Unitary optical ferrule and optical assembly

Abstract

A unitary optical ferrule includes opposing first and second major surfaces defining a thickness direction of the unitary optical ferrule therebetween. The first major surface includes a plurality of waveguide attachment features for receiving and permanently attaching to a plurality of first optical waveguides in one to one correspondence. The waveguide attachment features are, substantially parallel with one another, extend along a same in-plane length, and are arranged along a same in-plane width, directions of the unitary optical ferrule. The first major surface includes a plurality of second optical waveguides generally extending along the length, and arranged along the width, directions. Each of the second optical waveguides includes opposing first and second end faces. The first end faces are substantially aligned with the waveguide attachment features in one to one correspondence. The first and second end faces are arranged at different first and second respective average spacings.

Description

PA102964W002UNITARY OPTICAL FERRULE AND OPTICAL ASSEMBLYTechnical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a unitary optical ferrule and an optical assembly.Background

[0002] An optical ferrule is generally used for optical coupling of optical waveguides, such as optical fibers. Such optical ferrules may connect with different types of optical components. Due to increasing data transmission requirements, there is a demand for an increased density of input / output couplers on integrated circuits. Some modern photonic integrated circuits produce arrays of input or output couplers that are more tightly packed than typical spacing found in conventional optical fiber arrays.

[0003] Therefore, there is a need to down-convert a pitch of the conventional optical fiber arrays so that they are compatible with the modern photonic integrated circuits.Summary

[0004] In one aspect, the present disclosure provides a unitary optical ferrule. The unitary optical ferrule includes opposing first and second major surfaces defining a thickness direction of the unitary optical ferrule therebetween. The first major surface includes a plurality of waveguide attachment features for receiving and permanently attaching to a plurality of first optical waveguides in one to one correspondence. The waveguide attachment features, substantially parallel with one another, extend along a same in-plane length, and are arranged along a same in-plane width, directions of the unitary optical ferrule. The first major surface further includes a plurality of second optical waveguides generally extending along the length, and arranged along the width, directions of the unitary optical ferrule. Each of the second optical waveguides includes a first end face and an opposite second end face. The first end faces of the second optical waveguides are substantially aligned with the waveguide attachment features in one to one correspondence. The first and second end faces of the second optical waveguides are arranged at different first and second respective average spacings. When the first optical waveguides are received in, and permanently attached to, the waveguide attachment features, central light rays exiting the first optical waveguides enter the corresponding second optical waveguides through the first end faces of the second optical waveguides, are guided through the second optical waveguides primarily by total internal reflection, exit the second optical waveguides through the second end faces of the second optical waveguides, are redirected by a light redirecting member of the unitary optical ferrule from a first direction to a different second direction, and exit the unitary optical ferrule through the second major surface of the unitary optical ferrule.

[0005] In another aspect, the present disclosure provides an optical assembly. The optical assembly includes a unitary optical pitch converter disposed between pluralities of first and second optical fibers. The unitary optical pitch converter includes a major surface. The major surface includes a plurality of substantially parallel first grooves extending along a same in-plane length, and arranged along a same in-plane width, directions of the unitary optical pitch converter. Each of the first grooves receives and permanently attaches to a corresponding one of the first optical fibers. The major surface further includes a plurality of spaced apart optical waveguides generally extending along the length direction and generally arranged along the width direction. Each of the optical waveguides includes a first end face and an opposite second end face. The first end faces of the optical waveguides are substantially aligned with end faces of the first optical fibers in one to one correspondence. The second end faces of the optical waveguides are substantially aligned with end faces of the second optical fibers in one to one correspondence. The first and second end faces of the optical waveguides are arranged at different first and second average pitches. Central light rays exiting the first optical fibers through the end faces of the first optical fibers enter the corresponding optical waveguides through the first end faces of the optical waveguides, are guided through the optical waveguides primarily by total internal reflection, exit the optical waveguides through the second end faces of the optical waveguides, and enter the corresponding second optical fibers through the end faces of the second optical fibers.

[0006] The details of one or more examples of the disclosure are set forth in the accompanying drawings and the description below. Other features, objects, and advantages of the disclosure will be apparent from the description and drawings, and from the claims.Brief Description of the Drawings

[0007] Exemplary embodiments disclosed herein may be more completely understood in consideration of the following detailed description in connection with the following figures. The figures are not necessarily drawn to scale. Like numbers used in the figures refer to like components. However, it will be understood that the use of a number to refer to a component in a given figure is not intended to limit the component in another figure labeled with the same number.

[0008] FIG. 1 is a schematic top view of a unitary optical ferrule, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0009] FIG. 2 is a schematic side view of the unitary optical ferrule, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0010] FIG. 3 is a schematic front view of a first optical waveguide, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0011] FIGS. 4A, 4B, and 4C are different schematic views of second optical waveguides, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0012] FIGS. 5 A and 5B are schematic side views of the unitary optical ferrule, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0013] FIG. 6A is a schematic top view of an optical assembly, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0014] FIG. 6B is a schematic perspective view of the optical assembly, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0015] FIG. 7 is a schematic top view of a unitary optical pitch converter, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure; and

[0016] FIG. 8 is a schematic front view of optical waveguides, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.Detailed Description

[0017] In the following description, reference is made to the accompanying figures that form a part thereof and in which various embodiments are shown by way of illustration. It is to be understood that other embodiments are contemplated and may be made without departing from the scope or spirit of the present disclosure. The following detailed description, therefore, is not to be taken in a limiting sense.

[0018] In the following disclosure, the following definitions are adopted.

[0019] As used herein, all numbers should be considered modified by the term “about”. As used herein, “a,” “an,” “the,” “at least one,” and “one or more” are used interchangeably.

[0020] As used herein as a modifier to a property or attribute, the term “generally”, unless otherwise specifically defined, means that the property or attribute would be readily recognizable by a person of ordinary skill but without requiring absolute precision or a perfect match (e.g., within + / - 20 % for quantifiable properties).

[0021] The term “substantially”, unless otherwise specifically defined, means to a high degree of approximation (e.g., within + / - 10% for quantifiable properties) but again without requiring absolute precision or a perfect match.

[0022] The term “about”, unless otherwise specifically defined, means to a high degree of approximation (e.g., within + / - 5% for quantifiable properties) but again without requiring absolute precision or a perfect match.

[0023] As used herein, the terms “first” and “second” are used as identifiers. Therefore, such terms should not be construed as limiting of this disclosure. The terms “first” and “second” when used in conjunction with a feature or an element can be interchanged throughout the embodiments of this disclosure.

[0024] As used herein, “at least one of A and B” should be understood to mean “only A, only B, or both A and B”.

[0025] An optical ferrule is generally used for optical coupling of optical waveguides, such as optical fibers. Such optical ferrules may connect with different types of optical components. Due to increasing data transmission requirements, there is a demand for an increased density of input / output couplers on photonic integrated circuits. Some modern photonic integrated circuits produce arrays of input or output couplers that are more tightly packed than typical spacing found in conventional optical fiber arrays.

[0026] Therefore, there is a need to down-convert a pitch of the conventional optical fiber arrays so that they are compatible with the modern photonic integrated circuits.

[0027] The present disclosure relates to a unitary optical ferrule. The unitary optical ferrule includes opposing first and second major surfaces defining a thickness direction of the unitary optical ferrule therebetween. The first major surface includes a plurality of waveguide attachment features for receiving and permanently attaching to a plurality of first optical waveguides in one to one correspondence. The waveguide attachment features, substantially parallel with one another, extend along a same in-plane length, and are arranged along a same in-plane width, directions of the unitary optical ferrule. The first major surface further includes a plurality of second optical waveguides generally extending along the length, and arranged along the width, directions of the unitary optical ferrule. Each of the second optical waveguides includes a first end face and an opposite second end face. The first end faces of the second optical waveguides are substantially aligned with the waveguide attachment features in one to one correspondence. The first and second end faces of the second optical waveguides are arranged at different first and second respective average spacings. When the first optical waveguides are received in, and permanently attached to, the waveguide attachment features, central light rays exiting the first optical waveguides enter the corresponding second optical waveguides through the first end faces of the second optical waveguides, are guided through the second optical waveguides primarily by total internal reflection, exit the second optical waveguides through the second end faces of the second optical waveguides, are redirected by a light redirecting member of the unitary optical ferrule from a first direction to a different second direction, and exit the unitary optical ferrule through the second major surface of the unitary optical ferrule.

[0028] Since, the first and second end faces of the second optical waveguides are arranged at different first and second respective average spacings, the unitary optical ferrule may provide a downconversion in a pitch of the plurality of first optical waveguides. Specifically, the unitary optical ferrule may provide a smooth a transition from the pitch of the plurality of first optical waveguides to a pitch of the second optical waveguides that meets specifications of modern photonic integrated circuits. Therefore, the unitary optical ferrule may provide the down-conversion the pitch of the plurality of first optical waveguides so that they may be compatible with the modern photonic integrated circuits.

[0029] Referring now to the figures, FIG. 1 illustrates a schematic top view of a unitary optical ferrule 200, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 2 illustrates a schematic side view of the unitary optical ferrule 200, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0030] The unitary optical ferrule 200 defines mutually orthogonal x, y, and z-axes. The x-axis is defined along a same in-plane length of the unitary optical ferrule 200, while the y-axis is defined along a same in-plane width of the unitary optical ferrule 200. The z-axis is defined along a thickness of the unitary optical ferrule 200. Therefore, a length direction of the unitary optical ferrule 200 extends substantially along the x-axis, a width direction of the unitary optical ferrule 200 extends substantially along the y-axis, and a thickness direction of the unitary optical ferrule 200 extends substantially along the z-axis.

[0031] Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, the unitary optical ferrule 200 includes opposing first and second major surfaces 10, 11. The first and second major surfaces 10, 11 define the thickness direction of the unitary optical ferrule 200 therebetween.

[0032] The first major surface 10 includes a plurality of waveguide attachment features 20 for receiving and permanently attaching to a plurality of first optical waveguides 30 in one to one correspondence. The waveguide attachment features 20 are substantially parallel with one another. Further, the waveguide attachment features 20 extend along the same in-plane length direction and are arranged along the same in-plane width direction of the unitary optical ferrule 200. As shown in FIG. 1, the waveguide attachment features 20 extend along the x-axis and are arranged along the y-axis of the unitary optical ferrule 200.

[0033] In some embodiments, the plurality of waveguide attachment features 20 is a plurality of substantially parallel grooves extending along the length, and arranged along the width, directions of the unitary optical ferrule 200. Each of the grooves is configured to receive and permanently attach to a corresponding one of the first optical waveguides 30.

[0034] The first major surface 10 further includes a plurality of second optical waveguides 40 generally extending along the length, and arranged along the width, directions of the unitary optical ferrule 200. Each of the second optical waveguides 40 includes a first end face 41 and an opposite second end face 42. The first end faces 41 of the second optical waveguides 40 are substantially aligned with the waveguide attachment features 20 in one to one correspondence.

[0035] FIG. 3 illustrates a schematic front view of the first optical waveguide 30, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0036] In some embodiments, the first optical waveguides 30 in the plurality of first optical waveguides 30 are optical fibers 90. In some embodiments, each of the optical fibers 90 includes an optical core 90a surrounded by an optical cladding 90b.

[0037] FIGS. 4 A, 4B, and 4C illustrate different schematic views of the second optical waveguides 40, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Specifically, FIG. 4A illustrates a schematic top view of the second optical waveguides 40, FIG. 4B illustrates a schematicfront view of a portion of the second optical waveguides 40 from second end face 42, and FIG. 4C illustrates a schematic side view of the second optical waveguide 40.

[0038] Referring to FIG. 4A, the first and second end faces 41, 42 of the second optical waveguides 40 are arranged at different first and second respective average spacings SI, S2. As shown in FIG. 4A, the first average spacings S 1 is greater than the second average spacings S2.

[0039] Referring to FIG. 4B, in some embodiments, the spacing S2’ between at least one pair of adjacent second end faces 42 is different from the spacing S2” between at least another pair of adjacent second end faces 42.

[0040] Further, in some embodiments, the second optical waveguides 40 in the plurality of second optical waveguides 40 are optical ribs 43. Each of the optical ribs 43 has an average height hl and an average width wl.

[0041] Referring to FIG. 4C, in some embodiments, at least one of the first and second end faces 41, 42 of at least one of the second optical waveguides 40 is inclined making an oblique angle al with the thickness direction. In the illustrated embodiments of FIG. 4C, first and second end faces 41’, 42’ of a second optical waveguides 43’ are inclined to make the oblique angle al with the thickness direction (i.e., substantially along the z-axis). In some embodiments, the oblique angle al is in a range from about 2 degrees to about 45 degrees.

[0042] Referring again to FIG. 1, when the first optical waveguides 30 are received in, and permanently attached to, the waveguide attachment features 20, central light rays 31 exiting the first optical waveguides 30 enter the corresponding second optical waveguides 40 through the first end faces 41 of the second optical waveguides 40. As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the central light rays 31 exiting the first optical waveguides 30 and entering the corresponding second optical waveguides 40 are depicted as entering central light rays 32. The central light rays 31 are guided through the second optical waveguides 40 primarily by total internal reflection.

[0043] Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, the central light rays 31 exit the second optical waveguides 40 through the second end faces 42 of the second optical waveguides 40 and are redirected by a light redirecting member 12 of the unitary optical ferrule 200 from a first direction 33 to a different second direction 34 and exit the unitary optical ferrule 200 through the second major surface 11 of the unitary optical ferrule 200. As shown in FIGS. 2, the central light rays 31 exiting the unitary optical ferrule 200 through the second major surface 11 of the unitary optical ferrule 200 are depicted as exiting central light rays 35.

[0044] FIGS. 5 A and 5B illustrate schematic side views of the unitary optical ferrule 200, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0045] In some embodiments, after the central light rays 31 exit the second optical waveguides 40 through the second end faces 42 of the second optical waveguides 40, the central light rays 31 enter the unitary optical ferrule 200 through one or more input windows 13 of the unitary optical ferrule 200, propagate within the unitary optical ferrule 200, and are incident on the light redirectingmember 12, along the first direction 33. The central light rays 31 are redirected by the light redirecting member 12 to the second direction 34, and exit the unitary optical ferrule 200 through the second major surface 11 of the unitary optical ferrule 200.

[0046] As shown in FIGS. 5 A and 5B, the central light rays 31 exiting the second optical waveguides 40 are depicted as exiting central light rays 36 and the central light rays 31 propagating within the unitary optical ferrule 200 are depicted as propagating central light rays 37.

[0047] As is shown in FIG. 5A, in some embodiments, the second end faces 42 and the one or more input windows 13 define a gap gl therebetween.

[0048] As is shown in FIG. 5B, in some other embodiments, the second end faces 42 of the second optical waveguides 40 are coincident with the one or more input windows 13 of the unitary optical ferrule 200, such that there are no distinguishable interfaces between the second optical waveguides 40 and the light redirecting member 12.

[0049] Referring to FIGS. 1 to 5A-5B, since the first and second end faces 41, 42 of the second optical waveguides 40 are arranged at the different first and second respective average spacings SI, S2, the unitary optical ferrule 200 may provide a down-conversion in a pitch of the plurality of first optical waveguides 30. Therefore, the unitary optical ferrule 200 may provide a smooth a transition from the pitch of the plurality of first optical waveguides 30 to a pitch of the second optical waveguides 40 that meets specifications of modern photonic integrated circuits. Thus, the unitary optical ferrule 200 may provide the down-conversion the pitch of the plurality of first optical waveguides 30 so that they may be compatible with the modern photonic integrated circuits.

[0050] FIG. 6A illustrates a schematic top view of an optical assembly 300, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 6B illustrates a schematic perspective view of the optical assembly 300, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0051] Referring to FIGS. 6A and 6B, the optical assembly 300 includes a unitary optical pitch converter 50 disposed between pluralities of first and second optical fibers 60, 70.

[0052] The unitary optical pitch converter 50 defines mutually orthogonal x’, y’, and z’-axes.The x’-axis is defined along a same in-plane length of the unitary optical pitch converter 50, while the y’-axis is defined along a same in-plane width of the unitary optical pitch converter 50. The z’-axis is defined along a thickness of the unitary optical pitch converter 50.

[0053] Therefore, a length direction of the unitary optical pitch converter 50 extends substantially along the x’ -axis, a width direction of the unitary optical pitch converter 50 extends substantially along the y’ -axis, and a thickness direction of the unitary optical pitch converter 50 extends substantially along the z’-axis.

[0054] The unitary optical pitch converter 50 includes a major surface 51. The major surface 51 includes a plurality of substantially parallel first grooves 55 (shown in FIG. 6A) extending along the same in-plane length, and arranged along the same in-plane width, directions of the unitary opticalpitch converter 50. Each of the first grooves 55 receives and permanently attaches to a corresponding one of the first optical fibers 60.

[0055] The major surface 51 further includes a plurality of substantially parallel second grooves 56 (shown in FIG. 6A) extending along the length, and arranged along the width, directions of the unitary optical pitch converter 50. Each of the second grooves 56 receives and permanently attaches to a corresponding one of the second optical fibers 70.

[0056] The major surface 51 further includes a plurality of spaced apart optical waveguides 52 generally extending along the length direction and generally arranged along the width direction. Each of the optical waveguides 52 includes a first end face 53 and an opposite second end face 54. The first end faces 53 of the optical waveguides 52 are substantially aligned with end faces 61 of the first optical fibers 60 in one to one correspondence. The second end faces 54 of the optical waveguides 52 are substantially aligned with end faces 71 of the second optical fibers 70 in one to one correspondence. In some embodiments, at least one of the optical waveguides 52 includes a bend 52a along a length of the optical waveguide 52.

[0057] As shown in FIG. 6A, central light rays 80 exiting the first optical fibers 60 through the end faces 61 of the first optical fibers 60 enter the corresponding optical waveguides 52 through the first end faces 53 of the optical waveguides 52. The central light rays 80 exiting the first optical fibers 60 through the end faces 61 of the first optical fibers 60 and entering the corresponding optical waveguides 52 through the first end faces 53 of the optical waveguides 52 are depicted as entering light rays 81.

[0058] Further, the central light rays 80 are guided through the optical waveguides 52 primarily by total internal reflection, exit the optical waveguides 52 through the second end faces 54 of the optical waveguides 52 and enter the corresponding second optical fibers 70 through the end faces 71 of the second optical fibers 70. As shown FIG. 6 A, the central light rays 80 exiting the optical waveguides 52 through the second end faces 54 of the optical waveguides 52 and entering the corresponding second optical fibers 70 through the end faces 71 of the second optical fibers 70 are depicted as exiting light rays 82.

[0059] FIG. 7 illustrates a schematic top view of the unitary optical pitch converter 50, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0060] As shown in FIG. 7, the first and second end faces 53, 54 of the optical waveguides 52 are arranged at different first and second average pitches Pl, P2.

[0061] FIG. 8 illustrates a schematic front view of the optical waveguides 52, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0062] In some embodiments, the optical waveguides 52 in the plurality of spaced apart optical waveguides 52 are optical ribs 52b. Each of the optical ribs 52b has an average height h2 and an average width w2.

[0063] Referring to FIGS. 6A, 6B, 7, 8, the first and second end faces 53, 54 of the optical waveguides 52 are arranged at the different first and second average pitches Pl, P2. Therefore, the optical assembly 300 may provide a down-conversion in a pitch of the plurality of first optical fibers 60. Specifically, the optical assembly 300 may provide a smooth a transition from the pitch Pl of the plurality of first optical fibers 60 to the pitch P2 of the second optical fibers 70 that meets specifications of the modern photonic integrated circuits.

[0064] Unless otherwise indicated, all numbers expressing feature sizes, amounts, and physical properties used in the specification and claims are to be understood as being modified by the term “about”. Accordingly, unless indicated to the contrary, the numerical parameters set forth in the foregoing specification and attached claims are approximations that can vary depending upon the desired properties sought to be obtained by those skilled in the art utilizing the teachings disclosed herein.

[0065] Although specific embodiments have been illustrated and described herein, it will be appreciated by those of ordinary skill in the art that a variety of alternate and / or equivalent implementations can be substituted for the specific embodiments shown and described without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. This application is intended to cover any adaptations or variations of the specific embodiments discussed herein. Therefore, it is intended that this disclosure be limited only by the claims and the equivalents thereof.

Claims

CLAIMS:

1. A unitary optical ferrule comprising: opposing first and second major surfaces defining a thickness direction of the unitary optical ferrule therebetween, the first major surface comprising: a plurality of waveguide attachment features for receiving and permanently attaching to a plurality of first optical waveguides in one to one correspondence, the waveguide attachment features, substantially parallel with one another, extending along a same in-plane length, and arranged along a same in-plane width, directions of the unitary optical ferrule; and a plurality of second optical waveguides generally extending along the length, and arranged along the width, directions of the unitary optical ferrule, each of the second optical waveguides comprising a first end face and an opposite second end face, the first end faces of the second optical waveguides substantially aligned with the waveguide attachment features in one to one correspondence, the first and second end faces of the second optical waveguides arranged at different first and second respective average spacings, such that when the first optical waveguides are received in, and permanently attached to, the waveguide attachment features, central light rays exiting the first optical waveguides enter the corresponding second optical waveguides through the first end faces of the second optical waveguides, are guided through the second optical waveguides primarily by total internal reflection, exit the second optical waveguides through the second end faces of the second optical waveguides, are redirected by a light redirecting member of the unitary optical ferrule from a first direction to a different second direction, and exit the unitary optical ferrule through the second major surface of the unitary optical ferrule.

2. The unitary optical ferrule of claim 1, wherein the plurality of waveguide attachment features is a plurality of substantially parallel grooves extending along the length, and arranged along the width, directions of the unitary optical ferrule, each of the grooves configured to receive and permanently attach to a corresponding one of the first optical waveguides.

3. The unitary optical ferrule of claim 1, wherein the first optical waveguides in the plurality of first optical waveguides are optical fibers.

4. The unitary optical ferrule of claim 3, wherein each of the optical fibers comprises an optical core surrounded by an optical cladding.

5. The unitary optical ferrule of claim 1, wherein the second optical waveguides in the plurality of second optical waveguides are optical ribs, each of the optical ribs having an average height and an average width.

6. The unitary optical ferrule of claim 1, wherein at least one of the first and second end faces of at least one of the second optical waveguides is inclined making an oblique angle with the thickness direction.

7. The unitary optical ferrule of claim 6, wherein the oblique angle is in a range from about 2 degrees to about 45 degrees.

8. The unitary optical ferrule of claim 1, wherein the spacing between at least one pair of adjacent second end faces is different from the spacing between at least another pair of adjacent second end faces.

9. The unitary optical ferrule of claim 1 , wherein after the central light rays exit the second optical waveguides through the second end faces of the second optical waveguides, the central light rays enter the unitary optical ferrule through one or more input windows of the unitary optical ferrule, propagate within the unitary optical ferrule, and are incident on the light redirecting member, along the first direction, are redirected by the light redirecting member to the second direction, and exit the unitary optical ferrule through the second major surface of the unitary optical ferrule.

10. The unitary optical ferrule of claim 9, wherein the second end faces and the one or more input windows define a gap therebetween.

11. The unitary optical ferrule of claim 9, wherein the second end faces of the second optical waveguides are coincident with the one or more input windows of the unitary optical ferrule, such that there are no distinguishable interfaces between the second optical waveguides and the light redirecting member.

12. An optical assembly comprising a unitary optical pitch converter disposed between pluralities of first and second optical fibers and comprising a major surface comprising: a plurality of substantially parallel first grooves extending along a same in-plane length, and arranged along a same in-plane width, directions of the unitary optical pitch converter, each of the first grooves receiving and permanently attached to a corresponding one of the first optical fibers; a plurality of substantially parallel second grooves extending along the length, and arranged along the width, directions of the unitary optical pitch converter, each of the secondgrooves receiving and permanently attached to a corresponding one of the second optical fibers; and a plurality of spaced apart optical waveguides generally extending along the length direction and generally arranged along the width direction, each of the optical waveguides comprising a first end face and an opposite second end face, the first end faces of the optical waveguides substantially aligned with end faces of the first optical fibers in one to one correspondence, the second end faces of the optical waveguides substantially aligned with end faces of the second optical fibers in one to one correspondence, the first and second end faces of the optical waveguides arranged at different first and second average pitches, such that central light rays exiting the first optical fibers through the end faces of the first optical fibers enter the corresponding optical waveguides through the first end faces of the optical waveguides, are guided through the optical waveguides primarily by total internal reflection, exit the optical waveguides through the second end faces of the optical waveguides, and enter the corresponding second optical fibers through the end faces of the second optical fibers.

13. The optical assembly of claim 12, wherein at least one of the optical waveguides comprises a bend along a length of the optical waveguide.

14. The optical assembly of claim 12, wherein the optical waveguides in the plurality of spaced apart optical waveguides are optical ribs, each of the optical ribs having an average height and an average width.

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