Optical path conversion member for optical communication and method for producing same

Abstract

Provided is an optical path conversion member for optical communication with which an optical fiber and a member to be optically coupled can be optically coupled in a stable manner and can be mounted easily.　An optical path conversion member (1) for optical communication comprises: a base part (2) that has a holding part (4) for holding an optical fiber (A); and a reflection part (3) that is disposed in an optical path (C) of light which enters into and exits from the optical fiber (A) and that converts the light path (C) of the light by reflecting the light which has passed through the inside, wherein the base part (2) and the reflection part (3) are composed of an integrally molded body.

Description

Optical path conversion member for optical communication and its manufacturing method

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

[0002] In recent years, to meet the needs for high-speed transmission and large capacity in optical communications, research and development has been conducted on compact, high-capacity optical transceivers using optical circuits that use silicon photonics (SiPh). Although there are various methods for optically coupling SiPh to optical fibers, a method that is as simple as possible and highly reliable is required.

[0003] Patent Document 1 listed below discloses an optical connector unit that couples an optical fiber and a grating coupler formed on a silicon substrate. Patent Document 1 describes that the optical connector unit includes a fiber holding unit that holds a single-mode optical fiber along a first direction, an optical path conversion member having a reflective surface that reflects an optical signal, and a relay member provided on a substrate on which a grating coupler is provided that inputs and outputs an optical signal in a second direction inclined with respect to a direction perpendicular to the substrate surface. Patent Document 1 also describes that the optical path conversion member is made of transparent resin and the relay member is made of silica glass.

[0004] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2020-030340

[0005] However, when the optical path conversion member and the relay member are provided as separate members, as in the optical connector portion of Patent Document 1, there is a problem that it takes time and effort to mount each member. Also, when the optical path conversion member and the relay member are provided as separate members, environmental changes such as temperature changes over time can cause a pitch misalignment between the pitches of the optical fibers and the pitches of the grating couplers. As a result, there is a problem that it is difficult to stably optically couple the optical fibers and the grating couplers, and the reliability is insufficient.

[0006] An object of the present invention is to provide an optical path changing element for optical communication that can stably optically couple an optical fiber to a component to be optically coupled and that is easy to mount, and a method for manufacturing the optical path changing element for optical communication.

[0007] Hereinafter, various aspects of an optical path changing member for optical communication that solves the above-mentioned problems and a method for manufacturing the same will be described.

[0008] An optical path conversion component for optical communication according to a first aspect of the present invention comprises a base having a holding portion for holding an optical fiber, and a reflecting portion disposed in the optical path of light entering or exiting the optical fiber and for reflecting the light transmitted through the base, thereby converting the optical path of the light, wherein the base and the reflecting portion are formed as an integrally molded body. Note that in the present invention, "holding the optical fiber" refers to, for example, not only suppressing movement of the optical fiber on the base in three dimensions, but also suppressing movement only in two dimensions or only in one dimension.

[0009] In the optical path changing component for optical communication according to Aspect 1, the base portion having a holding portion for holding an optical fiber and the reflecting portion are formed as an integrally molded body, which makes it easier to mount the component on various components, devices, etc., compared to an optical path changing component for optical communication formed from a combination of multiple components. Furthermore, in the optical path changing component for optical communication according to Aspect 1, the base portion and the reflecting portion are formed as an integrally molded body, so that even if environmental changes such as temperature changes occur over time, as occurs in an optical path changing component for optical communication formed from a combination of multiple components, misalignment of the optical connection caused by differences in the thermal expansion coefficients between the components is unlikely to occur. Therefore, the optical path changing component for optical communication according to Aspect 1 allows stable optical coupling between the optical fiber and the component to be optically coupled.

[0010] In the optical path conversion component for optical communication according to Aspect 2, in Aspect 1, the reflecting portion may be configured by a prism.

[0011] In the optical path changing component for optical communication according to Aspect 3, in Aspect 2, it is preferable that the prism has an inclined surface, and the inclined surface of the prism is provided with a lens-shaped convex portion that is formed integrally with the prism and changes the optical path of the light. In this case, the reflecting portion can focus the light that has transmitted through the interior, thereby further increasing the optical coupling efficiency between the optical fiber and the optically coupled component.

[0012] In the optical path conversion component for optical communication according to Aspect 4, in any one of Aspects 1 to 3, it is preferable that a reflective film is provided on the reflective surface of the reflective portion. In this case, the reflective portion can more reliably reflect light that has passed through the interior, thereby further increasing the efficiency of optical coupling between the optical fiber and the optically coupled component.

[0013] In the optical path conversion component for optical communication according to Aspect 5, in any one of Aspects 1 to 4, it is preferable that the holding portion of the base portion is configured by providing a groove in the base portion, and the optical fiber is placed and held in the groove. In this case, the optical fiber can be more easily mounted by the holding portion.

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

[0015] In the optical path conversion component for optical communication according to Aspect 7, in any one of Aspects 1 to 6, the reflecting portion may be disposed in a direction in which the optical fiber extends when the optical fiber is held, and the base portion may further include an optical path portion provided below the reflecting portion and disposed in the optical path of the light. In this case, the optical fiber and the optically coupled component can be optically coupled more stably.

[0016] In the optical path conversion component for optical communication according to Aspect 8, as in Aspect 7, it is preferable that a lens-shaped convex portion be provided on the lower surface of the optical path portion opposite the reflecting portion, the lens-shaped convex portion being formed integrally with the optical path portion and being disposed in the optical path of the light. In this case, the light passing through the lens-shaped convex portion can be more reliably focused.

[0017] In the optical path conversion component for optical communication according to Aspect 9, in Aspect 7 or Aspect 8, a bottom-raised portion may be provided on at least the bottom surface of the base portion excluding the optical path portion, and it is preferable that the base portion and the bottom-raised portion are configured as an integrally molded body. In this case, the optical fiber and the optically coupled component can be optically coupled more stably, and mounting is even easier.

[0018] In the optical path conversion component for optical communication according to Aspect 10, in any one of Aspects 1 to 9, it is preferable that the entire optical path conversion component for optical communication is made of glass. In this case, even when environmental changes such as temperature changes occur over time, changes in the shape of each component, such as changes in the shape of the lens-shaped convex portions (e.g., changes in the radius of curvature of the convex portions), are less likely to occur, particularly compared to when the optical path conversion component for optical communication is made of resin, and pitch deviations between the optical fibers held by the holding portions are less likely to occur. Therefore, the optical path conversion component for optical communication according to Aspect 10 can more stably optically couple the optical fiber and the optical coupling target component, thereby further improving the reliability of the optical path conversion component for optical communication.

[0019] The optical path conversion component for optical communication according to Aspect 11 may be used in any one of Aspects 1 to 10 for optically coupling the optical fiber and a grating coupler.

[0020] In the optical path changing component for optical communication according to Aspect 12, in Aspect 11, it is preferable that the grating coupler is disposed in the optical path changed in the reflecting section.

[0021] A method for manufacturing an optical path changing member for optical communication according to Aspect 13 of the present invention is a method for manufacturing an optical path changing member for optical communication comprising a base portion having a holding portion capable of holding an optical fiber, and a reflecting portion that changes the optical path of the light by reflecting light that has passed through the inside, characterized by comprising the steps of: preparing a glass base material; and press-molding the glass base material to obtain an integrally molded body of the base portion and the reflecting portion. The method for manufacturing an optical path changing member for optical communication according to Aspect 13 makes it possible to manufacture an optical path changing member for optical communication that can stably optically couple an optical fiber to a member to be optically coupled and that is easy to implement.

[0022] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide an optical path changing component for optical communication that can stably optically couple an optical fiber to a component to be optically coupled and that is easy to mount, and a method for manufacturing the optical path changing component for optical communication.

[0023] Fig. 1 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing an optical path changing member for optical communication according to a first embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 2 is a schematic plan view showing an optical path changing member for optical communication according to the first embodiment of the present invention. Figs. 3(a) and 3(b) are schematic cross-sectional views for explaining a method for manufacturing an optical path changing member for optical communication according to the first embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 4 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing an optical path changing member for optical communication according to a second embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 5 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing an optical path changing member for optical communication according to a third embodiment of the present invention.

[0024] Preferred embodiments will be described below. However, the following embodiments are merely examples, and the present invention is not limited to the following embodiments. In addition, in each drawing, components having substantially the same functions may be referred to by the same reference numerals.

[0025] [First embodiment] (Optical path conversion member for optical communication) Fig. 1 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing an optical path conversion member for optical communication according to a first embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 2 is a schematic plan view showing an optical path conversion member for optical communication according to the first embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 1 is a schematic cross-sectional view taken along line II in Fig. 2.

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

[0027] 1 and 2, an optical path conversion member for optical communication 1 includes a base portion 2 and a reflecting portion 3. The base portion 2 has a holding portion 4 that holds an optical fiber A. The base portion 2 and the reflecting portion 3 are formed as an integrally molded body. In this embodiment, the reflecting portion 3 and the holding portion 4 are provided above the base portion 2.

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

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

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

[0031] As shown in Fig. 2, the optical path changing member for optical communication 1 has a plurality of grooves 5, and each groove 5 can hold an optical fiber A. Therefore, the optical path changing member for optical communication 1 can hold a plurality of optical fibers A. However, in the present invention, the number of grooves 5 may be one, and the groove 5 may be configured to hold one optical fiber A. The number of grooves 5 may be determined appropriately depending on the intended use of the optical path changing member for optical communication 1.

[0032] In this embodiment, the grooves 5 that make up the holding part 4 extend in the X direction. Therefore, when the optical fiber A is held by the holding part 4, the optical fiber A is arranged so as to extend in the X direction. Furthermore, in this embodiment, the grooves 5 that make up the holding part 4 are arranged in multiple rows in the Y direction, which is perpendicular to the X direction. Therefore, when the optical fiber A is held by the holding part 4, the optical fiber A is arranged in multiple rows in the Y direction, which is perpendicular to the X direction.

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

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

[0035] 1, the reflecting unit 3 has a light incident / exit surface 3a and a reflecting surface 3b. The light incident / exit surface 3a extends in the Y direction, which is perpendicular to the X direction and the Z direction. The light incident / exit surface 3a is disposed on the side of the holding unit 4 that holds the optical fiber A. The light incident / exit surface 3a is disposed on an optical path C of light that enters and exits the optical fiber A. When the optical fiber A is held by the holding unit 4, the light that exits from the light incident / exit surface 3a may be incident on the optical fiber A, or the light that exits the optical fiber A may be incident on the light incident / exit surface 3a.

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

[0037] In this embodiment, the reflecting surface 3b is provided on the inclined surface of a prism that constitutes the reflecting section 3. A lens-shaped convex portion 6 that is formed integrally with the prism is provided on the inclined surface of the prism. In this embodiment, the lens-shaped convex portion 6 can reflect light that has passed through the interior of the reflecting section 3. Therefore, in this embodiment, it is preferable that the convex surface of the lens-shaped convex portion 6 constitutes the reflecting surface 3b.

[0038] In this embodiment, the base portion 2 further includes an optical path portion 7. The optical path portion 7 is provided below the reflecting portion 3. The optical path portion 7 is disposed on an optical path C of light that enters and exits the optical fiber A. The light that exits from the optical path portion 7 may be incident on the reflecting portion 3, or the light that exits from the reflecting portion 3 may be incident on the optical path portion 7.

[0039] Furthermore, a lens-shaped convex portion 8 is provided on the lower surface 7a of the optical path portion 7 opposite to the reflecting portion 3. The convex portion 8 is disposed in the optical path C of the light that enters and exits the optical fiber A. Furthermore, an optically coupled target member B is disposed below the convex portion 8. The convex portion 8 can condense the light that passes through the convex portion 8.

[0040] The optical path conversion member for optical communication 1 further includes a raised bottom portion 9. The raised bottom portion 9 is provided below the base portion 2 on the opposite side from the holding portion 4. The raised bottom portion 9 is provided below the base portion 2 except for the portion where the optical path portion 7 is provided. By providing the raised bottom portion 9, the optical path portion 7 and the member to be optically coupled B may be arranged with a space between them. Alternatively, by not providing the raised bottom portion 9, the optical path portion 7 and the member to be optically coupled B may be arranged so as to be in direct contact with each other. Note that in the optical path conversion member for optical communication 1, no member such as a relay member is provided between the optical path portion 7 and the member to be optically coupled B.

[0041] The height of the bottom-raised portion 9 is not particularly limited, but can be, for example, 0.1 to 0.5 times the height of the base portion 2 .

[0042] In the optical path conversion member 1 for optical communication, for example, if the optical coupling target member B is a grating coupler, light emitted from the grating coupler is incident on the optical path portion 7 through the convex portion 8. The light incident on the optical path portion 7 passes through the interior of the optical path portion 7 and enters the reflecting portion 3. The light incident on the reflecting portion 3 passes through the interior of the reflecting portion 3 and is reflected by the reflecting surface 3b. In this case, the light traveling upward in the grating coupler is reflected in the X direction. In this way, the light whose optical path C has been changed by reflection on the reflecting surface 3b exits from the light incident / exit surface 3a and enters the optical fiber A. In this way, the optical path conversion member 1 for optical communication can optically couple the optical fiber A to the grating coupler.

[0043] Furthermore, in the optical path converting member 1 for optical communication, when the optically coupled target member B is a photodiode, light emitted from the optical fiber A is incident on the reflecting unit 3 from the light incident / exit surface 3a. The light incident on the reflecting unit 3 passes through the interior of the reflecting unit 3 and is reflected by the reflecting surface 3b. In this case, the light traveling in the X direction is reflected downward where the photodiode is located. In this manner, the light whose optical path is changed by reflection on the reflecting surface 3b exits the reflecting unit 3 and enters the optical path unit 7. The light incident on the optical path unit 7 passes through the interior of the optical path unit 7 and exits from the convex portion 8. The light exiting from the convex portion 8 enters the photodiode. In this manner, in the optical path converting member 1 for optical communication, the optical fiber A and the photodiode may be optically coupled. Note that when the optically coupled target member B is a grating coupler, the optical fiber A and the grating coupler may be optically coupled via the same optical path as the photodiode.

[0044] Conventionally, optical path conversion components for optical communications used to optically couple optical fibers to optically coupled components have been constructed with separate components for holding the optical fiber, for forming the reflector, and for forming the relay component. This can result in time-consuming and complicated assembly procedures for assembling each component. Furthermore, when the components constituting the optical path conversion component for optical communications have different thermal expansion coefficients, environmental changes, such as temperature changes over time, can cause pitch misalignment between the optical fibers and the grating couplers due to the difference in thermal expansion coefficients between the components. As a result, such optical path conversion components for optical communications have the problem of difficulty in stably optically coupling the optical fiber and the grating coupler, resulting in insufficient reliability.

[0045] In contrast, in the optical path changing member 1 for optical communication of this embodiment, the base portion 2 having the holding portion 4 for holding the optical fiber A and the reflecting portion 3 are formed as an integrally molded body, making it easier to mount on various components, devices, etc. than when each component is formed as a separate component. Furthermore, in the optical path changing member 1 for optical communication of this embodiment, the base portion 2 having the holding portion 4 for holding the optical fiber A and the reflecting portion 3 are formed as an integrally molded body, making it less likely that misalignment of the optical connection will occur due to differences in the thermal expansion coefficients of the components. Therefore, the optical path changing member 1 for optical communication of this embodiment can stably optically couple the optical fiber A to the optically coupled component B. Therefore, the optical path changing member 1 for optical communication of this embodiment has excellent reliability.

[0046] In particular, in the optical path conversion member for optical communication 1 of this embodiment, in addition to the base portion 2 and the reflecting portion 3, the lens-shaped convex portions 6 and 8 and the bottom-raised portion 9 are configured as an integrally molded body. Therefore, the optical path conversion member for optical communication 1 can be more easily mounted on various parts, devices, etc., and can achieve more stable optical coupling between the optical fiber A and the optically coupled member B. However, in the present invention, it is sufficient that at least the base portion 2 having the holding portion 4 and the reflecting portion 3 are configured as an integrally molded body.

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

[0048] When glass is used as the material for the optical path conversion member for optical communication 1, it is preferable that the glass has a thermal expansion coefficient close to that of the material provided on the optical coupling target member B side, and more preferably has a thermal expansion coefficient close to that of Si. In addition, taking into consideration the moldability of glass, the thermal expansion coefficient of glass is preferably 30×10 －７ More preferably, 40×10 －７ or more, preferably 80 x 10 －７ Less than or equal to 75×10 －７ The glass material is preferably borosilicate glass.

[0049] An example of a method for manufacturing the optical path changing member for optical communication 1 will be described below.

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

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

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

[0053] The first press die part 11 has a shape corresponding to the holding part 4. Therefore, in this embodiment, the first press die part 11 has groove forming parts 11a corresponding to the plurality of grooves 5. Note that in Figures 3(a) and (b), the groove forming parts 11a are shown in a simplified form.

[0054] The second press die part 12 has a shape corresponding to the reflecting part 3. Therefore, in this embodiment, it has a shape corresponding to a prism having lens-shaped convex parts 6 on its inclined surfaces.

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

[0056] Next, the glass base material 15 is press-molded using the first to fourth press mold parts 11 to 14 to integrally mold the base part 2, the reflecting part 3, the holding part 4 (groove 5), the convex part 6, the optical path part 7, the convex part 8, and the bottom-raised part 9. This makes it possible to obtain the optical path converting member for optical communication 1 shown in FIG.

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

[0058] In the manufacturing method of the optical path changing member 1 for optical communication of this embodiment, at least the base portion 2 and the reflecting portion 3 are integrally molded, thereby obtaining the optical path changing member 1 for optical communication as an integrally molded body. Therefore, the optical path changing member 1 for optical communication obtained by the manufacturing method of the optical path changing member 1 for optical communication of this embodiment can be easily mounted on various parts, devices, etc., and can stably optically couple the optical fiber A and the optical coupling target member B.

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

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

[0061] In the optical path conversion member 21 for optical communication of the second embodiment, the base portion 22 having the holding portion 4 for holding the optical fiber A and the reflecting portion 3 are also formed as an integrally molded body, so that the optical path conversion member 21 for optical communication can be easily mounted on various parts, devices, etc., and moreover, the optical fiber A and the optical coupling target member B can be optically coupled stably.

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

[0063] 5, in the optical path conversion member for optical communication 31, the reflecting portion 33 is not provided with a lens-shaped convex portion 6. In the reflecting portion 33, a reflecting film 40 is provided on the inclined surface of the prism, thereby forming a reflecting surface 33b.

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

[0065] Other points are the same as those in the second embodiment.

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

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

[0068] DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1, 21, 31...Optical path conversion member for optical communication 2, 22...Base portion 2a...Upper surface 3, 33...Reflecting portion 3a...Light incident / exit surface 3b, 33b...Reflecting surface 4...Holding portion 5...Groove 6, 8...Convex portion 7, 27...Optical path portion 7a, 27a...Lower surface 9...Bottom-raised portion 10...Pressing mold 11...First pressing mold portion 11a...Groove-forming portion 12...Second pressing mold portion 13...Third pressing mold portion 14...Fourth pressing mold portion 15...Glass base material 40...Reflecting film A...Optical fiber B...Optical coupling target member C...Optical path

Claims

1. An optical path conversion component for optical communication comprising: a base portion having a holding portion for holding an optical fiber; and a reflecting portion disposed in the optical path of light entering and exiting the optical fiber and for converting the optical path of the light by reflecting the light that has passed through the interior, wherein the base portion and the reflecting portion are formed as an integrally molded body.

2. The optical path changing component for optical communication according to claim 1, wherein the reflecting portion is constituted by a prism.

3. An optical path changing component for optical communication according to claim 2, wherein the prism has an inclined surface, and the inclined surface of the prism is provided with a lens-shaped convex portion that is integrally molded with the prism and changes the optical path of the light.

4. An optical path changing component for optical communication according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein a reflective film is provided on the reflective surface of the reflective portion.

5. An optical path conversion component for optical communications according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the holding portion of the base portion is constructed by providing a groove in the base portion, and the optical fiber is placed and held within the groove.

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

7. An optical path conversion component for optical communication according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the reflecting portion is arranged in a direction in which the optical fiber extends when the optical fiber is held, and the base portion is provided below the reflecting portion and further has an optical path portion arranged in the optical path of the light.

8. An optical path conversion component for optical communications as described in claim 7, wherein a lens-shaped convex portion is provided on a lower surface of said optical path portion opposite to said reflecting portion, said lens-shaped convex portion being formed as an integral part of said optical path portion and being disposed in the optical path of said light.

9. An optical path conversion component for optical communication as described in claim 7, wherein a bottom-raised portion is provided on the lower surface of the base portion excluding at least the optical path portion, and the base portion and the bottom-raised portion are formed as an integrally molded body.

10. The optical path changing component for optical communications according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the entire optical path changing component for optical communications is made of glass.

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

12. The optical path changing component for optical communication according to claim 11, wherein the grating coupler is disposed in an optical path changed in the reflecting section.

13. A method for manufacturing an optical path changing component for optical communications comprising a base portion having a holding portion capable of holding an optical fiber, and a reflecting portion that changes the optical path of the light by reflecting light that has passed through the inside, the method comprising the steps of: preparing a glass base material; and press-molding the glass base material to obtain an integral molded body of the base portion and the reflecting portion.

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