Optical coupling to external optical interface

Abstract

A receptacle for mating with a fiber optic connector and for mounting with respect to an external optical interface disposed on a substrate is provided. The receptacle may include a receptacle body having a front end and rear end; and a carrier connected to the receptacle body and including a lens array having a plurality of lenses. The receptacle includes a plurality of passive alignment features configured to engage complementary alignment features of the mating fiber optic connector, enabling a demountable coupling that allows repeated decoupling and recoupling with high repeatability and positional accuracy.

Description

OPTICAL COUPLING TO EXTERNAL OPTICAL INTERFACECross-Reference to Related Application

[0001] The present disclosure claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 729,896 filed on December 9, 2024; U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 729,917 filed on December 9, 2024; U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 760,143 filed on February 19, 2025; and U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 775,033 filed on March 20, 2025, the disclosures of which are incorporated hereby by reference in entirety.Field of the Invention

[0002] The present disclosure generally relates to integrated photonics, and in particular relates to demountable coupling optical signals into and out of I / O ports of an external optical interface disposed on a substrate.Background

[0003] Photonic Integrated Circuits (PICs) are increasingly utilized in high-speed optical communication systems due to their ability to integrate multiple optical functions on a single chip, reducing size, cost, and power consumption. A critical aspect of PIC deployment is the efficient coupling of external optical fibers to the on-chip waveguides. This interface is essential for enabling signal transmission between the PIC and the broader optical network.

[0004] Traditional fiber-to-chip coupling methods, such as grating couplers and edge couplers, present challenges in terms of alignment tolerance, insertion loss, and manufacturability. Grating couplers, while offering vertical coupling, often suffer from limited bandwidth and polarization dependence. Edge couplers provide lower loss but require precise alignment and polished facets, increasing assembly complexity and cost.

[0005] As PIC technology advances toward higher integration density and mass production, there is a growing need for connector solutions that simplify fiber attachment while maintaining low optical loss and high mechanical reliability. However, the coupling of optical fibers to PIC is not as well advanced as the development of PIC. Some difficulties of connecting optical fibers to a PIC are inherent in the characteristics of optical packaging such as the assembly tolerance between PIC and the fiber optic connector. Precise alignment and active positioning of fiber optic connector with respect to PIC face difficulties. Current approaches impose stringent alignment requirements for efficient fiber-to-PIC connectivity.

[0006] Existing approaches often rely on active alignment processes, which are time-consuming and expensive, or on passive alignment features that lack sufficient precision for high-Docket No. C01022W001 1performance applications. Furthermore, demountable configurations — where fiber optic connectors are repeatedly mated and unmated — impact optical coupling efficiency adversely by introducing wear and reducing positional repeatability over time.

[0007] Therefore, improved methods and structures for connecting fiber optic connectors to PICs are required to address these limitations. Such solutions should enable scalable manufacturing, robust alignment, and compatibility with standard fibers, while minimizing optical loss and assembly complexity.Brief Description

[0008] The present disclosure provides various embodiments to connect and align multiple optical fibers to I / O ports of external optical interface on a substrate.

[0009] An aspect of the present disclosure is directed to a receptacle for mating with a fiber optic connector and for mounting with respect to an external optical interface disposed on a substrate. The receptacle may include a receptacle body having a front end and rear end; and a carrier connected to the receptacle body and including a lens array having a plurality of lenses. The receptacle may include a plurality of passive alignment features configured to engage complementary alignment features of the mating fiber optic connector.

[0010] In some embodiments, the plurality of passive alignment features may include a plurality of elastic average features provided on the carrier.

[0011] In some embodiments, the plurality of elastic average features is integral with the carrier.

[0012] In some embodiments, the carrier includes a prism configured to deflect an incoming light beam at a predetermined angle.

[0013] In some embodiments, the predetermined angle is approximately 90 degrees.

[0014] In some embodiments, the prism is bidirectionally configured to redirect light beam received from the fiber optic connector toward the external optical interface and to redirect light beam received from the external optical interface toward the fiber optic connector.

[0015] In some embodiments, the prism is configured to redirect the light beam by total internal reflection at an internal face of the prism.

[0016] In some embodiments, the prism may comprise a right-angle prism.

[0017] In some embodiments, the prism is integral with the carrier or provided as a separate component operatively coupled to the carrier.

[0018] In some embodiments, the plurality of passive alignment features may include a pair of guides or complementary structures adapted to engage a pair of guides.

[0019] Another aspect of the present disclosure is directed to a fiber optic connector for demountable coupling to a receptacle on a substrate. The fiber optic connector may include aDocket No. C01022W001 2connector body having a front end and a rear end; a fiber array accommodated within the connector body and having a fiber block holding a plurality of fibers; a carrier connected to the fiber array and including a lens array having a plurality of lenses, each lens arranged in a path of optical alignment with each fiber; and a latch extending from front end of the connector body and configured to releasably lock the fiber optic connector to a mating receptacle, wherein the fiber optic connector includes a plurality of passive alignment features configured to engage complementary alignment features of the mating receptacle.

[0020] In some embodiments, the passive alignment features may include a pair of guides protruding from the front end of the connector body.

[0021] In some embodiments, the passive alignment features may include elastic averaging features provided on the carrier.

[0022] In some embodiments, the plurality of fibers is configured in a 2-D array of arrangement.

[0023] In some embodiments, the fiber block includes a top lid and bottom lid, and at least one of the top lid and bottom lid is provided with grooves to retain fibers.

[0024] In some embodiments, the plurality of fibers is connected to at least one of the top lid and bottom lid by an adhesive.

[0025] In some embodiments, the top lid is integral to the connector body.

[0026] In some embodiments, the receptacle may further comprises an additional pair of guides or complementary structures adapted to engage a pair of guides.

[0027] In some embodiments, an axis of each lens is aligned with that of each fiber.

[0028] In some embodiments, the carrier and the fiber array are integrally formed as one unit.

[0029] The demountable coupling of the fiber optic connector and receptacle enables a demountable coupling that allows repeated decoupling and recoupling with high repeatability and positional accuracy between optical fibers and I / O ports of the external optical interface disposed on the substrate.Brief Description of the Drawings

[0030] The present disclosure will become more fully understood from the detailed description given hereinbelow and the accompanying drawings, which are given by illustration only, and thus are not limited to the present disclosure, and wherein:

[0031] FIG. 1A is a perspective view of a fiber optic connector and a receptacle in an unmated state according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, and FIG. IB is a perspective view of the fiber optic connector and receptacle as well as with a tool used to insert and release the fiber optic connector, according to one embodiment of the present disclosure,

[0032] FIG. 2A is an exploded perspective view of the fiber optic connector and receptacle ofDocket No. C01022W001 3FIG. 1 A, and FIG. 2B schematically shows a connector carrier and fiber block according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0033] FIG. 3 A is an exploded view of the receptacle of FIG. 1A, FIG. 3B is a perspective view of the receptacle of FIG. 1A, and FIG. 3C schematically shows the light path propagating in one direction within the receptacle carrier shown in FIG. 3 A,

[0034] FIGS. 4A and 4B are sectional views of the fiber optic connector and receptacle of FIG. 1 A in mated state,

[0035] FIG. 5A is a perspective view of a fiber optic connector and a receptacle in an unmated state according to another embodiment of the present disclosure, and FIG. 5B is a perspective view of the fiber optic connector and receptacle as well with a tool used to insert and release the fiber optic connector, according to another embodiment of the present disclosure,

[0036] FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the fiber optic connector and receptacle of FIG. 5 A,

[0037] FIG. 7A is a sectional view of the fiber optic connector of FIG. 5A, and FIG. 7B schematically shows the connector body and the fiber block of FIG. 5 A,

[0038] FIG. 8 schematically shows an alternative embodiment of the fiber optic connector and receptacle of FIG. 5 A,

[0039] FIG. 9A is a perspective view of a fiber optic connector and a receptacle as well as with a tool used to insert and release the fiber optic connector, according to yet another embodiment of the present disclosure, and FIG. 9B is an exploded view of the fiber optic connector and the receptacle of FIG. 9 A, and

[0040] FIG. 10A is a sectional view of the fiber optic connector and receptacle of FIG. 9A in mated state, and FIG. 10B is sectional view showing the withdrawal of the fiber optic connector through a too.Detailed Description

[0041] This disclosure is described below in reference to various embodiments with reference to the figures, and is not limited to any particular system, device and method described, as these may vary. The terminology used in the description is for the purpose of describing the versions or embodiments only and is not intended to limit the scope. In the drawings, same or similar reference numerals are used for same or similar elements throughout.

[0042] With reference to the drawings, “front” refers to the side of the component facing the mating direction, and “back” refers to the opposite of the mating direction. “Top” denotes the surface opposite the bottom, which faces away from the substrate in the normal operating position. “Bottom” refers to the surface oriented toward the substrate or mounting plane. “Side” refers to the lateral surfaces extending between the front and back. “Inner” refers to surfaces or portionsDocket No. C01022W001 4closer to the central axis or interior of the component, while “outer” refers to surfaces or portions farther from the central axis or toward the exterior. These terms are used for clarity in describing relative positions and do not limit the disclosure to any particular orientation unless expressly stated.

[0043] As described herein, the high-density optical connector can be removably attached, via a “separable” or “demountable” or “detachable” action that accurately optically aligns the optical fibers to optical fibers or the optical ports communicating optical signals with optoelectronic device along a desired optical path. To maintain optical alignment for each connect and disconnect and reconnect, this connector needs to be precisely and accurately aligned passively to the receptacle. In accordance with the present disclosure, the precise alignment is achieved using a passive mechanical alignment, including but not limited to, elastic averaging alignment, constructed from geometric features on two facing contact surfaces / bodies. Further, “alignment” may refer to any alignment, such as structural and / or optical alignment. For example, when the components are in optical alignment means an optical axis of a first component is orientated relative to an optical axis of a second component such that the light signal passes therebetween with a minimal loss or distortion. With the foregoing as introduction, the present disclosure may be summarized below.

[0044] FIGS. 1 A and IB schematically illustrate a fiber optic connector 10 and a receptacle 20 in accordance with one embodiment of the present disclosure. The fiber optic connector 10 includes a connector body 11, a pair of guide pins 12 and a latch 13. The guide pins 12 and the latch 13 extend from the connector body 11 forward along an insertion direction and the latch 13 is provided between the guide pins 12. One of ordinary skill in the art would recognize that alternative guiding means may be employed in place of guide pins without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

[0045] The receptacle 20 includes a receptacle body 21 having a pair of receiving holes 22 that are configured to receive the pair of guide pins of the connector 10. The receptacle body 21 is attached to a substrate (not shown) and / or mounted with respect to an external optical interface disposed on the substrate. In the context of this disclosure, the term “substrate” refers to a foundational structure that provides mechanical support and serves as a platform for one or more photonic or photoelectronic devices. The term “external optical interface” refers to an optical coupling surface or structure that enables the transfer of light between the optical fibers and an external optical component or system. This interface may include, but is not limited to, an optical port, a lens array, a waveguide facet, or an optical input / output region of a photonic substrate such as a photonic integrated circuit (PIC). The external optical interface provides a defined optical path for transmitting or receiving light beam and may be disposed on or integrated with a substrateDocket No. C01022W001 5carrying one or more optoelectronic devices. The substrate may also function as an interface for coupling external optical fibers, lenses, or other optical elements to the integrated devices.

[0046] A tool 30 for mating and unmating the fiber optic connector 10 and receptacle 20 is shown in FIG. IB. The tool 30 has an insertion end 31 configured to assist in mating the connector 10 with the receptacle 20, and a release end 32 configured to disengage the connector 10 from the receptacle 20. When permitted, the connector 10 and the receptacle 20 may alternatively be manually mated without the use of the tool 30.

[0047] Referring to FIG. 2 A, the fiber optic connector 10 includes a pin keeper 18 configured to hold the pair of guide pins 12 in place and a fiber block 14 configured to hold a fiber group 15 having multiple fibers. The fiber block 14 includes a top lid 14a and bottom lid 14b, which cooperatively supports a 2-D array of optical fibers, i.e., fiber group 15. The fiber block 14 and the fiber group 15 are collectively referred to as fiber array. It will be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art that the multiple fibers may be bundled in various sizes and configured in a M x N arrangement. In this example, the fiber group 15 is configured in a 2 x 40 arrangement of optical fibers, whereas in other examples, the fiber group may have different arrangements and different numbers of optical fibers, such as 1 x 80 or 3 x 40, with more or fewer fibers depending on the design requirements, while remaining within the scope of this disclosure.

[0048] At least one of the top lid 14a and bottom lid 14b is provided with multiple grooves, for example, V-grooves, C-grooves, etc., to hold the fiber group 15. In some embodiments, both top and bottom lids are provided with grooves to securely hold the fibers. The connector body 11 is provided with rails (not shown), such as V rails at the inner surfaces of both sidewalls I la to maintain the fiber block 14 in the connector body 11. Correspondingly, the fiber block 14 is provided with groove on its side surfaces to cooperate with the rails (with reference to FIG. 7A for purpose of illustration). The material of fiber block may be selected from a group of glass, silicon and polymer.

[0049] The fiber optic connector 10 includes a connector carrier 16 that is connected to the fiber block 14, see FIG. 2B. The connector carrier 16 includes passive alignment features 16a and lenses 16b. In this example, The passive alignment features are configured as elastic averaging features, and in particular are formed as bumps 16a. The lenses 16b are positioned with respect to the fiber group 15 held within the fiber block 14 such that each optical fiber of fiber array 15 corresponds to and is in optical alignment with each lens 16b. The lens 16b is configured to collimate the light beam emitted from the optical fiber of fiber group 15 and / or focus the incoming light beam to the core region of the optical fiber of the fiber group 15. In this example, the connector carrier and the fiber block may be bonded together through an adhesive such as epoxy, whereas in other examples, the connector carrier and the fiber block may be connected through other conventionalDocket No. C01022W001 6means or integrally formed as one unit.

[0050] The fiber optic connector 10 includes a bias member, which consists of a pair of springs S. These springs S are positioned adjacent to the connector carrier 16 to bias it forward in the insertion direction, see FIG. 4A.

[0051] Correspondingly, the receptacle 20 includes a receptacle carrier 26 having passive alignment features 26a and lenses 26b. As shown in FIGS. 3A and 3B, the passive alignment features 26a are arranged in complementary structures to the passive alignment features 16a of the fiber optic connector 10 and are formed as complementary arrays of bumps arranged in a staggered pattern relative to the bumps 16a of the fiber optic connector 10. In use, when the connecter 10 and receptacle 20 are mated, each bump 16a makes point contact with the surrounding bumps 26a (ideally four), and similarly each bump 26a makes point contact with the surrounding bumps 16a (ideally four). These contact points apply opposing forces that collectively restrain the bumps 16a and 26a in a predetermined position. In this manner, each bump is restrained by the surrounding bumps from the mating component (connector or receptacle) through physical contact, thereby enabling a demountable coupling that allows repeated decoupling and recoupling with high repeatability and positional accuracy. As a result, misalignment is minimized and overall structural integrity is enhanced. Further reference is made to US Patent Publications Nos. US20240085633A1 and US20240142722A1 for detail discussions of these elastic averaging features / bumps, which are also incorporated hereby by references in entirety. Elastic averaging features having other geometries may be adopted for coupling the carriers 16 and 26 to achieve the desired demountable coupling based on elastic averaging principles.

[0052] The receptacle carrier 26 is provided with a prism 26c configured to redirect the direction of incoming light beams. In this example, the prism 26c is integrally formed with the receptacle carrier, whereas in other examples, the prism 26c may be provided as a separate component operatively coupled to the receptacle carrier. FIG. 3C schematically shows how the direction of incoming light beam from the fiber optical connector 10 is redirected by the prim 26c within the receptacle carrier 26, i.e., deflected by approximately 90 degrees to align with the optical path toward the substrate, in particular the external optical interface on the substrate. Conversely, an incoming light beam originating from the external optical interface is similarly redirected by the prim 26c toward the fiber optic connector 10. Simply speaking, the prism is bidirectionally configured to redirect light received from the fiber array toward the external optical interface and to redirect light received from the external optical interface toward the fiber array. This bidirectional light path enables efficient optical coupling between the fiber array and the external optical interface while maintaining a compact form factor within the receptacle.

[0053] When the receptacle 20 is attached to the substrate carrying one or more waveguides, suchDocket No. C01022W001 7as PIC, the prism 26c deflects the incoming light by approximately 90 degrees. In this example, the light beam enters the receptacle carrier 26 through the lenses 26b and propagates within the receptacle carrier 26 until it reaches the prism 26c. The prism 26c then deflects the light beam by approximately 90 degrees toward the I / O ports of the PIC. Conversely, the light beam from the waveguides is redirected by the prim 26c towards the lenses 26b and subsequently enters the lenses 16b of the connectors 10. The lenses 16b and 26b are configured to be in optical alignment to transmit the optical signal between optical fibers and I / O ports of the PIC.

[0054] As shown in FIGS. 4A and 4B, the connector body 11 has a receiving space 11b for receiving the insertion end 31 of the tool 30. To mate the connector 10 with the receptacle 20, the insertion end 31 of the tool 30 is inserted into the receiving space 11b and moves the connector 10 toward the receptacle 20. The guide pins 12 of the connector 10 are first aligned with and inserted into the corresponding receiving holes 22 to advance the connector 10 toward the receptacle 20. Subsequently, the carriers 16 and 26 are mated by displacing the bumps on one carrier into the complementary spaces among bumps on the other carrier. As a result, the optical fibers, lenses 16b and 26b are brought into optical alignment.

[0055] The latch 13 engages and locks onto a protrusion 23 provided on the receptacle body 21, thereby securing the fiber optic connector 10 to the receptacle 20. The latch 13 is formed as a cantilever arm extending from the connector body 11. This cantilever structure provides flexibility, allowing the latch to deflect outward when mating the fiber optic connector 10 with the receptacle 20. As the connector advances, the angled leading edge of the latch 13 contacts the protrusion 23 on the receptacle body 21, causing the latch to bend away from the connector axis. Once the front end of the latch 13 passes over the protrusion 23, the inherent spring force of the cantilever arm returns the latch 13 to its original position, snapping behind the protrusion 23. This engagement creates a secure mechanical lock that prevents axial displacement and ensures precise alignment between the connector and receptacle. The cantilever design also facilitates easy release by applying a controlled force to deflect the latch outward, enabling quick disengaging without damaging components.

[0056] To release the connector 10 from the receptacle 20, the tool 30 is inserted by positioning its release end 32 into the receiving space 1 lb and placing it beneath the latch 13 to disengage the latch 13 from the protrusion 23. The latch 13 is deflected outward as a tab 32b of the release end 32 contacts and lifts a projection 13b of latch 13 adjacent to its front end. The projection 13b includes an angled leading edge that facilitates lifting the latch 13. As the latch 13 deflects, the latch 13 clears the protrusion 23, allowing the fiber optic connector 10 to be withdrawn from the receptacle 20. Subsequently, the guide pins 12 disengages from the receiving holes 22. The cantilever design ensures that the latch returns to its original position after the force is removed.Docket No. C01022W001 8

[0057] The material of the connector carrier and receptacle carrier may be selected from a group of glass, silicon or polymer that is optically transparent to the working wavelength of the intended optical signals between the optical fibers and I / O ports of waveguides. To reduce reflectivity, anti- reflective (AR) coating may be applied to the connector carrier and receptacle carrier. The application of AR coating further contributes to overall system reliability by reducing back- reflection that could interfere with signal integrity.

[0058] FIGS. 5A and 5B schematically illustrate a fiber optic connector 100 and a receptacle 200 in accordance with another embodiment of the present disclosure. The fiber optic connector 100 includes a connector body 110, a pair of guide pins 120 and a latch 130. The guide pins 120 and latch 130 extend from the main body 11 along the insertion direction and the latch 130 is provided between the guide pins 120. One of ordinary skill in the art would recognize that alternative guiding means may be employed in place of guide pins without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

[0059] The receptacle 200 includes a receptacle body 210 having a pair of receiving holes 220 that are configured to receive the pair of guide pins of the connector 100. The receptacle 200 is attached to a substrate 400 and mounted with respect to the external optical interface disposed on the substrate 400.

[0060] A tool 300 for mating and unmating the fiber optic connector 10 and receptacle 20 is shown in FIG. 5B. The tool 300 has an insertion end 310 configured to assist in mating the connector 100 with receptacle 200 and a release end 320 configured to disengage the connector 100 from the receptacle 200. The tool 300 has a similar structure to that of the tool 30 described in the previous embodiment; therefore, its detailed explanation is omitted for brevity.

[0061] Referring to FIG. 6, the fiber optic connector 100 includes a pin keeper 180 configured to hold the pair of guide pins 120 and a fiber block 140 configured to hold a fiber group having multiple fibers. The fiber group may be configured as a 2-D array of optical fibers and the same fiber group as the fiber group 15 shown in FIGS. 2 A and 2B.

[0062] Unlike the previous embodiment, the fiber block 140 includes lenses that are integrated with the fiber block 140 to form a unitary structure. In this example, the lenses are integrally formed with the fiber block, whereas in other examples, the lenses may be fabricated as a separate layer and subsequently adhered to the fiber block. The lens (not shown) functions the same as the lens 16b of previous embodiment and is configured to collimate the light beam emitted from the optical fiber and / or focus a light beam to the core region of the optical fiber.

[0063] In this example, an additional pair of guide pins serves as passive alignment feature to enable demountable mating and unmating between the fiber optic connector 100 and receptacle 200. The substrate 400 is provided with a pair of grooves 420 configured to receive the pair ofDocket No. C01022W001 9guide pins 290 of the receptacle 200. The dimension and geometry of the groove 420 are sufficient to securely retain the guide pin 290 received. The guide pins 290 may have a portion mounted to the substrate 400 using an adhesive, such as epoxy, and cooperate with complementary structures of the fiber block 140 for alignment (as further explained below).

[0064] The receptacle 200 includes a receptacle block 240 having lenses (not shown) on its front surface and a prism 260 oppositely arranged and configured to redirect the direction of incoming light beams. The lenses and the prism may be integrally formed with the receptacle block or provided as separate components adapted to be connected together. When the receptacle 200 is attached to the substrate 400, the prism 260 deflects the incoming light beam by approximately 90 degrees. Similar to the prism 26c of the previous embodiment, the light beam enters the receptacle block 240 through its lenses and propagates within the receptacle block 240 until the light beam reaches the prism 260. The prism 260 then deflects the light beam by approximately 90 degrees toward the external optical interface disposed on the substrate. Conversely, the light beam originating from the external optical interface is similarly redirected by the prim 260 towards the lenses of the receptacle 200 and subsequently enters the lenses of the connectors 100. The lenses on the fiber block and receptacle block are configured to be in optical alignment to transmit the optical signal between optical fibers and I / O ports of the external optical interface the substrate. Simply speaking, the prism is bidirectionally configured to redirect light received from the fiber array toward the external optical interface and to redirect light received from the external optical interface toward the fiber array. This bidirectional light path enables efficient optical coupling between the fiber array and the external optical interface while maintaining a compact form factor within the receptacle.

[0065] Referring to FIGS.7A and 7B, the connector body 110 is provided with V-rails 113 on the inner surfaces of its sidewalls to maintain the fiber block 140 within the connector body 110. Correspondingly, the fiber block 140 is provided with V-groove on its side surfaces to cooperate with the rails 113. The connector body 110 also includes a flexible arm 119 positioned between the latch 130 and fiber block 140. The flexible arm 119 is configured to press the fiber block 140 beneath to engage the guide pins of the receptacle. In particular, the fiber block 140 includes grooves 141 on its bottom surface, configured to receive the guide pins 290 of the receptacle 200, facilitating alignment of the connector 100 with the receptacle 200.

[0066] The latch 130 has a similar structure to that of latch 13 explained in the previous embodiment; therefore, its detailed explanation is omitted for brevity.

[0067] In this embodiment, a different passive alignment feature is used to align the fiber optic connector 100 and receptacle 200. In particular, each of the fiber optic connector 100 and receptacle 200 is provided with the guide pins 120, 290 to ensure the lenses of the connector 100Docket No. C01022W001 10and receptacle 200 are in axial and optical alignment for signal transmission between optical fibers and I / O ports of the substrate. One of ordinary skill in the art would recognize that alternative guiding means may be employed in place of guide pins without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

[0068] FIG. 8 schematically illustrates an alternative example of the fiber optic connector and receptacle of FIG. 5A. In this example, the passive alignment feature is solely provided on the fiber optic connector 100' while the receptacle 200' does not include such alignment feature. The fiber optic connector 100' has the same structure as the fiber optic connector 100 and includes a pair of guide pins 120'. The receptacle 200' has the same structure as the receptacle 200, except the receptacle 200' does not include guide feature. Therefore, the detailed explanations of the fiber optic connector 100' and receptacle 200' will be omitted for brevity.

[0069] The material of the fiber block and receptacle block may be selected from a group of glass, silicon or polymer that is optically transparent to the working wavelength of the intended optical signals between the optical fibers and I / O ports of waveguides. To reduce reflectivity, anti- reflective (AR) coating may be applied to the connector carrier and receptacle carrier. The application of AR coating further contributes to overall system reliability by reducing back- reflection that could interfere with signal integrity.

[0070] FIGS. 9 A and 9B schematically show a fiber optic connector 1000 and a receptacle 2000 according to yet another embodiment of the present disclosure. The fiber optic connector 1000 includes a connector body 1100, a pair of guide pins 1200 and a cover 1700. The guide pins 1200 extends from the main body 1100 forward along the insertion direction. A pin keeper 1800 is provided to hold the guide pins 1200 in place. The fiber optic connector 1000 is provided with a fiber block 1400 holding a fiber group 1500 having multiple fibers.

[0071] The receptacle 2000 includes a receptacle body 2100 having a pair of receiving holes 2200 that are configured to receive the pair of guide pins 1200 of the connector 1000. Unlike the previous embodiments, the receptacle 2000 is provided with a latch 2300 having a window 2320 adjacent to its front end. The latch 2300 may be made of metal to provide the required elasticity. The receptacle 2000 includes a fiber block 2400 holding a fiber group 2500. In this example, the receptacle 2000 may function as “female fiber optic connector”, while the fiber optic connector 1000 may function as “male fiber optic connector.”

[0072] The fiber groups 1500 and 2500 support the same 2-D array of optical fibers. That is, the number of fibers of fiber array 1500 is the same as that of fiber array 2500. The fibers may be grouped in various sizes and may include 80 or more fibers. In some examples, the fibers may be configured in single rows or two rows. Meanwhile, the fiber blocks 1400 and 2400 are each provided with precisely machined V-grooves that securely hold the optical fibers in place. TheDocket No. C01022W001 11connector body 1100 and receptacle body 2100 may each include precisely machined V-grooves at the surface facing the fiber blocks 1400 and 2400 to cooperate with their respective fiber blocks to retain the fiber groups 1500 and 2500. The fibers may be bonded between the connector body / receptacle body and the fiber block by an adhesive. This configuration ensures that the fibers of the connector 1000 and the receptacle 2000 are accurately positioned and maintained in axial alignment, thereby minimizing insertion loss and optimizing optical signal transmission.

[0073] A tool 3000 for mating and unmating the fiber optic connector 1000 and receptacle 200 has an insertion end 3100 configured to assist in mating the connector 1000 with receptacle 2000 and a release end 3200 configured to release the connector 1000 from the receptacle 2000. When permitted, the connector 1000 and the receptacle 2000 may alternatively be manually mated without the use of the tool 3000.

[0074] The connector body 1100 also includes a protrusion 1120 configured to be received in the window 2320 of the latch 2300. A cover 1700 is provided and snap-fitted onto the connector body 1100 from its top side.

[0075] Now referring to FIGS. 10A and 10B, when the connector 1000 and the adapter 2000 are mated by inserting the guide pins 1200 of the connector 1000 into the holes 2200 of the adapter 2000, the fiber groups 1500 and 2500 are precisely aligned by matching the axis of each fiber in the fiber group 1500 with the corresponding axis of the fibers in the fiber group 2500. The front end of the latch 2300 passes over the protrusion 1120 on the connector body 1100, and the protrusion 1120 is engaged within the window 2320 of the latch. This engagement securely locks the connector 1000 to the receptacle 2000, thereby preventing accidental disconnection.

[0076] To disconnect the connector 1000 and the adapter 2000, the release end 3200 of the tool 3000 is inserted into the connector 1000 to disengage the front end of the latch 2300 from the protrusion 1130 by lifting the front end of the latch 2300. As the latch 2300 deflects, the latch 2300 clears the protrusion 1130, allowing the fiber optic connector 1000 to be moved away from the receptacle 2000. The latch 2300 is similar to the latch 13, thus its detailed explanation is omitted for brevity.

[0077] It will be understood that the embodiments described herein are provided by way of example only and are not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure. Various modifications, substitutions, and variations may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims. All such alternatives and equivalents are considered to fall within the scope of this disclosure

[0078] It will be understood by those within the art that, in general, terms used herein, and especially in the appended claims (for example, bodies of the appended claims) are generally intended as “open” terms (for example, the term “including” should be interpreted as “includingDocket No. C01022W001 12but not limited to,” the term “having” should be interpreted as “having at least,” the term “includes” should be interpreted as “includes but is not limited to,” et cetera). While various compositions, methods, and devices are described in terms of “comprising” various components or steps (interpreted as meaning “including, but not limited to”), the compositions, methods, and devices can also “consist essentially of’ or “consist of’ the various components and steps, and such terminology should be interpreted as defining essentially closed-member groups. It will be further understood by those within the art that if a specific number of an introduced claim recitation is intended, such an intent will be explicitly recited in the claim, and in the absence of such recitation no such intent is present. For example, as an aid to understanding, the following appended claims may contain usage of the introductory phrases "at least one" and "one or more" to introduce claim recitations. However, the use of such phrases should not be construed to imply that the introduction of a claim recitation by the indefinite articles "a" or "an" limits any particular claim containing such introduced claim recitation to embodiments containing only one such recitation, even when the same claim includes the introductory phrases "one or more" or "at least one" and indefinite articles such as "a" or "an" (for example, “a” and / or “an” should be interpreted to mean “at least one” or “one or more”); the same holds true for the use of definite articles used to introduce claim recitations. In addition, even if a specific number of an introduced claim recitation is explicitly recited, those skilled in the art will recognize that such recitation should be interpreted to mean at least the recited number (for example, the bare recitation of "two recitations," without other modifiers, means at least two recitations, or two or more recitations). Furthermore, in those instances where a convention analogous to “at least one of A, B, and C, et cetera” is used, in general such a construction is intended in the sense one having skill in the art would understand the convention (for example, “a system having at least one of A, B, and C” would include but not be limited to systems that have A alone, B alone, C alone, A and B together, A and C together, B and C together, and / or A, B, and C together, et cetera). In those instances where a convention analogous to “at least one of A, B, or C, et cetera” is used, in general such a construction is intended in the sense one having skill in the art would understand the convention (for example, “a system having at least one of A, B, or C” would include but not be limited to systems that have A alone, B alone, C alone, A and B together, A and C together, B and C together, and / or A, B, and C together, et cetera).Docket No. C01022W001 13

Claims

Claims:

1. A receptacle for mating with a fiber optic connector and for mounting with respect to an external optical interface disposed on a substrate, comprising: a receptacle body having a front end and rear end; and a carrier connected to the receptacle body and including a lens array having a plurality of lenses, wherein the receptacle includes a plurality of passive alignment features configured to engage complementary alignment features of the mating fiber optic connector.

2. The receptacle of claim 1, wherein the plurality of passive alignment features includes a plurality of elastic average features provided on the carrier.

3. The receptacle of claim 2, wherein the plurality of elastic average features is integral with the carrier.

4. The receptacle of claim 3, wherein the carrier includes a prism configured to deflect an incoming light beam at a predetermined angle.

5. The receptacle of claim 4, wherein the predetermined angle is approximately 90 degrees.

6. The receptacle of claim 4, wherein the prism is bidirectionally configured to redirect light beam received from the fiber optic connector toward the external optical interface and to redirect light beam received from the external optical interface toward the fiber optic connector.

7. The receptacle of claim 4, wherein the prism is configured to redirect the light beam by total internal reflection at an internal face of the prism.

8. The receptacle of claim 4, wherein the prism comprises a right-angle prism.

9. The receptacle of claim 5, wherein the prism is integral with the carrier or provided as a separate component operatively coupled to the carrier.

10. The receptacle of claim 1, wherein the plurality of passive alignment features includes a pair of guides or complementary structures adapted to engage a pair of guides.

11. A fiber optic connector for demountable coupling to a receptacle on a substrate, comprising:Docket No. C01022W001 14a connector body having a front end and a rear end; a fiber array accommodated within the connector body and having a fiber block holding a plurality of fibers; a carrier connected to the fiber array and including a lens array having a plurality of lenses, each lens arranged in a path of optical alignment with each fiber; and a latch extending from front end of the connector body and configured to releasably lock the fiber optic connector to the receptacle, wherein the fiber optic connector includes a plurality of passive alignment features configured to engage complementary alignment features of the receptacle.

12. The fiber optic connector of claim 11, wherein the passive alignment features include a pair of guides protruding from the front end of the connector body.

13. The fiber optic connector of claim 12, wherein the passive alignment features include elastic averaging features provided on the carrier.

14. The fiber optic connector of claim 13, wherein the plurality of fibers is configured in a 2-D array of arrangement.

15. The fiber optic connector of any of claims 11-14, wherein the fiber block includes a top lid and bottom lid, and at least one of the top lid and bottom lid is provided with grooves to retain fibers.

16. The fiber optic connector of claim 15, wherein the plurality of fibers is connected to at least one of the top lid and bottom lid by an adhesive.

17. The fiber optic connector of claim 16, wherein the top lid is integral to the connector body.

18. The fiber optic connector of claim 12, further comprising an additional pair of guides or complementary structures adapted to engage a pair of guides.

19. The fiber optic connector of claim 15, wherein an axis of each lens is aligned with that of each fiber.Docket No. C01022W001 1520. The fiber optic connector of claim 15, wherein the carrier and the fiber array are integrally formed as one unit.Docket No. C01022W001 16

Images