Optical component

Abstract

An optical component according to one embodiment comprises: a substrate; and an optical waveguide formed in a first region that is a partial region on the substrate. The substrate has a plurality of first grooves in a second region that is different from the first region on the substrate. A plurality of optical fibers optically coupled to the optical waveguide are disposed in the respective first grooves.

Description

Optical Components

[0001] This application claims priority to Japanese Patent Application No. 2024-028518 filed on February 28, 2024, and incorporates by reference all of the contents of said Japanese application.

[0002] Patent Document 1 describes an optical component having optical fibers and a nanophotonic waveguide. This optical component includes an MT connector that holds multiple optical fibers and a photonic die on which a nanophotonic waveguide is formed. The multiple optical fibers are optically coupled to the nanophotonic waveguide via a polymer waveguide.

[0003] Non-Patent Documents 1 and 2 describe an optical component having an optical fiber array, a plurality of high NA optical fibers held in the optical fiber array, and a plurality of optical fibers, each of which is fusion-spliced ​​to a respective one of the plurality of high NA optical fibers.

[0004] US Patent Application Publication No. 2019 / 0072722

[0005] Zhongshan Meisu Technology Co.,Ltd. "MFD Matched Linear Fiber Array" Internet: <https: / / www.meisuoptics.com / products / mfd-matched-fiber-array / > HYC Global "Mode Field Diameter Fiber Array for Silicon Photonics Modules" Internet: <https: / / medium.com / @hycfiberoptics / mode-field-diameter-fiber-array-for-silicon-photonics-modules-4270671b1fc9>

[0006] The optical component according to the present disclosure includes a substrate and an optical waveguide formed in a first region that is a partial region on the substrate. The substrate has a plurality of first grooves in a second region that is a region on the substrate different from the first region. A plurality of optical fibers optically coupled to the optical waveguide are disposed in each of the plurality of first grooves.

[0007] FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing an optical component according to an embodiment. FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the optical component according to an embodiment, viewed from a different direction than FIG. 1. FIG. 3 is a plan view showing the optical component according to an embodiment. FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view showing an example of the arrangement of multiple optical fibers of the optical component according to an embodiment. FIG. 5 is a plan view showing an optical waveguide and optical fiber of the optical component according to an embodiment. FIG. 6 is a diagram for explaining types of optical waveguides. FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view showing an example of an end face of an optical waveguide and a tip face of an optical fiber. FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view showing an example of a substrate, multiple optical fibers, and a lid.

[0008] When fusion splicing optical fibers, it may take time to fusion splice them in order to reduce the loss of optical coupling. Therefore, it may not be easy to assemble optical components, and there is room for improvement in terms of ease of assembly. Optical components in which optical fibers are optically coupled to optical waveguides may require further miniaturization.

[0009] An object of the present disclosure is to provide an optical component that can be easily assembled and that can be made compact.

[0010] According to the present disclosure, assembly can be easily performed and miniaturization can be achieved.

[0011] [Description of Embodiments of the Present Invention] First, embodiments of an optical component according to the present disclosure will be listed and described. (1) An optical component according to one embodiment includes a substrate and an optical waveguide formed in a first region, which is a partial region on the substrate. The substrate has a plurality of first grooves in a second region, which is a region on the substrate different from the first region. A plurality of optical fibers optically coupled to the optical waveguide are disposed in each of the plurality of first grooves.

[0012] In this optical component, an optical waveguide is provided in a first region on a substrate, and a plurality of first grooves are formed in a second region on the substrate. An optical fiber that is optically coupled to the optical waveguide is disposed in the first groove. The optical waveguide and the optical fiber that is optically coupled to the optical waveguide are disposed on a single substrate. Since the optical waveguide and the optical fiber are disposed on a common substrate, miniaturization can be achieved. In this optical component, a plurality of optical fibers are disposed in each of the plurality of first grooves. Since the plurality of optical fibers can be easily disposed, the optical component can be easily assembled.

[0013] (2) In the above (1), the optical waveguide may have a first end facing the optical fiber and a second end facing away from the first end. The mode field diameter (MFD) of the optical waveguide at the first end may be different from the MFD of the optical waveguide at the second end. In this case, MFD conversion can be achieved between the first end and the second end of the optical waveguide.

[0014] (3) In the above (1) or (2), the optical waveguide may be a tapered waveguide in which the width at a first end facing the optical fiber is different from the width at a second end facing away from the first end. In the tapered waveguide, the width of the optical waveguide may gradually change from the first end to the second end. In this case, the MFD at the first end of the optical waveguide can be made closer to the MFD at the end of the optical fiber, thereby reducing optical coupling loss.

[0015] (4) In the above (1) or (2), the optical waveguide may be a segmented waveguide in which the width at a first end facing the optical fiber is different from the width at a second end facing away from the first end. In the segmented waveguide, multiple core layers may be discretely arranged. In this case, the MFD at the first end of the optical waveguide can be made closer to the MFD at the end of the optical fiber, thereby reducing optical coupling loss.

[0016] (5) In any of (1) to (4) above, the cross section of the first groove may be arc-shaped when cut along a plane perpendicular to the direction in which the first groove extends. In this case, the circular cross section of the optical fiber can reduce the gap formed between the first groove and the optical fiber. When adhesive is applied to the first groove to fix the optical fiber in the first groove, the amount of adhesive can be reduced. This reduces the effect of thermal expansion of the adhesive due to temperature changes, contributing to improved reliability of optical coupling.

[0017] (6) In any of the above (1) to (5), the substrate may have a second groove extending between the first region and the second region in a direction intersecting the direction in which the optical fiber extends. In this case, even if a burr occurs on the tip surface of the optical fiber facing the optical waveguide, the burr can be guided into the second groove to reduce the tilt of the optical fiber. Therefore, optical coupling loss can be reduced.

[0018] (7) In any of the above (1) to (6), the optical component may include a lid that covers the plurality of optical fibers. In this case, the lid holds the plurality of optical fibers, making it easy to assemble the optical component.

[0019] (8) In any of the above (1) to (7), the normal to the tip surface of the optical fiber facing the optical waveguide may be inclined with respect to the optical axis direction, which is the direction in which the optical axis of the optical fiber extends. In this case, the tip surface of the optical fiber facing the optical waveguide is inclined with respect to a plane perpendicular to the optical axis. This can reduce the occurrence of return light at the tip surface of the optical fiber, contributing to improving the reliability of optical coupling.

[0020] (9) In any one of (1) to (8) above, the optical component may include a resin filled between the optical fiber and the optical waveguide, which can reduce reflection of light between the optical fiber and the optical waveguide.

[0021] (10) In any of the above (1) to (9), the optical waveguide may be made of either quartz glass or borosilicate glass. In this case, the material of the optical waveguide can be the same as that of the optical fiber, and an increase in the cost of the optical waveguide can be suppressed.

[0022] (11) In any of the above (1) to (10), the distance between the optical fiber and the optical waveguide may be 10 μm or less. In this case, by making the distance between the optical fiber and the optical waveguide 10 μm or less, optical coupling loss can be reduced.

[0023] [Details of the embodiment of the present disclosure] Specific examples of optical components according to the embodiment will be described. In the description of the drawings, identical or corresponding elements are designated by the same reference numerals, and duplicate descriptions will be omitted as appropriate. The drawings may be partially simplified or exaggerated to facilitate understanding, and the dimensional ratios, angles, etc. are not limited to those shown in the drawings.

[0024] FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing an example of an optical component 1. FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing the optical component 1 viewed from a different direction than that shown in FIG. 1. As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the optical component 1 includes a substrate 2 and an optical waveguide 3 formed on the substrate 2. A plurality of optical fibers 4 are optically coupled to the optical waveguide 3. Each of the plurality of optical fibers 4 is, for example, a single-mode fiber (SMF). However, each of the plurality of optical fibers 4 may also be a polarization-maintaining fiber (PMF). The plurality of optical fibers 4 may include both SMF and PMF. As such, the type of optical fiber 4 is not particularly limited. The optical fiber 4 is made of, for example, silica glass or borosilicate glass.

[0025] The substrate 2 extends in a first direction D1, which is the direction in which the optical fibers 4 extend, and in a second direction D2, which is the direction in which the optical fibers 4 are arranged. The substrate 2 has a thickness in a third direction D3, which is a direction intersecting both the first direction D1 and the second direction D2. The substrate 2 has a main surface 2d on which the optical waveguide 3 is formed and on which the optical fibers 4 are arranged, a first side surface 2f extending in the third direction D3 and the first direction D1, a second side surface 2g aligned with the first side surface 2f along the second direction D2, a third side surface 2h extending in the second direction D2 and the third direction D3, and a fourth side surface 2j aligned with the third side surface 2h along the first direction D1. The main surface 2d extends in the first direction D1 and the second direction D2. For example, the main surface 2d is rectangular with long sides extending in the first direction D1 and short sides extending in the second direction D2. The optical waveguide 3 is exposed on the third side surface 2h. The fourth side surface 2j is aligned with the plurality of optical fibers 4 along the third direction D3.

[0026] The optical component 1 includes, for example, a plurality of optical waveguides 3. The plurality of optical waveguides 3 are aligned along the second direction D2. The plurality of optical fibers 4 are aligned along the second direction D2 so as to face the ends of the plurality of optical waveguides 3 in the first direction D1. For example, in the vicinity of where the plurality of optical waveguides 3 and the plurality of optical fibers 4 face each other, the number of optical fibers 4 aligned along the second direction D2 is the same as the number of optical waveguides 3 aligned along the second direction D2. In a plane perpendicular to the first direction D1 and away from the ends of the plurality of optical waveguides 3 along the first direction D1, the plurality of optical fibers 4 are arranged, for example, in a staggered pattern.

[0027] FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view showing an example of the arrangement of multiple optical fibers 4. FIG. 4 is a cross-section taken along a plane perpendicular to the first direction D1 at the positions of the line segments A-A and B-B shown in FIG. 3 . For example, on a plane perpendicular to the third direction D3, the number of optical fibers 4 aligned along the second direction D2 is less than the number of optical waveguides 3 aligned along the second direction D2. The optical component 1 has multiple sets including multiple optical fibers 4 aligned along the second direction D2. These multiple sets are aligned along the third direction D3, and the distances between the sets and the substrate 2 in the D3 direction are different. The number of sets aligned along the third direction D3 is, for example, two. As an example, the number of optical waveguides 3 aligned along the second direction D2 is 24, and the number of optical fibers 4 included in each set is 12. For example, when 24 optical fibers 4 are viewed along the second direction D2, the 24 optical fibers 4 are alternately arranged in the third direction D3. That is, the 24 optical fibers 4 are arranged in a staggered pattern. Between the substrate 2 and the lid 5 (first lid 6), the optical fibers 4 are aligned in a row along the second direction D2. The optical component 1 may include a tape fiber including the optical fibers 4 aligned along the second direction D2. For example, the optical component 1 may include two tape fibers, each of which may include 12 optical fibers 4.

[0028] The optical component 1 includes a lid 5 that covers the multiple optical fibers 4. For example, the optical component 1 includes multiple lids 5. In this embodiment, the third direction D3 is the direction in which the substrate 2 is located when viewed from the lid 5. Hereinafter, the third direction D3 may be referred to as down, lower side, or downward, and the direction opposite to the third direction D3 may be referred to as up, upper side, or upward. However, these directions are used for convenience of explanation and do not limit the position or direction of anything.

[0029] The multiple lids 5 include, for example, a first lid 6 that covers the multiple optical waveguides 3 along with the multiple optical fibers 4, and a second lid 7 that is aligned with the first lid 6 along the first direction D1. As shown in FIG. 2, the second lid 7 is, for example, formed by applying and curing a resin to cover the multiple optical fiber cores 4b and the multiple coatings 4c. The second lid 7 may also be a solid plate. FIG. 3 is a plan view showing the optical component 1 with the second lid 7 removed. As shown in FIG. 3, each of the multiple optical fibers 4 includes an optical fiber core 4b and a coating 4c that covers the optical fiber core 4b. The optical fiber core 4b is positioned between the substrate 2 and the first lid 6. For example, the multiple optical fiber cores 4b are positioned between the substrate 2 and the first lid 6 while being aligned in a line along the second direction D2.

[0030] FIG. 5 is a plan view showing the substrate 2 with the first lid 6 removed. As shown in FIG. 5, the substrate 2 has a first region 2A, which is a partial region on the substrate 2, and a second region 2B, which is a region on the substrate 2 different from the first region 2A. An optical waveguide 3 is formed in the first region 2A. The first region 2A and the second region 2B are aligned along the first direction D1. For example, the first region 2A has a rectangular shape with long sides extending in the second direction D2 and short sides extending in the first direction D1. The second region 2B has a rectangular shape with long sides extending in the first direction D1 and short sides extending in the second direction D2. A plurality of optical fibers 4 are arranged in the second region 2B. For example, a plurality of optical fiber cores 4b are arranged in the second region 2B.

[0031] The optical waveguide 3 includes, for example, either silica glass or borosilicate glass. The optical waveguide 3 has, for example, a first end 3b facing the optical fiber 4 and a second end 3c facing away from the first end 3b. The second end 3c is exposed to the outside of the substrate 2. For example, the substrate 2 has a quartz substrate, a core layer 3d formed on the quartz substrate and functioning as the optical waveguide 3, and an overcladding layer made of silica glass and provided on the core layer 3d. For example, the core layer 3d is formed by CVD (Chemical Vapor Deposition), and the overcladding layer is formed by FHD (Flame Hydrolysis Deposition).

[0032] In this embodiment, the optical waveguide 3 is an optical circuit having a mode conversion function. For example, the mode field diameter (MFD) of the optical waveguide 3 at the first end 3b is different from the MFD of the optical waveguide 3 at the second end 3c. As an example, the MFD of the optical waveguide 3 at the first end 3b is larger than the MFD of the optical waveguide 3 at the second end 3c. The difference in MFD is achieved by a difference in the structure of the optical waveguide 3. For example, the width W1 of the first end 3b is larger than the width W2 of the second end 3c. In this embodiment, the width W1 of the first end 3b indicates the length of the first end 3b in the second direction D2, and the width W2 of the second end 3c indicates the length of the second end 3c in the second direction D2.

[0033] Various optical waveguides can be used as the optical waveguide 3. FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating an optical waveguide that can be used as the optical waveguide 3. The optical waveguide 3 is, for example, a segment waveguide 3A in which a plurality of core layers 3d are discretely arranged in the first direction D1. In the segment waveguide 3A, the plurality of core layers 3d are aligned along the first direction D1. In the example shown in FIG. 5, the plurality of core layers 3d are discretely arranged between the first end 3b and the second end 3c. As shown in FIG. 6, the plurality of core layers 3d may be discretely arranged between the first end 3b and partway toward the second end 3c. The size, number, and arrangement of the plurality of core layers 3d in the segment waveguide 3A are not particularly limited.

[0034] The optical waveguide 3 may be a tapered waveguide 3B, instead of a segmented waveguide 3A, in which the width of the optical waveguide 3 gradually changes from the first end 3b to the second end 3c. In the example shown in Fig. 6, the tapered waveguide 3B continuously includes a first portion 3f extending linearly from the first end 3b, a second portion 3g extending from the first portion 3f and narrowing in width as it moves away from the first portion 3f, and a third portion 3h extending linearly from the end of the second portion 3g opposite the first portion 3f. The widths of the first portion 3f and the third portion 3h are constant. The tapered waveguide 3B does not need to have a portion with a constant width.

[0035] The substrate 2 has first grooves 2b in which the plurality of optical fibers 4 are respectively arranged, and second grooves 2c extending in the second direction D2 between the first region 2A and the second region 2B. Fig. 7 is a cross-sectional view showing the first grooves 2b, the second grooves 2c, the optical waveguides 3, the optical fibers 4, and the lid 5. As shown in Figs. 5 and 7, the first grooves 2b are recessed from the main surface 2d in the third direction D3. The first grooves 2b extend in the first direction D1.

[0036] The second groove 2c is recessed from the principal surface 2d in the third direction D3. The depth of the second groove 2c is deeper than the depth of the first groove 2b. The "depth" refers to the length of the portion recessed from the principal surface 2d in the third direction D3. For example, the second groove 2c extends from the first side surface 2f to the second side surface 2g of the substrate 2. The cross section of the second groove 2c when cut along a plane extending in the first direction D1 and the third direction D3 is, for example, rectangular. However, the cross-sectional shape may be V-shaped and is not particularly limited. For example, the second groove 2c is formed by a first side surface 2k from which the optical waveguide 3 is exposed, a second side surface 2p from which the optical fiber 4 protrudes, and a bottom portion 2q. The bottom portion 2q is located below the optical fiber 4 arranged in the first groove 2b.

[0037] In the second groove 2c, the optical fiber 4 arranged in the first groove 2b faces the optical waveguide 3. The optical component 1 includes a resin 8 filled between the optical fiber 4 and the optical waveguide 3. The resin 8 is, for example, an adhesive. The resin 8 fills the spaces formed between the substrate 2, the optical waveguide 3, the optical fiber 4, and the lid 5. One example of the resin 8 is epoxy resin. For example, the refractive index of the resin 8 is similar to the refractive index of glass. This provides a refractive index matching effect.

[0038] For example, the distance X between the optical fiber 4 and the optical waveguide 3 is 10 μm or less. The distance X may be 1 μm or more and 10 μm or less. The optical fiber 4 has a tip surface 4d facing the optical waveguide 3. The tip surface 4d is formed by cutting the optical fiber 4 with a laser beam. This laser beam may be, for example, a CO ２ It is a laser beam. For example, the normal Y of the tip surface 4d is inclined with respect to the optical axis direction, which is the direction in which the optical axis Z of the optical fiber 4 extends. In this embodiment, the optical axis direction is the first direction D1. The inclination angle of the normal Y with respect to the optical axis direction is, for example, 8°. However, the normal Y does not have to be inclined with respect to the optical axis direction. In other words, the tip surface 4d may extend in a direction perpendicular to the optical axis Z.

[0039] 8 is a cross-sectional view showing the substrate 2, the optical fiber 4, the lid 5, and the resin 8 when cut along a plane extending in the second direction D2 and the third direction D3. As shown in FIGS. 7 and 8, the substrate 2 has a plurality of first grooves 2b. The first grooves 2b are formed by chemical etching. The chemical etching may be, for example, dry etching, wet etching, or a combination of dry etching and wet etching.

[0040] A plurality of optical fibers 4 that are optically coupled to the optical waveguide 3 are disposed in each of the plurality of first grooves 2b. The plurality of first grooves 2b are aligned along the second direction D2. For example, the cross section of the first groove 2b when cut along a plane extending in the second direction D2 and the third direction D3 is arc-shaped. The cross section has a shape that matches the shape of the optical fiber 4. As an example, the radius of curvature of the first groove 2b in the cross section matches the radius of curvature of the optical fiber 4. In this case, gaps formed between the first groove 2b and the optical fiber 4 can be eliminated, thereby reducing the amount of resin 8 that functions as an adhesive.

[0041] Next, the effects obtained from the optical component 1 according to this embodiment will be described in more detail. In the optical component 1, an optical waveguide 3 is provided in a first region 2A on the substrate 2, and a plurality of first grooves 2b are formed in a second region 2B on the substrate 2. An optical fiber 4 that is optically coupled to the optical waveguide 3 is disposed in the first groove 2b. The optical waveguide 3 and the optical fiber 4 that is optically coupled to the optical waveguide 3 are disposed on a single substrate 2. Since the optical waveguide 3 and the optical fiber 4 are disposed on a common substrate 2, miniaturization can be achieved. In the optical component 1, a plurality of optical fibers 4 are disposed in each of the plurality of first grooves 2b. Since the plurality of optical fibers 4 can be easily disposed, the optical component 1 can be easily assembled.

[0042] As described above, the optical waveguide 3 may have a first end 3b facing the optical fiber 4 and a second end 3c facing away from the first end 3b. The MFD of the optical waveguide 3 at the first end 3b may be different from the MFD of the optical waveguide 3 at the second end 3c. In this case, an MFD conversion can be achieved between the first end 3b and the second end 3c of the optical waveguide 3.

[0043] As described above, the optical waveguide 3 may be a tapered waveguide 3B in which the width W1 at the first end 3b facing the optical fiber 4 is different from the width W2 at the second end 3c facing away from the first end 3b. In the tapered waveguide 3B, the width of the optical waveguide 3 gradually changes from the first end 3b toward the second end 3c. In this case, the MFD at the first end 3b of the optical waveguide 3 can be made closer to the MFD at the end of the optical fiber 4, thereby reducing optical coupling loss.

[0044] As described above, the optical waveguide 3 may be a segment waveguide 3A in which the width W1 at the first end 3b facing the optical fiber 4 is different from the width W2 at the second end 3c facing away from the first end 3b. In the segment waveguide 3A, multiple core layers 3d are discretely arranged in the first direction D1. In this case, the MFD at the first end 3b of the optical waveguide 3 can be made closer to the MFD at the end of the optical fiber 4, thereby reducing optical coupling loss.

[0045] As described above, the cross section of the first groove 2b may be arc-shaped when cut along a plane perpendicular to the extension direction of the first groove 2b. In this case, the circular cross section of the optical fiber 4 can reduce the gap formed between the first groove 2b and the optical fiber 4. The closer the radius of curvature of the cross section of the first groove 2b and the radius of curvature of the cross section of the optical fiber 4 are, the more the gap can be reduced. When the optical fiber 4 is fixed to the first groove 2b by applying an adhesive (e.g., resin 8) to the first groove 2b, the amount of adhesive can be reduced. This reduces the effect of thermal expansion of the adhesive due to temperature changes, contributing to improved reliability of optical coupling.

[0046] As described above, the substrate 2 may have a second groove 2c extending between the first region 2A and the second region 2B in a direction intersecting the direction in which the optical fiber 4 extends. In this case, even if a burr occurs on the tip surface 4d of the optical fiber 4 facing the optical waveguide 3, the burr enters the second groove 2c, thereby reducing the amount of tilt of the optical fiber 4. More specifically, ２ When the optical fiber 4 is cut by a laser beam, a bulge may form on the tip surface 4d as a burr, and if this bulge rides over the first groove 2b, there is a possibility that the optical fiber 4 may tilt. In contrast, when the second groove 2c is formed, the second groove 2c is located below the tip surface 4d, and the bulge formed on the tip surface 4d enters the second groove 2c. Therefore, the amount of tilt of the optical fiber 4 can be reduced, and the loss of optical coupling can be reduced.

[0047] As described above, the optical component 1 may include the lid 5 that covers the plurality of optical fibers 4. In this case, the lid 5 holds the plurality of optical fibers 4, so that the optical component 1 can be easily assembled.

[0048] As described above, the normal Y to the tip surface 4d of the optical fiber 4 facing the optical waveguide 3 may be inclined with respect to the optical axis direction, which is the direction in which the optical axis Z of the optical fiber 4 extends. In this case, the tip surface 4d of the optical fiber 4 facing the optical waveguide 3 is inclined with respect to a plane perpendicular to the optical axis Z. Therefore, it is possible to reduce the recoupling of light reflected back at the tip surface 4d of the optical fiber 4 with the optical waveguide 3 or the optical fiber 4, which contributes to improving the reliability of optical coupling.

[0049] As described above, the optical component 1 may include the resin 8 filled between the optical fiber 4 and the optical waveguide 3. In this case, the reflection of light between the optical fiber 4 and the optical waveguide 3 can be reduced.

[0050] As described above, the optical waveguide 3 may be made of either silica glass or borosilicate glass. In this case, the material of the optical waveguide 3 can be the same as the material of the optical fiber 4, and an increase in the cost of the optical waveguide 3 can be suppressed.

[0051] As described above, the distance X between the optical fiber 4 and the optical waveguide 3 may be 10 μm or less. In this case, by making the distance X between the optical fiber 4 and the optical waveguide 3 10 μm or less, the loss of optical coupling can be reduced.

[0052] The above describes embodiments of the optical component according to the present disclosure. However, the optical component according to the present disclosure is not limited to the above-described embodiments and may be modified within the scope of the gist described in the claims. In other words, the shape, size, material, number, and arrangement of each part of the optical component according to the present disclosure can be changed as appropriate within the scope of the gist described above.

[0053] For example, in the above-described embodiment, the optical component 1 is described in which the number of optical waveguides 3 arranged along the second direction D2 and the number of optical fibers 4 are 24. However, the number of optical waveguides and the number of optical fibers are not particularly limited. Note that the greater the number of optical waveguides and the number of optical fibers, the more pronounced the effect of facilitating assembly.

[0054] In the above-described embodiment, the substrate 2 having the second groove 2c has been described. However, for example, ２ If the optical fiber 4 is cut by something other than a laser beam, the tip surface 4d may not have a burr. In such a case, the substrate 2 does not need to have the second groove 2c.

[0055] In the above-described embodiment, an example in which the optical waveguide 3 is a segment waveguide 3A and an example in which the optical waveguide 3 is a tapered waveguide 3B have been described. However, the optical waveguide may be something other than the segment waveguide 3A and the tapered waveguide 3B. The optical component may have a Y-branch circuit, an arrayed waveguide grating (AWG), or a Mach-Zehnder interferometer (MZI) instead of the optical waveguide 3. In this way, the type of optical waveguide can be changed as appropriate.

[0056] 1... Optical component 2... Substrate 2A... First region 2B... Second region 2b... First groove 2c... Second groove 2d... Principal surface 2f... First side surface 2g... Second side surface 2h... Third side surface 2j... Fourth side surface 2k... First side surface 2p... Second side surface 2q... Bottom part 3... Optical waveguide 3A... Segment waveguide 3b...First end 3B...Tapered waveguide 3c...Second end 3d...Core layer 3f...First part 3g...Second part 3h...Third part 4...Optical fiber 4b...Optical fiber core 4c...Coating 4d...Tip surface 5...Lid 6...First cover 7...Second cover 8...Resin W1, W2...Width X...Distance Y...Normal Z...Optical axis

Claims

1. An optical component comprising: a substrate; and an optical waveguide formed in a first region that is a partial region on the substrate; wherein the substrate has a plurality of first grooves in a second region that is a region on the substrate different from the first region; and a plurality of optical fibers that are optically coupled to the optical waveguide are disposed in each of the plurality of first grooves.

2. The optical component according to claim 1, wherein the optical waveguide has a first end facing the optical fiber and a second end facing away from the first end, and the mode field diameter of the optical waveguide at the first end is different from the mode field diameter of the optical waveguide at the second end.

3. An optical component according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the optical waveguide is a tapered waveguide whose width at a first end facing the optical fiber is different from its width at a second end facing away from the first end, and in the tapered waveguide, the width of the optical waveguide gradually changes from the first end toward the second end.

4. An optical component according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the optical waveguide is a segmented waveguide having a width at a first end facing the optical fiber that is different from a width at a second end facing away from the first end, and wherein a plurality of core layers are discretely arranged in the segmented waveguide.

5. An optical component according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the cross section of the first groove when cut along a plane perpendicular to the direction in which the first groove extends is arc-shaped.

6. An optical component according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the substrate has a second groove extending between the first region and the second region in a direction intersecting the direction in which the optical fiber extends.

7. An optical component according to any one of claims 1 to 6, comprising a lid that covers the plurality of optical fibers.

8. An optical component according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein a normal to the tip surface of the optical fiber facing the optical waveguide is inclined with respect to the optical axis direction, which is the direction in which the optical axis of the optical fiber extends.

9. The optical component according to any one of claims 1 to 8, further comprising a resin filled between the optical fiber and the optical waveguide.

10. An optical component according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the optical waveguide is made of either silica glass or borosilicate glass.

11. An optical component according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the distance between the optical fiber and the optical waveguide is 10 µm or less.

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