface) where optical fiber 901 or fiber tape 904 (optical waveguide component) is inserted. Also, as shown in FIG. 21B, magnetic structure 903 may naturally extend longer than alignment component 902. In this case, for example, fiber tape 904 is naturally smaller in the thickness direction than alignment component 902, so the thickness of magnetic structure 903 may be changed to fit fiber tape 904 as shown in FIG. 21C.

[0127] In addition, the magnetic structure 903 does not have to be made of a single material in the longitudinal direction, and may be made of a combination of hard magnetic material 903a and soft magnetic material 903b. As shown in Figs. 21D and 21E, a configuration similar to that shown in Fig. 21C may be used in which a part of the magnetic structure 903a is made of hard magnetic material and a part of the magnetic structure 903b is made of soft magnetic material. b The magnetic structure 903 may be made of a metal that is highly resistant to magnetism. This configuration can increase the magnetic force while reducing the amount of magnet used. In addition, it can also function as a boot to protect the optical fiber 901, etc. As shown in Fig. 21F, a structure in which a connection end surface 9031 of the magnetic structure 903 protrudes beyond a connection end surface 9021 of the alignment component 902 may be used.

[0128] 21A-F, when combining multiple magnetic structures 903, they may be mechanically joined, may be integrated by magnetic force, or may be joined by any joining means such as adhesion or soldering. As described above, the combination of magnetic structures 903 may be any combination as shown in FIGS. 20A-K and 21A-F, and the combination of opposing pairs as a connection structure may be any combination.

[0129] Furthermore, as described above, when one of the magnetic structures 903 includes a magnet, the other may be made of only a soft magnetic material. When one of the magnetic structures 903 is made of only a soft magnetic material, the magnetic force is slightly reduced compared to when both are made of magnets, but this may be preferable in practice because it is not necessary to consider the combination and arrangement of NS that generate magnetic attraction, and so the choice may be made appropriately.

[0130] By using the above variations, in addition to increasing the magnetic force for further miniaturization, it is possible to achieve additional effects such as space saving when including the mounting board for the connection structure and improving the ease of fabrication. For example, while drilling holes in magnets is relatively difficult, cutting processes are easy, so as shown in part of Figures 20A-K, it is possible to improve the ease of fabrication by assembling with a separate magnet or by using a structure that uses a soft magnetic material.

[0131] In addition to the above, it is possible to achieve mounting benefits such as sharing with other mounting components (for example, sharing the soft magnetic material part in Figures 20A-K with a board on which a connection structure is mounted, or providing a screw hole or the like in the soft magnetic material part and sharing it with a mechanical fastening structure with a board on which the same connection structure is mounted).

[0132] Next, other components of the present invention will be described. In the present invention, any known type and material of optical fibers and any known type and material of alignment components can be used.

[0133] For example, the optical fiber 901 may be any of the well-known silica-based optical fibers and plastic fibers, and may be any of single-mode fibers, multimode fibers, polarization-maintaining fibers, photonic crystal fibers, and multicore fibers.

[0134] In addition, the optical fiber 901 is coated around it, but in the area other than inside the microholes of the alignment part 902, a known resin coating (e.g., acrylic, epoxy, silicone, polyimide, etc.) may be provided around it, and further a silicone tube or nylon coating may be provided two or more times around it. Naturally, in the case of a multi-core fiber, the optical fiber can be handled more easily by bundling it into a known fiber tape 904.

[0135] A known multi-core (or multi-fiber) ferrule such as an MT ferrule can be used as the alignment component 902. The material of the multi-fiber ferrule may be any of general-purpose plastics, engineering plastics, and super engineering plastics that are often used for MT ferrules.

[0136] Also, a processed product may be used that has the same structure as the multi-core ferrule, and is based on any material, such as a glass material, a semiconductor material such as silicon, or a ceramic material. For example, like a known optical fiber array, an optical fiber is accommodated in a glass V-groove, and a lid part is placed over it and fixed with an adhesive, and two guide pins, etc., similar to the above, are positioned at predetermined positions on both ends around this and bonded to form an alignment part structure made of a glass material and equipped with a positioning structure.

[0137] In addition, although the external shapes of the alignment component 902 and the magnetic structure 903 are shown as rectangular / rectangular shapes in the drawings, any shape can be used. For example, the external shapes may be circular, elliptical, polygonal, etc. Corners may be chamfered or filleted as necessary. These are the same for the other embodiments.

[0138] 17A and 17B and 18A and 18B show alignment structures using guide pins used in MT ferrules, but the alignment structures of the present invention are not limited to the above. For example, as shown in Fig. 22A, a protrusion 9061 or the like may be formed or attached to the end face of one of the ferrules, and a guide groove 9062 that fits the protrusion may be provided on the other of the ferrules, like a notch and groove fitting.

[0139] Also, as shown in FIG. 22B, the fitting of an external guide 907 may be used, and any other fitting structure may be applied to the alignment as long as it can ensure the same level of accuracy.

[0140] Next, the connection end face of the optical fiber 901 will be described. The same applies even if the optical fiber 901 is replaced with an optical waveguide or an optical element as the optical waveguide component. For example, as in this embodiment, by appropriately setting the protrusion of the end face of the optical fiber 901 from the end face of the alignment component 902 as shown in Fig. 23A and applying a pressing force by a magnet, it is possible to realize physical contact (PC) connection for all fibers.

[0141] This makes it possible to suppress Fresnel reflection with the air layer. As will be described later in other embodiments, even if there is a gap between the optical fibers 901 to be connected, Fresnel reflection can be suppressed by filling the gap with a resin having an appropriate refractive index and matching the refractive index.

[0142] 23B, the end face of optical fiber 901 can be polished at an angle to suppress the return light caused by Fresnel reflection. In this case, the alignment part 902 may be polished together, or only the end face of optical fiber 901 may be formed as an angled end face. The angle in this case may be set in the vertical direction of the page as shown in FIG. 23B, or may be set in the depth direction of the page.

[0143] Also, as shown in FIG. 23C, it is possible to provide a gap (air gap) and provide a microlens 909 or the like on the end face of the optical fiber 901, and connect the optical fibers 901 with a specified gap provided between them.

[0144] Also, instead of providing a microlens, an air gap may be provided. In this case, Fresnel reflection can be suppressed by applying an anti-reflection coating to the fiber connection end face as necessary. Furthermore, in the configuration of FIG. 23C, an angled end face may be used without applying an anti-reflection coating. In that case, the position of the opposing optical fiber 901 may be appropriately set in advance so that light can be coupled even when there is an angle.

[0145] In the case of a spatial coupling system, as shown in FIG. 23C, a connection end surface 9031 of the magnetic structure 903 may be disposed so as to protrude beyond a connection end surface 9021 of the alignment part 902. In the case of a spatial coupling system, as shown in FIG.

[0146] Next, the tolerance of the magnetic structure 903 will be described. It is preferable that the opposing faces of the magnetic structure 903 are parallel to each other in order to stabilize the vector of the magnetic attractive force in the longitudinal direction of the fiber. However, even if the parallelism is not perfect, as long as the butt angle in the longitudinal direction of the alignment parts 902 is not significantly different, the decrease in optical coupling loss can be ignored. In other words, good optical characteristics can be achieved with a parallelism that can be guaranteed by practical machining accuracy.

[0147] In addition, due to the properties of the magnet, the optical connection structure 900 can be arranged in multiple rows. In other words, by arranging the multi-core optical connection structures 900 in a row, it is possible to provide a multiple-core optical connection without gaps.

[0148] As will be described later, in the present optical connection component and optical connection structure, the optical waveguide component accommodated in the alignment component as an optical waveguide component is not limited to a plurality of optical fibers, and the same effect can be achieved even if an optical waveguide having a plurality of waveguide cores is arranged instead of optical fibers, and it is possible to connect optical waveguides to each other or to connect an optical waveguide to a plurality of optical fibers.

[0149] <Tenth embodiment> 24A and 24B are perspective views showing an optical connection structure 1000 according to a tenth embodiment of the present invention before and after connection, respectively.

[0150] The basic configuration is the same as that of the ninth embodiment, and this optical connection structure 1000 is constructed by connecting an optical connection part 1000a and an optical connection part 1000b, and in each of the optical connection parts 1000a and 1000b, an MT ferrule is used as the alignment part 10_02 as described above, and a guide pin 10_41 and a guide hole are used as the positioning structure, and a magnetic structure 10_03 is arranged and integrated on the bottom surface (one surface of the outer periphery) of the alignment part 10_02 in the arrangement shown in Figure 20B.

[0151] In the optical connecting part 1000a, one of the magnetic structures 10_03 uses a neodymium magnet 10_03_01, which is a single hard magnetic material, and the other uses a neodymium magnet 10_03_02, which is also a hard magnetic material. The opposing surfaces of the magnets have different polarities (N pole or S pole). On the other hand, one of the magnetic structures 10_03_03 uses a soft magnetic material.

[0152] On the other hand, unlike the plurality of optical fibers 10_01 in the first embodiment, each alignment component 10_02 accommodates an optical waveguide 10_21 having a plurality of cores and a cladding surrounding the cores.

[0153] The core and clad of the optical waveguide 10_21 are made of polymer resin, and each is made of fluorinated epoxy resin with an optimally adjusted refractive index. The core diameter is about 8 μm, and it functions as a single mode waveguide.

[0154] The polymer waveguide has a rectangular outer shape, and a rectangular groove is formed in the MT ferrule to accommodate the polymer waveguide. After accommodating the polymer waveguide, a lid is placed on the top of the waveguide so as to enclose it in the ferrule and fixed with adhesive, integrating the ferrule and the polymer waveguide. This structure is almost identical to the well-known PMT connector (Polymer Waveguide Connected with MT connector), and this structure makes it possible to connect waveguides together in the same manner as an MT connector.

[0155] The waveguides to be formed are not limited to the above examples, and any optical waveguides that function as optical waveguides can be used. For example, polymers may be used as materials, or well-known silica-based PLC (Planar Lightwave Circuit) with silica glass formed on a substrate as the main base material may be used.

[0156] Similarly, any material may be used, such as a Si waveguide formed on an SOI substrate, an InP waveguide made of a compound semiconductor, or an LN waveguide made of a dielectric material.

[0157] Moreover, as the material of the polymer waveguide, in addition to the fluorinated epoxy, any known waveguide material may be used. For example, any of epoxy resin, acrylic resin, silicone resin, polyimide resin, polynorbornene resin, polyoxetane resin, organic-inorganic hybrid resin, etc. may be used, and halogen-substituted products obtained by fluorinating, chlorinating, or brominating the above resins may be used. Also, any of derivatives with a partially modified chemical structure based on the above resins may be used.

[0158] The size of the waveguide core can be designed arbitrarily, and it can be either single mode or multimode. Naturally, the waveguide core interval and the number of channels can also be arbitrarily applied.

[0159] 24A and 24B, the arrangement of the neodymium magnets, which are the magnetic structures made of hard magnetic materials, is different from that in the ninth embodiment.

[0160] Specifically, as shown in Figures 24A and 24B, in an optical connecting part 1000a, two magnets 10_03_01 and 10_03_02 each having an N pole and an S pole in the longitudinal direction are connected along the longitudinal direction in a magnetic structure 10_03, and each pair of N poles and S poles is arranged in the same magnetic structure 10_03. Here, the pair of N poles and S poles is arranged so that an attractive force appropriately works between the opposing surfaces of the two magnets 10_03_01 and 10_03_02. Meanwhile, in an optical connecting part 1000b, a soft magnetic structure 10_03_03 is arranged and is connected to the magnet 10_03_01 by magnetic force.

[0161] By adopting such a structure, similar to the effect described in the first embodiment, it is possible to apply the necessary pressing force between the connection end faces of the optical waveguides 10_21 by magnetic attraction without using the mechanical spring parts as described above.

[0162] Furthermore, because the magnetic attractive force also exerts the effect of maintaining the connection state, a stable optical connection can be maintained without the need for housing parts or adapter parts equipped with mechanical fastening to resist the reaction force of the spring parts as in the past. In other words, by using the structure of the present invention, even if the same pressing force is exerted, the number of parts can be significantly reduced, making it possible to realize a connector connection structure for optical waveguides that is significantly smaller than conventional ones without incorporating it into an MPO connector, etc.

[0163] Furthermore, by dividing and arranging the magnets in the same component as in this embodiment, it is possible to produce a larger magnetic attractive force even with the same size. That is, even if the size of the magnetic structure 10_03 is made smaller, it is possible to produce a sufficient pressing force, and the size required to produce the same pressing force can be made smaller. This makes it possible to provide even smaller optical connecting components and optical connecting structures.

[0164] Although the above description has been given taking the example of connecting optical waveguides together, the present invention can of course also be applied to connecting a plurality of optical fibers together or a plurality of optical fibers to an optical waveguide, similar to the first embodiment.

[0165] Also, similar to the first embodiment, different alignment component structures and materials, different positioning structures, and any of the connection end faces shown in the examples of FIGS. 23A-C can be used.

[0166] Also, as long as the magnet is divided along the longitudinal direction of the waveguide core, any combination of Fig. 20A to Fig. 22B may be applied. For example, it may be a structure as shown in Fig. 25A in which SUS430, which is a soft magnetic structure, is sandwiched between the magnets, or as shown in Fig. 25B in which the magnets are surrounded by the periphery.

[0167] In this embodiment, an example of two divisions (one NS pair in one magnetic structure) is shown, but as long as the structure maintains NS, it may be divided into more than two divisions (multiple NS pairs in one magnetic structure). These combinations of magnet groups can be formed by connecting magnet components having pre-magnetized NS pairs using magnetic attraction, and adhesive or solder can be filled into the gap as necessary to form an integrated part.

[0168] Of course, if only one of the optical connection components has a magnet with a hard magnetic structure in its magnetic structure and the other is made of a soft magnetic material, the attractive force will be slightly reduced; however, this may be preferable in practice since there is no need to worry about the N-S combination, and so an appropriate selection may be made.

[0169] <Eleventh embodiment> 26A and 26B are perspective views showing an optical connection structure 1100 according to an eleventh embodiment of the present invention before and after connection, respectively.

[0170] The basic configuration is the same as that of the ninth embodiment, and the optical connection structure 1100 is configured by connecting an optical connection part 1100a and an optical connection part 1100b. In each of the optical connection parts 1100a and 1100b, an MT ferrule is used as the alignment part 11_02 as described above, and a guide pin 11_41 and a guide hole are used as the positioning structure. A magnetic structure 11_03 is arranged around the alignment part 11_02 in a surrounding arrangement as in FIG. 20A and integrated with the alignment part. The connection objects are not optical fibers or optical waveguides, but an optical fiber and an optical waveguide are shown as an example. Naturally, the same applies to any combination of these optical waveguide parts.

[0171] In this embodiment, one of the magnetic structures 11_03 uses a single neodymium magnet which is a hard magnetic material, and the other also uses a neodymium magnet which is a hard magnetic material.

[0172] The difference from the ninth and tenth embodiments other than the connection target is that the N and S poles are magnetized not along the longitudinal direction of the optical fiber but along the circumferential direction. In the optical connecting parts 1100a and 1100b, the N and S poles are appropriately arranged to face each other so that a magnetic attractive force acts between the magnetic structures 11_03.

[0173] By adopting such a structure, it is possible to realize a small-sized optical connection structure without using housing parts having mechanical pressing parts or fastening structures, similar to the effects described in the ninth embodiment.

[0174] In addition, by changing the direction of magnetization, it is possible to increase the magnetic attractive force even with the same size depending on the dimensions and arrangement of the magnet. In other words, even if the size of the magnetic structure 11_03 is made smaller, it is possible to generate a sufficient pressing force, and the size required to generate the same pressing force can be made smaller.

[0175] Even if there are restrictions on the width, length, thickness, etc., when mounting the optical connection structure, a sufficient pressing force can be exerted, making it possible to provide even smaller optical connection components and optical connection structures.

[0176] Moreover, as additional effects, this configuration provides two additional effects: an alignment effect within the connection surface, and a connection retention effect.

[0177] In the former case, the opposing connection surfaces are a NS pair, so if you mistakenly try to connect one of the connection parts by flipping it over, the NN and SS will face each other, causing a repulsion and making it impossible to connect. This has the additional effect of preventing incorrect connections.

[0178] In addition, with regard to the former, although precise positioning is actually performed using the positioning structure, the relative positions of the two connection surfaces where the attractive force is strongest in NS are uniquely determined by magnetic force, so rough positioning can be achieved using magnetic force. In this case, if the external shape and magnetization of the parts themselves can be performed very precisely, it is possible to perform highly accurate positioning of the optical fibers even without the positioning structure.

[0179] In addition, in the latter case, since the position within the plane where the attractive force is greatest is specified as mentioned above, even if an external force is applied in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the optical fiber or in the circumferential direction after connection, a reaction force from the magnet acts, and the force maintaining the relative positional relationship of the connection surfaces is greater than that of the ninth embodiment.

[0180] In reality, the slippage of the connection surface is very small due to the engagement of the guide pin 11_41, but if there is a clearance of, for example, 1 μm between the guide pin 11_41 and the guide hole 11_42, an optical axis misalignment of 1 μm between the cores after connection may occur depending on the external force, and therefore the connection loss may fluctuate periodically if there is vibration, etc. However, with this configuration, the retention / restoring force due to the magnetic attraction works even when an external force is applied in the direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the optical fiber or in the circumferential direction, so it is possible to increase the stability of the connection.

[0181] As in the tenth embodiment, the magnetic structure may be divided into two in the circumferential direction (one NS pair in one magnetic structure), or may be divided into more than two (multiple NS pairs in one magnetic structure) as long as the structure maintains NS. For example, the magnetic structure may be divided into two as shown in FIG. 27A.

[0182] Also, as long as the magnet is divided along the outer periphery of the waveguide core, any combination of Figures 20A to 22B may be applied. For example, a structure in which SUS430, a soft magnetic structure, is sandwiched between the magnets, or a structure in which magnets are sandwiched only in the upper and lower directions, such as the structure shown in Figure 27B, may be used.

[0183] Also, it is possible that only the magnetic structure 11_03 of one optical connecting part includes a magnet having a hard magnetic structure, and the other is made of a soft magnetic material. In this case, the above-mentioned alignment effect and holding effect are reduced, but compared to a pair of a magnet and a soft magnetic material, the magnetic attractive force can be made larger even for the same size depending on the dimensions of the magnetic structure 11_03.

[0184] <Twelfth embodiment> 28A and 28B are perspective views showing an optical connection structure according to a twelfth embodiment of the present invention before and after connection, respectively.

[0185] The basic configuration is the same as that of the ninth embodiment, and this optical connection structure 1200 is configured by connecting an optical connection part 1200a and an optical connection part 1200b. In each of the optical connection parts 1200a and 1200b, an MT ferrule is used as the alignment part 12_02 as described above, a guide pin 12_41 and a guide hole are used as the positioning structure, and a magnetic structure 12_03 is arranged around the alignment part 12_02 in a surrounding arrangement as in FIG. 20A and integrated with the alignment part. An example in which optical fibers are connected to each other is shown, but of course an optical waveguide or the like can also be applied as an optical waveguide part.

[0186] In this embodiment, one of the magnetic structures 12_03 is made of a neodymium magnet, which is a single hard magnetic material, and the other is made of nickel, which is a soft magnetic material. Here, the neodymium magnet is a pair of magnets, with the north and south poles magnetized along the longitudinal direction of the optical fiber, and two are arranged in the circumferential direction.

[0187] By adopting such a structure, similar to the effect described in the ninth embodiment, it is possible to realize a small-sized optical connection structure without using housing parts that have mechanical pressing parts or fastening structures, etc.

[0188] Furthermore, by including multiple magnet pairs in the same magnetic structure 12_03, the magnetic field lines can be confined more strongly, and the magnetic attractive force can be increased even with the same size. That is, even if the size of the magnetic structure 12_03 is made smaller, it is possible to generate a sufficient pressing force, and the size required to generate the same pressing force can be made smaller. This makes it possible to provide even smaller optical connecting components and optical connecting structures.

[0189] These magnet group combinations can be formed by joining magnet components having pre-magnetized N-S pairs using magnetic attraction, and if necessary, filling the gaps with adhesive, solder, etc. to form an integrated component.

[0190] <Modification of the twelfth embodiment> FIG. 29 shows a modification of the twelfth embodiment.

[0191] The optical connection structure shown in Fig. 29 includes a magnet group 121_03 in which the magnet group integrated in Fig. 28A and B is further arranged in the circumferential direction in a similar manner. The optical connection structure according to this modification includes a plurality of magnets in the longitudinal direction and circumferential direction of the optical fiber, and these magnets are arranged such that the opposing faces of adjacent magnets have different polarities.

[0192] In this way, by dividing the poles two-dimensionally, the magnetic field lines can be further confined, and a larger magnetic attractive force can be exerted even with the same size. In other words, even if the size of the magnetic structure (magnet group) 121_03 is made smaller, a sufficient pressing force can be exerted, and the size required to exert the same pressing force can be made smaller.

[0193] This structure does not necessarily have to be one component as in Fig. 29, and any combination of Fig. 20A-Fig. 22B may be applied, or the magnetic structure may be divided. For example, as in Fig. 30, different magnet groups 122_03_1 and soft magnetic materials 122_03_2 may be arranged on the upper and lower surfaces as the magnetic structure.

[0194] In this embodiment, the other side is made of a soft magnetic material, but of course, as in the tenth and eleventh embodiments, the other side may be made of a magnetic structure made of a magnet made of a hard magnetic material with the N and N sides facing each other as in each of Figures 28A to 30. In this case, as described in the eleventh embodiment, it is possible to additionally achieve a positioning effect within the connection surface and a retention effect regarding stability after connection.

[0195] <Thirteenth embodiment> 31A and 31B are perspective views of an optical connection structure 1300 according to a thirteenth embodiment of the present invention before and after connection, respectively. The optical connection structure 1300 is configured by connecting an optical connecting part 1300a and an optical connecting part 1300b. Fig. 31C is a cross-sectional view of plane B in Fig. 31B.

[0196] In the optical connecting part 1300a, a plurality of optical fibers 13_01 are housed in an alignment part 13_02 as in the ninth embodiment, and a positioning structure such as a guide pin insertion hole 13_42 is disposed on the end face of the alignment part 13_02.

[0197] Further, a magnetic structure 13_03 is connected to a part of the periphery of the alignment part 13_02, and the magnetic structure 13_03 is formed of a magnet which is a hard magnetic material. The optical connecting part 1300a and the optical connecting part 1300b are connected by the magnetic force of the magnetic structure 13_03.

[0198] On the other hand, in the optical connecting part 1300b (on the optical element 13_23 side), the alignment part has a positioning structure on the substrate 13_22, and positioning structures such as guide pins 13_41 are arranged around the optical element 13_23. The positioning structure may be a part 13_43 having a guide hole 13_42 into which the guide pin 13_41 can be inserted, that is, the male-female combination may be changed.

[0199] Here, the optical element 13_23 is mounted on a substrate 13_22, on which a positioning structure is also formed or mounted.

[0200] Further, magnets made of a hard magnetic material are arranged on the left and right sides as the magnetic structure 13_03 near the optical element 13_23, and are mounted on the substrate 13_22. Details of the electrical wiring, electrical mounting parts, electrical circuit elements, and optical element function parts are omitted from the drawings.

[0201] In this case, the optical element 13_23 is, for example, an optical integrated circuit made up of a silicon waveguide having a plurality of cores.

[0202] A spot size converter that matches the mode field diameter of the optical fiber and the like are appropriately integrated near the silicon waveguide of the optical element 13_23, enabling highly efficient connection by edge coupling with the mode field of the optical fiber.

[0203] In addition, a refractive index matching material 13_31 is filled between the connection end faces.

[0204] In addition, the positioning structure provided on the optical element 13_23 side is positioned with high precision relative to the multiple optical input / output parts provided in the optical element 13_23, and by engaging the guide pin 13_41 provided on the optical connection part 1300b with the guide structure (hole) 13_42 of the optical connection part 1300a, the cores of each of the multiple optical fibers 13_01 and the optical input / output parts of the optical element 13_23 are positioned, thereby enabling highly efficient optical connection.

[0205] By using such a structure, similar to the effect described in the ninth embodiment, it is possible to realize a compact connector connection between an optical element and multiple optical fibers without using housing components equipped with mechanical pressing parts or fastening structures, such as clip parts in an MT connector or coil springs in an MPO connector.

[0206] In particular, in the use of optical elements, the optical elements needed to be mounted on a substrate, etc., in consideration of applications such as electrically connecting the optical elements to a printed circuit board, etc. In this case, unlike the applications of connecting optical fibers housed in an alignment component, connecting optical waveguides housed in an alignment component, or connecting an optical fiber and an optical waveguide, as described in the ninth to twelfth embodiments, it is difficult to mount a clip or a spring on the optical element side mounted on the substrate, and in addition, it is very difficult to form a mechanical structure for fastening the pressing component from the viewpoints of mounting, the thickness of the substrate, mechanical interference with other components mounted on the mounting substrate, etc.

[0207] In this structure, the magnetic structure 13_03 provided on the substrate 13_22 side may be a magnet block as shown in Figures 31A and 31B or a simple magnetic metal block such as SUS430, and the structure is very simple. Therefore, the magnetic structure 13_03 can be easily disposed on the substrate 13_22 or in the vicinity of the optical element 13_23, which is a significant advantage in realizing a small optical connection structure.

[0208] The optical element 13_23 may be, for example, a light emitting element, a light receiving element, a light modulation element, or an optical function element. The light emitting element may be a well-known DFB (Distributed Feedback) laser array, a DBR (Distributed Bragg Reflector) laser array, or a VCSEL (Vertically Cavity Surface Emitting LASER) array, and the light receiving element may be a PhotoDetector array.

[0209] The optical modulation element may be, for example, one that directly modulates the optical light emitting element, one that integrates an EA (Electro-Absotrion) modulator, or an external modulation element made of a Mach-Zehnder interference circuit or a ring modulator circuit. The optical functional elements may be splitters, wavelength multiplexers / demultiplexers, optical switches, polarization control elements, optical filters, etc.

[0210] Any of these can be used as optical elements, and photonic integrated circuits (PICs) in which the various optical light-emitting elements, optical light-receiving elements, optical modulation elements, optical functional elements, etc. are monolithically or hybridly integrated into a quartz-based PLC, which is the base of the optical waveguide, a Si waveguide, a polymer waveguide, an InP waveguide, an LN waveguide, etc., can also be used as optical elements.

[0211] In any case, any optical element that has a plurality of optical input / output sections and inputs / outputs light to / from the outside by connecting to an external optical fiber or optical waveguide can be applied to the present invention.

[0212] In addition, the positioning structure provided on the optical element 13_23 side is not limited to the present embodiment, and may be any structure that provides the positioning effect similar to that described above. For example, a V-groove on which the guide pin 13_41 can be mounted may be formed as a separate part and provided on both sides of the optical element, or a V-groove may be directly processed and formed on the optical element by machining or lithography, and in such a case, the positioning of the positioning structure and the optical element can be determined by the process accuracy or processing accuracy.

[0213] As described above, the positioning structure does not necessarily need to be directly integrated with the optical element 13_23, and may be indirectly integrated via a substrate, etc. Also, the guide pin 13_41 may be provided on the optical element 13_23 side, and the guide hole 13_42 may be provided on the optical fiber connection side.

[0214] <Modification of the thirteenth embodiment> 32A and 32B are perspective views showing an optical connection structure according to a modified example of this embodiment of the present invention before and after connection, respectively.

[0215] Basically, it is the same as the present embodiment, but an optical path conversion structure 131_25 that changes the traveling direction of light is integrated near the optical input / output part of the optical element, and optical connection is made by so-called vertical coupling. As a means for optical path conversion, any known method may be used, for example, integrating a grating coupler in an optical integrated circuit or near the input part, integrating a mirror, integrating a curved waveguide, or the like.

[0216] In this configuration as well, by using magnetic attraction in the same manner as described above, a small optical connector connection structure can be realized without using any mechanical parts.

[0217] <Fourteenth embodiment> 33A, 33B, and 33C respectively show a schematic diagram of a connection end face of a connection part of an optical connection structure 1400 according to a fourteenth embodiment of the present invention, a side cross-sectional view before connection, and a side cross-sectional view after connection. This optical connection structure 1400 is configured by connecting an optical connecting part 1400a and an optical connecting part 1400b.

[0218] The components and connection structure are almost the same as those in the ninth embodiment, but the arrangement position of the magnetic structure 14_03 is different from that in the ninth embodiment.

[0219] That is, as shown in Fig. 20G, the magnetic structure 14_03 is arranged not only around the alignment part 14_02 but also within the connection end surface of the alignment part 14_02. A recessed structure is provided in advance in a portion near the connection end surface of the alignment part 14_02 to accommodate the magnetic structure 14_03, and the magnetic structure 14_03 or a portion of the magnetic structure 14_03 is arranged in the recessed structure. Here, the recessed structure includes a notch.

[0220] In addition, at least one of the magnetic structures 14_03 includes a magnet of a hard magnetic structure, as in the previous embodiments. By adopting such a structure, a small optical connection structure can be realized without using mechanical parts or fastening structures, as in the ninth embodiment.

[0221] Furthermore, by increasing the area of ​​the magnetic structure 14_03 on the end faces as well, the effective cross-sectional area of ​​the magnet can be increased, thereby enabling the magnetic force to be increased without increasing the overall dimensions, or the overall dimensions to be reduced while maintaining the same magnetic force, thereby enabling a more compact optical connection structure to be realized.

[0222] <Fifteenth embodiment> 34A and 34B are cross-sectional side views respectively showing an optical connecting structure 1500 according to a fifteenth embodiment of the present invention before and after connection. The optical connecting structure 1500 is configured by connecting an optical connecting part 1500a and an optical connecting part 1500b.

[0223] The basic structure is similar to the combination of the fourteenth and thirteenth embodiments, but the magnetic structures 15_03_1 and 15_03_2 protrude from the connection end faces of the alignment part 15_02 and the optical fiber 15_01.

[0224] Moreover, the connection objects are an optical element 15_23 and a plurality of optical fibers 15_01.

[0225] In addition, on each connection end face of the optical element and the optical fiber 15_01, an optical element 15_23 having a microlens array structure 15_26 described in FIG. 23C of the ninth embodiment and an anti-reflection film are formed, thereby performing spatial coupling.

[0226] Furthermore, the magnetic structures 15_03_1 and 15_03_2 are disposed on the connection end surface of the alignment part 15_02 and have a predetermined thickness. The total thickness of the two magnetic structures 15_03_1 and 15_03_2 is the same as the optimal gap required in the spatial coupling system. Among the magnetic structures, the magnetic structure 15_03_1 on the alignment part 15_02 side is a magnet, and the other magnetic structure 15_03_2 is a soft magnetic material SUS430.

[0227] At the time of connection, optical coupling is performed by the positioning structure, and the connected state is maintained by the occurrence of magnetic attraction between the magnetic structure 15_03_1 provided on the connection end face of the alignment part 15_02 and the magnetic structure 15_03_2 provided in the vicinity of the end face of the optical element.

[0228] As described above, the gap (air gap) between the optical element 15_23 and the optical fiber 15_01 is determined by the sum of the thicknesses of the magnetic structures 15_03_1 and 15_03_2.

[0229] By using such a structure, it is possible to realize a small optical connection structure without using mechanical parts or fastening structures, as in the ninth embodiment, and in addition, by specifying the gap, it is possible to easily realize a highly efficient optical connection.

[0230] Here, in the configuration of Figures 34A and B, the size of the magnetic structures 15_03_1 and 15_03_2 is small, and the magnetic attractive force generated is small. However, in applications where spatial coupling is performed without butt coupling via PC connection or matching agents, etc., excessive stress that would cause elastic deformation of the fiber end faces required for PC connection, etc. is not required, so if only the application of maintaining the connection is considered, a small magnetic attractive force is sufficient.

[0231] In addition, if removal and attachment is not required as necessary, the magnetic structures 15_03_1 and 15_03_2 may be permanently connected to each other using additional mechanical parts, adhesives, etc., to further maintain the connection state after positioning. In this way, optical connection can be realized without making the outer size larger than the alignment part 15_02, and a further compact optical connection structure can be realized.

[0232] <Modification of the fifteenth embodiment> 35A and 35B are schematic diagrams showing an optical connection structure according to a modification of the fifteenth embodiment of the present invention before and after connection, respectively.

[0233] The basic structure is similar to that of the fifteenth embodiment, but the magnetic structure 151_03 is disposed on the connection end face of the alignment part 151_02, and the magnetic structure 151_03 extends into the alignment part 151_02 along the longitudinal direction of the optical fiber.

[0234] This provides the same effects as those of the fifteenth embodiment described above, while allowing the effective magnet area to be made larger without making the outer size larger than that of the alignment part 151_02, and allows the magnetic attractive force to be set larger than that shown in Figures 34A and B. This allows an even smaller optical connection structure to be realized.

[0235] As a means for controlling the gap, a metal spacer made of a soft magnetic material may be used as needed.

[0236] The same effect can also be achieved by arranging another optical component with a microlens array on the optical connection end face instead of forming a lens on the optical fiber or optical element. Also, another optical functional element (lens, Faraday rotator, polarization splitter, wavelength multiplexer, splitter, etc.) may be integrated in the gap.

[0237] <Sixteenth embodiment> 36A and 36B are perspective views showing an optical connection structure 1600 according to a sixteenth embodiment of the present invention before and after connection. The optical connection structure 1600 is configured by connecting an optical connecting part 1600a and an optical connecting part 1600b.

[0238] The components and connection structure are almost the same as those in the ninth embodiment, but the arrangement of the magnetic structure is different from that in the ninth embodiment.

[0239] The magnetic structure is shown in Fig. 21. E The alignment part 16_02 is surrounded by a metal plate 16_03_3 made of SUS430, which is a soft magnetic material, and at the end of the alignment part 16_02 opposite to the splicing end face in the fiber longitudinal direction (the insertion side of the optical fiber tape 16_04), a magnet 16_03_1 made of a hard magnetic material surrounds the optical fiber tape 16_04.

[0240] When connecting these, the N and N poles of each magnet are appropriately magnetized so that a magnetic attractive force acts between the magnets. By using such a structure, a small optical connection structure can be realized without using mechanical parts or fastening structures, as in the ninth embodiment.

[0241] In addition, by surrounding the alignment part 16_02 with a relatively thin (e.g., 0.5 mm thick) SUS metal plate 16_03_3 made of a soft magnetic material, the increase in the external shape of the connection end face in the optical connection structure is minimized, and the external shape of the magnet part 16_03_1 provided on the optical fiber tape 16_04 side can be made large, thereby increasing the effective magnet volume and generating sufficient magnetic force, thereby realizing a smaller optical connection structure even when generating the same pressing force.

[0242] For example, a typical MT ferrule has a thickness of 2.5 mm, but the thickness of the optical fiber tape 16_04 is approximately 0.3 mm to 0.5 mm, so by arranging the magnet 16_03_1 around it, the magnet cutout portion for accommodating the tape can be made smaller, and the magnet volume can be easily increased to exhibit sufficient magnetic force without significantly increasing the external dimensions of the connection structure.

[0243] <Modification 1 of the 16th embodiment> In the optical connection structure according to the first modification of the sixteenth embodiment (FIGS. 36A and 36B), as shown in FIG. 37A-C, a magnetic structure 161_03 is also built into the alignment part 161_02, and the built-in part is made of nickel, which is a soft magnetic material. The connection targets are polymer waveguides 161_27. By providing a magnet on the opposite side of the polymer waveguide 161_27 from the connection end face in the longitudinal direction, sufficient magnetic force can be exerted without making the external dimensions larger than the alignment part 161_02.

[0244] <Modification 2 of the sixteenth embodiment> An optical connection structure according to Modification 2 of the sixteenth embodiment (FIGS. 36A and 36B) will be described with reference to Fig. 38. Fig. 38 is a cross-sectional view of the optical connection structure according to this modification, taken along a plane corresponding to plane C in Fig. 36B.

[0245] As shown in FIG. 38, the magnetic structure 162_03 made of SUS430 has a structure 162_44 for supporting a guide pin 162_41 of the positioning structure.

[0246] Conventionally, when the guide pin 162_41 is inserted into the guide hole 162_42 to make one end a male mating end, it is necessary to actually hold the guide pin 162_41 so that it does not fall out of the guide hole 162_42, and it has been necessary to add a separate metal part or other mechanical component to hold the guide pin at the end opposite the connection end face of the MT ferrule.

[0247] In this structure, a structure made of a soft magnetic material that exerts a magnetic attractive force also serves as the fall-off prevention structure 162_44, and by consolidating the functions, the number of parts can be reduced, contributing to miniaturization.

[0248] 36A and 36B, a magnet may be placed around the alignment component, and a soft magnetic material such as SUS430 may be placed on the optical fiber tape side (not shown). Even in this case, the soft magnetic material functions as a so-called yoke, preventing the magnetic lines of force from being confined to the outside, thereby increasing the magnetic attractive force.

[0249] Furthermore, in this embodiment and variant example 2 (Figures 36A, B, and 38), the magnets surrounding the optical fiber tapes 16_04, 162_04 can, of course, be of any structure such as those described in the 9th to 16th embodiments, including the magnetization direction and the divided structure of the magnets.

[0250] The present invention can also be applied to cases where the connection objects are optical waveguides or optical elements, which are optical waveguide components. Also, any combination of shapes of the connection end faces can be applied.

[0251] <Seventeenth embodiment> 39A and 39B respectively show a perspective view and a cross-sectional view of an optical connecting structure 1700 according to a seventeenth embodiment of the present invention. The optical connecting structure 1700 includes an optical connecting part 1700a, an optical connecting part 1700b, and a plate 17_03_03. The structure of the optical connecting part may be any combination of the ninth to sixteenth embodiments.

[0252] Here, a plate 17_03_03 is provided surrounding each of the pair of connected magnetic structures. The plate 17_03_03 is made of a soft magnetic material such as metal. For example, the plate is made of SUS430 or nickel.

[0253] By using such a structure, it is possible to realize a small optical connection structure similar to the ninth to sixteenth embodiments, and it is also possible to prevent the magnetic field lines from leaking to the outside and to strengthen the confinement of the magnetic circuit, thereby further increasing the magnetic attraction, and it is possible to provide even smaller optical connection components and optical connection structures.

[0254] The plate 17_03_03 does not need to be in contact with the entire periphery, and the same effect can be obtained even if the plate is in contact with at least one surface.

[0255] At the same time, preventing the leakage of magnetic lines to the outside reduces the influence of the magnetic force on the outside, and has the secondary effect of preventing the magnet from sticking to surrounding members and eliminating the adverse effects of the magnetic field. Here, the shape of the plate 17_03_03 is arbitrary, and the outer periphery of the magnetic structure may be a processed structure as necessary, or may be a structure that contacts at least one side.

[0256] Furthermore, even when the first to sixteenth connecting structures themselves are arranged in a multiple series, a single plate may be provided to contact or accommodate each of the connecting structures according to the shape.

[0257] <Modification of the seventeenth embodiment> FIG. 40 shows a perspective view of an optical connection structure according to a modified example of the seventeenth embodiment (FIGS. 39A and 39B).

[0258] As shown in Figure 40, on the side opposite the connection end face in the longitudinal direction of the fiber (the side where the optical waveguide component is inserted), a soft magnetic material or a magnet is additionally arranged as a stopper structure 17_27 in a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the fiber near the end face opposite the connection end face of the alignment component 17_02 (the side where the optical waveguide component is inserted).

[0259] By doing this, even when a large external force is applied in the opposite (opposite) direction to the magnetic attractive force acting between the connection end faces in this connection structure, and an external force exceeding the magnetic attractive force is applied, it is possible to prevent the connection from coming loose due to mechanical interference or a different magnetic repulsive force, thereby realizing a small and stable optical connection structure.

[0260] <Eighteenth embodiment> Fig. 41 shows a perspective view of an optical connecting structure 1800 according to an eighteenth embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 42 shows a cross-sectional view taken along plane D in Fig. 41. The optical connecting structure 1800 includes an optical connecting part 1800a, an optical connecting part 1800b, and a plate 18_03_03. The structure of the optical connecting part may be any combination of the ninth to seventeenth embodiments. It is preferable that the pair of magnetic structures 18_03_1 to be connected are both magnets made of a hard magnetic material.

[0261] Here, a plate 18_03_3 is provided so as to contact one surface of each of the bottom and side surfaces of the pair of connected magnetic structures 18_03_01. The plate 18_03_3 is made of metal or other magnetic material. For example, it is a plate of SUS430.

[0262] By using such a structure, it is possible to realize a small optical connection structure similar to the ninth to twelfth embodiments, and it is also possible to prevent the magnetic field lines from leaking to the outside and to strengthen the confinement of the magnetic circuit, thereby further increasing the magnetic attraction force, and it is possible to provide even smaller optical connection components and optical connection structures.

[0263] At the same time, preventing the magnetic field lines from leaking to the outside reduces the effects of the magnetic force on the outside, which has the secondary effects of preventing the magnets from sticking to surrounding components and eliminating the adverse effects of the magnetic field.

[0264] In addition, at this time, as shown in FIG. 42, the magnet 18_03_01 is attracted to the surface of one plate 18_03_03.

[0265] With such a structure, the positioning accuracy during fitting of the positioning components can be further improved.

[0266] In other words, when engaging the guide pin 18_41 or the like, from the standpoint of insertability, it is necessary to provide a small gap between the pin 18_41 and its hole 18_42 on the male and female sides, i.e., a movable clearance between the guide pin 18_41 and the guide hole 18_42, and this gap could cause a deterioration in positioning accuracy.

[0267] With this structure, the fitting portion is biased toward one side of the gap due to the attractive force of the magnet 18_03_01 that pulls the alignment part 18_02. This provides an additional effect of improving the positioning accuracy of the optical fiber 18_01 by adjusting the relative positions of the optical fibers 18_01 and the guide pins 18_41 in advance so that they are optimally positioned in the biased direction.

[0268] This effect can also be achieved with a structure as shown in Fig. 43. In other words, by arranging two opposing alignment parts 18_02 and magnetic structure 18_03_01 asymmetrically in the vertical direction of the page with respect to the direction perpendicular to the horizontal plane, with the optical fiber longitudinal direction as the center, the vector of the attractive force of magnet 18_03_01 is slightly applied not only in the longitudinal direction of the fiber but also in the direction perpendicular to the horizontal plane as shown in the figure.

[0269] Therefore, the gap is forced in one direction by the attractive force of the magnet 18_03_01 which pulls the alignment part 18_02 on the fitting part of the positioning structure.

[0270] This provides an additional effect of improving the positioning accuracy of the fibers. As shown in Fig. 44, the magnetic structure 18_03_01 is disposed on one surface of the periphery of the alignment part 18_02, and the guide pin 18_41 is made of a soft magnetic material such as SUS4340, but this can also provide the same effect as above.

[0271] <Nineteenth embodiment> 45A and 45B are cross-sectional views respectively showing an optical connecting structure 1900 according to a nineteenth embodiment of the present invention before and after connection. The optical connecting structure 1900 includes an optical connecting part 1900a and an optical connecting part 1900b.

[0272] The structure is almost the same as that of the ninth embodiment, but a metal foil 19_28 containing a soft magnetic material (metallic magnetic material) is inserted between the opposing magnetic structures 19_03. For example, a metal foil of SUS430 with an opening for the alignment part 19_02 is inserted.

[0273] By using such a structure, a small optical connection structure can be realized without using mechanical parts, as in the ninth embodiment, and since the gaps between the magnetic structures 19_03 are filled with magnetic material, the gaps in the magnetic structures 19_03 that may occur due to mechanical tolerances can be reduced.

[0274] In other words, in the embodiments described above, due to mechanical tolerances, a gap (air gap) may occur between opposing magnetic structures 19_03, and if this gap is large, the magnetic attraction force may decrease and may become weaker than designed.

[0275] In this embodiment, by inserting the magnetic structure 19_03 to fill this gap (void), the magnetic attraction force can be prevented from decreasing to the outside and confined within the magnetic circuit, so that the effect of magnetic force decrease can be minimized even if there is a tolerance.

[0276] Various embodiments, first to eleventh embodiments, have been described above. However, it goes without saying that the present invention can be applied to any combination of the connection objects, connection structures, connection end face structures, positioning structures, magnetic structure structures, arrangements, connection forms, materials and arrangements of various components, etc., described in the first to eleventh embodiments.

[0277] In the embodiment of the present invention, the magnetic structure (connecting part) may be entirely or partially made of a hard magnetic material such as a magnet.

[0278] In the embodiment according to the present invention, a configuration using two guide pins has been shown, but the number of guide pins is not limited to two, and any number of guide pins may be used.

[0279] In the embodiment of the present invention, a permanent magnet is used as the hard magnetic material, but it is not limited to a permanent magnet. Any magnet that can retain magnetic force for a predetermined period of time is acceptable, even if it is not a permanent magnet. Considering that the optical connector of the present invention is mainly applied to optical communication systems, etc., it is sufficient for the magnet to be capable of retaining a magnetic force of about 1 N or more for at least 10 years, as described above.

[0280] In the embodiment of the present invention, the magnetic structure has each component entirely made of a magnet or soft magnetic material, but this is not limited to this. Even if each component partially contains a magnet or soft magnetic material, the same effect can be obtained as long as each component functions by the attraction or repulsion of the magnet or magnetic material.

[0281] In the embodiment according to the present invention, the dimensions of the components, parts, etc. of the optical connecting parts and optical connecting structures are described, but the dimensions are not limited to these and may be any dimensions as long as the components, parts, etc. function properly. [Industrial Applicability]

[0282] The present invention relates to a small-sized optical connection component and an optical connection structure, and can be applied to devices and systems for optical communications and the like. [Explanation of symbols]

[0283] 100 Optical connection structure (optical connector) 100a, 100b Optical connection parts 101 Optical waveguide components (optical fibers) 102 Alignment parts 103 Magnetic structure (connecting parts) 1041 Guide pin 1042 For guide pins

Claims

1. An optical connection part for connecting to another optical connection part, An optical waveguide component; an alignment component that receives and fixes one end of the optical waveguide component in a longitudinal direction; a magnetic structure integral with the alignment component; a positioning structure is provided on the connection end surface of the alignment component to determine a relative position between the connection end surface and a connection end surface of an alignment component included in the other optical connection component; the magnetic structure is made of a soft magnetic material; The magnetic structure is disposed along an outer periphery of the alignment component and joined to at least a portion of the outer periphery of the alignment component; An optical connection component, characterized in that a magnet made of a hard magnetic material is arranged around the portion of the optical waveguide component that is not contained in the alignment component in the longitudinal direction at the end of the alignment component opposite the connection end face.

2. 2. The optical connecting part according to claim 1, the positioning structure is a guide pin protruding from a connection end surface of the alignment component, the guide pin is fitted into a guide hole in a connection end surface of an alignment component of the other optical connecting component, 4. An optical connecting part, wherein the magnetic structure has a holding mechanism for preventing the guide pin from falling off.

3. 3. The optical connecting part according to claim 1, the magnetic structure has a plurality of surfaces that form an outer periphery of the magnetic structure, a plate disposed in contact with at least one of the plurality of faces; The optical connecting part is characterized in that the plate is made of a soft magnetic material.

4. 4. The optical connecting part according to claim 3, the positioning structure has a clearance movable in a direction perpendicular to a horizontal plane, The magnetic force acting between the plate and the magnetic structure An optical connecting component, characterized in that the positioning structure is biased in one direction.

5. The optical connecting parts according to any one of claims 1 to 4, An optical connection structure in which the optical connection components are connected such that the polarities of the opposing connection end faces are different.

6. An optical connection structure in which the optical connection components according to any one of claims 1 to 4 are connected to each other, the magnetic structure of one of the optical connecting parts entirely or partially comprises a hard magnetic material; An optical connection structure, wherein the magnetic structure of the other optical connection part is made of a soft magnetic material.

7. 7. The optical connection structure according to claim 5, The positioning structure of one of the optical connecting parts is a guide pin, the positioning structure of the other optical connecting part is a guide hole, An optical connection structure, wherein the guide pin and the guide hole are fitted together.

8. The optical connection structure according to any one of claims 5 to 7, At least one connecting end surface of the magnetic structure An optical connection structure comprising a foil component including a metallic magnetic material.

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