Optical waveguide-to-fiber coupling apparatus, optical module, circuit board assembly, and communication device

Abstract

Provided are an optical waveguide-to-fiber coupling apparatus (30), an optical module (20), a circuit board assembly and a communication device (100). The optical waveguide-to-fiber coupling apparatus (30) comprises: a base stage (25), an optical waveguide (24), an optical fiber (23) and a coupling component (31). The optical waveguide (24) is disposed on the base stage (25), and the coupling component (31) is used for coupling a signal of the optical waveguide (24) to the optical fiber (23). The optical waveguide (24) comprises a waveguide end face (A), the optical fiber (23) comprises an optical fiber end face (B), and the coupling component (31) comprises a first part (01) and a second part (02). The first part (01) is connected to the waveguide end face (A), the second part (02) is connected to the optical fiber end face (B), and the second part (02) is removably disposed on the base stage (25) by means of a plug-in structure (33). By using the coupling component (31), low-cost and high-efficiency detachable coupling assembly between the optical waveguide (24) and the optical fiber (23) is realized.

Description

Optical waveguide fiber coupling device, optical module, circuit board assembly and communication device

[0001] The present application claims priority to the Chinese patent application No. 202510063773.2, filed on January 14, 2025, and entitled "Optical waveguide fiber coupling device, optical module, circuit board assembly and communication device", the content of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. TECHNICAL FIELD

[0002] Embodiments of the present application relate to the field of optical communication, and in particular to an optical waveguide fiber coupling device, an optical module, a circuit board assembly and a communication device. BACKGROUND

[0003] With the development of optical communication technology, optical communication systems are increasingly widely used. An optical communication system includes a plurality of communication devices for transmitting optical signals. The requirements for the optical signal transmission effect of the communication devices are increasingly high. The communication device can include an optical module and a control module. The optical module is the core of the communication device, and determines the optical signal transmission effect of the communication device.

[0004] The optical module can include an optoelectronic device (such as an optical chip) and an optical waveguide. For an integrated optical waveguide device, a key problem to achieve communication between the device and an external optical system is the input and output of optical signals. In particular, when the light-emitting efficiency of silicon does not meet the practical requirements, a light source needs to be introduced from the outside of the optical waveguide using an optical fiber. However, due to the strong binding ability of the optical waveguide to the optical field, the mode spot size is about 100 nanometers when single-mode transmission is used, and the mode field shape is usually elliptical. The ordinary optical fiber has weak binding ability to the optical field, and the mode spot size is generally about 10 microns when single-mode transmission is used, and the mode field shape is circular. At this time, when the optical waveguide and the optical fiber are directly coupled, there is a huge difference in the mode spot size, and the mode field shapes are also severely mismatched. At the same time, the refractive index difference between the two interfaces during coupling will also introduce additional Fresnel reflection loss, so the direct coupling of the two has very low efficiency. Therefore, developing an optical waveguide and optical fiber coupling device with high coupling efficiency, simplicity, effectiveness, low device requirements and packaging cost has very important practical significance for the practicality of integrated optical waveguide devices. SUMMARY

[0005] Embodiments of the present application provide an optical waveguide fiber coupling device, an optical module, a circuit board assembly and a communication device, which realize low-cost and high-efficiency detachable coupling assembly of the optical waveguide and the optical fiber, reduce the alignment accuracy requirement when the optical waveguide and the optical fiber are coupled, and improve the optical transmission effect in the optical module.

[0006] To achieve the above-mentioned purpose, embodiments of the present application adopt the following technical solutions:

[0007] A first aspect of this application provides an optical waveguide-fiber coupling device, comprising: a base, an optical waveguide, an optical fiber, and a coupling device. The optical waveguide is disposed on the base, and the coupling device is used to couple a signal from the optical waveguide to the optical fiber, or vice versa. Specifically, the optical waveguide includes a waveguide end face, the optical fiber includes an optical fiber end face, and the coupling device includes a first part and a second part. The first part is connected to the waveguide end face, and the second part is connected to the optical fiber end face. The second part is removably disposed on the base via a plug-in structure.

[0008] The optical waveguide-fiber coupling device provided in this application embodiment has a base for supporting the optical waveguide and coupling device. The coupling device includes a first part and a second part, the second part being removably mounted on the base via a plug-in structure. The coupling device transforms the coupling and alignment between the optical waveguide and the optical fiber into the coupling and alignment of the first and second parts of the coupling device. The plug-in structure allows the second part to be removed from the base, enabling efficient assembly of the first and second parts. The first part of the coupling device is connected to the waveguide end face, and the second part is connected to the optical fiber end face, thus achieving coupling between the optical waveguide and the optical fiber. When an optical signal is output, the optical signal originates from the optical waveguide and is coupled to the optical fiber through the coupling device. When an optical signal is input, the optical signal originates from the optical fiber and is coupled to the optical waveguide through the coupling device. Therefore, the optical waveguide-fiber coupling device provided in this application embodiment can achieve low-cost, high-efficiency, detachable coupling assembly of the optical waveguide and optical fiber.

[0009] In some embodiments, the plug-in structure includes at least one positioning hole and at least one positioning post, with the positioning post extending into the positioning hole; one of the positioning hole or the positioning post is disposed on the base, and the other is disposed on the second part. In this way, with the positioning post extending into the positioning hole, the second part and the base can be positioned and assembled through the positioning hole and the positioning post. Since the optical waveguide is disposed on the base, and the first part is connected to the waveguide end face of the optical waveguide, the positioning and assembly of the second part and the base also indirectly achieves the positioning and assembly of the second part and the first part. In some examples, the positioning hole is disposed on the base, and the positioning post is disposed on the second part. In other examples, the positioning hole is disposed on the second part, and the positioning post is disposed on the base.

[0010] In one possible implementation, at least one positioning hole includes a first positioning hole and a second positioning hole; the first positioning hole and the second positioning hole are arranged along a first direction; the first direction is parallel to the extension direction of the optical fiber; at least one positioning post includes a first positioning post and a second positioning post; the first positioning post and the second positioning post are arranged along the first direction; the first positioning post extends into the first positioning hole; the second positioning post extends into the second positioning hole. In this way, two or more sets of positioning holes and positioning posts can also achieve a fixing effect. The arrangement of the first positioning hole and the second positioning hole along the first direction, and the arrangement of the first positioning post and the second positioning post along the first direction, allows the second part to be fixed in the first direction and to the base.

[0011] In some embodiments, the optical waveguide fiber coupling device further includes a limiting structure for preventing the second portion from moving along a second direction perpendicular to the extension direction of the optical fiber. In this way, the limiting structure can prevent the second portion from moving along the second direction, thus fixing the second portion to the base in the second direction.

[0012] In one possible implementation, the limiting structure includes a first baffle, a second baffle, a first elastic member, and a second elastic member. The first and second baffles are disposed on the base and arranged along a second direction. The first elastic member is disposed on the sidewall of the second portion opposite to the first baffle, and abuts against the first baffle. The second elastic member is disposed on the sidewall of the second portion opposite to the second baffle, and abuts against the second baffle. In this way, during operation, the first elastic member abuts against the first baffle, and the second elastic member abuts against the second baffle, making the fixation between the second portion and the base more secure. When removal is required, applying external force to the first and second elastic members allows the second portion to be removed from the base.

[0013] In some embodiments, the second portion includes a first fiber core and a first cladding. The first cladding covers the first fiber core and is disposed on the substrate via a plug-in structure. The first fiber core includes a first end and a second end opposite to each other. The first end is used for coupling with the first portion, and the second end is connected to the fiber end face. In this way, since the structure transmitting optical signals in the optical fiber is also the fiber core, at the fiber end face, the coupling between the optical waveguide and the optical fiber becomes the coupling between the fiber core of the second portion and the fiber core of the optical fiber. Since there is no difference in refractive index between the fiber core and the fiber core of the second portion, optical loss can be reduced and coupling tolerance improved.

[0014] In some embodiments, the first part includes a first lens connected to the waveguide end face; the second part further includes a second lens connected to the first end, the second lens being used for coupling with the first lens. In this way, at the waveguide end face, optical signals can propagate between the first fiber core and the optical waveguide through the first and second lenses. In some examples, the first lens is integrated onto the waveguide end face using laser printing, and the second lens is integrated onto the first end of the first fiber core using laser printing. Because the precision of laser printing can reach within hundreds of micrometers, the first lens can be precisely integrated onto the waveguide end face, and the second lens can be precisely integrated onto the first end of the first fiber core.

[0015] In some embodiments, the distance between the first lens and the second lens is less than 100 micrometers. This results in a more compact structure for the optical waveguide fiber coupling device, improving space utilization and enabling better high-speed, high-density spatial transmission.

[0016] In some embodiments, there are multiple optical waveguides, multiple first fiber cores, and multiple optical fibers. The waveguide end faces of the multiple optical waveguides are connected to multiple first lenses in a one-to-one correspondence. The fiber end faces of the multiple optical fibers are coupled to the second ends of the multiple first fiber cores in a one-to-one correspondence. The first ends of the multiple first fiber cores are connected to multiple second lenses in a one-to-one correspondence. The multiple first lenses are coupled to the multiple second lenses in a one-to-one correspondence. This allows for applications where multiple optical waveguides are coupled to multiple optical fibers, achieving low-cost, high-efficiency detachable coupling assembly between multiple optical waveguides and multiple optical fibers.

[0017] In some embodiments, the first part includes a polymer waveguide and a second fiber core. The polymer waveguide includes opposing first and second sides. The first side is connected to the waveguide end face. The second fiber core includes opposing third and fourth ends, with the third end connected to the second side. The fourth end is coupled to the first end. In this way, at the waveguide end face, optical signals can propagate between the first fiber core and the optical waveguide via the second fiber core and the polymer waveguide. The coupling between the waveguide end face and the first fiber core becomes coupling between the first and second fiber cores. In some examples, the first side of the polymer waveguide is connected to the waveguide end face using a 3D printing method, and the second side of the polymer waveguide is connected to the third end of the second fiber core using a 3D printing method.

[0018] In some embodiments, the polymer waveguide material includes a photosensitive resin and a photoinitiator. This allows the polymer waveguide material to undergo a liquid-solid transition under the influence of a laser, tightly adhering to the waveguide end face and the third end of the second fiber core. This enables optical signals to propagate normally between the second fiber core and the waveguide end face.

[0019] In some embodiments, the waveguide-fiber coupling device further includes a substrate. The substrate is disposed on a platform, and the optical waveguide is disposed on the substrate. The substrate includes a groove structure for accommodating the polymer waveguide and the second fiber core. In this way, the groove structure can fix the position of the polymer waveguide and the second fiber core relative to the waveguide end face.

[0020] In some embodiments, the groove structure has a V-shaped cross-section, which is a surface perpendicular to the extension direction of the groove structure. This V-shaped groove structure can more stably fix the polymer waveguide and the second fiber core.

[0021] In some embodiments, there are multiple optical waveguides, multiple first fiber cores, and multiple optical fibers. The waveguide end faces of the multiple optical waveguides are connected one-to-one with the first sides of the multiple polymer waveguides; the second sides of the multiple polymer waveguides are connected one-to-one with the third ends of the multiple second fiber cores; the fiber end faces of the multiple optical fibers are coupled one-to-one with the second ends of the multiple first fiber cores; and the first ends of the multiple first fiber cores are coupled one-to-one with the fourth ends of the multiple second optical fibers. This allows for applications where multiple optical waveguides are coupled to multiple optical fibers, achieving low-cost, high-efficiency detachable coupling assembly between multiple optical waveguides and multiple optical fibers.

[0022] A second aspect of this application provides an optical module, comprising: an optoelectronic device, and at least one waveguide fiber coupling device of any of the types provided in the first aspect of this application; the optoelectronic device is connected to the optical waveguide of the waveguide fiber coupling device. This optical module has the same technical effects as the waveguide fiber coupling device provided in the foregoing embodiments, and will not be repeated here.

[0023] A third aspect of this application provides a circuit board assembly, including: a circuit board, and an optical module provided in the second aspect of this application.

[0024] A fourth aspect of this application provides a communication device, including: a control module, and a circuit board assembly provided in the third aspect of this application or an optical module provided in the second aspect of this application. The control module is used to control the optical module to receive and transmit light signals. Attached Figure Description

[0025] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of the structure of a communication device provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0026] Figure 2 is a schematic diagram of another communication device provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0027] Figure 3 is a schematic diagram of the structure of an optical module provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0028] Figure 4 is a schematic diagram of the structure of an optical fiber provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0029] Figure 5 is a schematic diagram of an optical fiber and optical fiber coupling structure provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0030] Figure 6 is a schematic diagram of another optical fiber and optical fiber coupling structure provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0031] Figure 7 is a schematic diagram of an optical waveguide and optical fiber coupling structure provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0032] Figure 8 is a schematic diagram of the structure of an optical waveguide fiber coupling device provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0033] Figure 9 is a schematic diagram of a plug-in structure provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0034] Figure 10 is a schematic diagram of another plug-in structure provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0035] Figure 11 is a schematic diagram of another plug-in structure provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0036] Figure 12 is a schematic diagram of a limiting structure provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0037] Figure 13 is a schematic diagram of the limiting structure shown in Figure 12 on the xy plane;

[0038] Figure 14 is a schematic diagram of the limiting structure shown in Figure 12 on the yz plane;

[0039] Figure 15 is a schematic diagram of a coupling device provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0040] Figure 16A is a schematic diagram of the structure of an optical waveguide fiber coupling device provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0041] Figure 16B is a schematic diagram of the structure of an optical waveguide fiber coupling device provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0042] Figure 17A is a schematic diagram of another optical waveguide fiber coupling device provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0043] Figure 17B is a schematic diagram of another optical waveguide fiber coupling device provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0044] Figure 18 is a view of Figure 17A on the xz plane;

[0045] Figure 19A is a schematic diagram of another optical waveguide fiber coupling device provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0046] Figure 19B is a schematic diagram of another optical waveguide fiber coupling device provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0047] Figure 20 is a view of Figure 19A on the xz plane.

[0048] Reference numerals: 100-Communication equipment; 10-Equipment body; 11-Control module; 111-ASCI chip; 112-Retimer chip; 113-DSP chip; 12-Optical module interface; 13-Circuit board; 14-Substrate; 20-Optical module; 21-Housing; 22-Optoelectronic device; 23-Fiber optic cable; 231-First fiber optic cable; 232-Second fiber optic cable; B-Fiber optic end face; 24-Optical waveguide; A-Waveguide end face; 30-Optical waveguide fiber coupling structure; 31-Coupling structure; 33-Plug-in / plug-out structure; 331-Positioning hole; 3311-First positioning hole; 3312-Second positioning hole; 332-Positioning post; 3321-First positioning post; 3322-Second positioning post; 34-Limiting structure; 3411-First baffle; 3412-Second baffle; 3421-First elastic element; 3422-Second elastic element. Detailed Implementation

[0049] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of this application clearer, the application will now be described in further detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0050] Hereinafter, the terms "first," "second," etc., are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly specifying the number of indicated technical features. Therefore, a feature defined with "first," "second," etc., may explicitly or implicitly include one or more of that feature. In the description of embodiments of this application, unless otherwise stated, "a plurality of" means two or more.

[0051] Furthermore, in the embodiments of this application, directional terms such as "upper" and "lower" are defined relative to the orientation in which the components are schematically placed in the accompanying drawings. It should be understood that these directional terms are relative concepts, used for relative description and clarification, and can change accordingly depending on the orientation in which the components are placed in the accompanying drawings.

[0052] With the development of optical communication technology, optical communication systems are being used more and more widely. An optical communication system includes multiple communication devices for transmitting optical signals, and the requirements for the optical signal transmission effect of these devices are becoming increasingly stringent.

[0053] Figure 1 shows a schematic diagram of a communication device 100 provided in an embodiment of this application. The communication device 100 may include a device body 10, an optical module 20, a control module 11, and an optical module interface 12. The optical module interface 12 is disposed on the panel of the device body 10. The optical module 20 is detachably connected to the device body 10 through the optical module interface 12. The control module 11 may include at least one of an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC) chip 111, a retimer chip 112, or a digital signal processing (DSP) chip 113. When the optical module 20 is connected to the device body 10 through the optical module interface 12, the DSP chip 113 and the retimer chip 112 are electrically connected, enabling signal transmission between the optical module 20 and the ASIC chip 111.

[0054] As port speeds continue to increase, single-channel electrical paths have evolved from 56G to 112G, then to 224G, and will eventually reach 448G. This leads to increased insertion loss in signal transmission between the optical module 20 and the ASIC chip 111, as shown in Figure 1, resulting in increased system power consumption and manufacturing costs.

[0055] Based on this, this application embodiment also provides another communication device 100, as shown in FIG2. The communication device 100 may include a device body 10, an optical module 20, and a control module 11. The optical module 20 and the control module 11 are integrated inside the device body 10. For example, the communication device 100 also includes a circuit board 13 and a substrate 14, and the control module 11 includes an ASIC chip 111. The ASIC chip 111 and the optical module 20 are disposed on the substrate 14, and the substrate 14 is disposed on the circuit board 13. Since the optical module 20 and the control module 11 are encapsulated inside the device body 10, the distance between the ASIC chip 111 and the optical module 20 is reduced, which can support higher speeds and lower power consumption.

[0056] In some embodiments, the control module 11 can control the operation of the optical module 20, such as controlling the optical module 20 to receive light and / or transmit light. For example, in a receiving device, the optical module 20 is an optical receiving module; in a transmitting device, the optical module 20 is an optical transmitting module; and in a transceiver device, the optical module 20 is a transceiver combined module.

[0057] In some embodiments, as shown in FIG3, FIG3 is a schematic diagram of the structure of an optical module provided in an embodiment of the present application. The optical module 20 may include a housing 21 and an optoelectronic device 22 disposed in the housing 21. The optical module 20 is the core of the communication device 100, and the light transmission effect in the optical module 20 can determine the optical signal transmission effect of the communication device 100. The optoelectronic device 22 is the core of the optical module 20 and is used to realize photoelectric conversion or electro-optical conversion functions. For example, the optoelectronic device 22 may include a light emitting chip (such as a laser chip). The light emitting chip can convert electrical signals into optical signals. For example, the optoelectronic device 22 may include a light receiving chip (such as a detector chip). The light receiving chip can convert optical signals into electrical signals.

[0058] In some embodiments, continuing as shown in FIG3, the optical module 20 further includes an optical fiber 23 and an optical waveguide 24. One end of the optical waveguide 24 is connected to the optoelectronic device 22, and the other end of the optical waveguide 24 is connected to the optical fiber 23. Optical signals are transmitted between the external optical system and the optoelectronic device 22 through the optical fiber 23 and the optical waveguide 24.

[0059] However, due to the strong confinement ability of the optical waveguide 24 to the optical field, its mode spot size is approximately on the order of hundreds of nanometers and its mode field shape is usually elliptical during single-mode transmission. In contrast, the optical fiber 23 has a weaker ability to confine the optical field, and its mode spot size is generally about 10 micrometers and its mode field shape is circular during single-mode transmission. When the optical waveguide and the optical fiber are directly coupled, there is not only a huge difference in mode spot size, but also a severe mismatch in their mode field shapes.

[0060] Furthermore, there is a difference in refractive index between optical fiber 23 and optical waveguide 24. When optical fiber 23 and optical waveguide 24 are directly coupled, the difference in refractive index on both sides of the interface between them causes Fresnel reflection when light strikes this interface, resulting in very low coupling efficiency and significant optical loss. Due to structural design limitations, positioning errors in optical fiber 23 and optical waveguide 24 also affect their coupling efficiency. Positioning errors include, for example, aperture errors and positional errors caused by process variations during the assembly of optical fiber 23 and optical waveguide 24.

[0061] In some embodiments, as shown in Figure 4, which illustrates the structure of an optical fiber 23, the optical fiber 23 includes a core, a cladding, and a plastic sheath. The core serves as the channel for light transmission. The coupling between optical fibers, i.e., the coupling between fiber cores, not only results in similar mode spot sizes and matching mode field shapes, but also eliminates refractive index differences, leading to higher coupling tolerance and reducing Fresnel effects. Furthermore, alignment between optical fibers is easier to achieve, resulting in higher positioning accuracy and smaller positioning errors, which is also a significant reason for the higher coupling tolerance between optical fibers. For example, as shown in Figure 5, the first optical fiber 231 and the second optical fiber 232 are directly coupled in contact. For example, as shown in Figure 6, the first optical fiber 231 and the second optical fiber 232 are coupled through a lens.

[0062] In some embodiments, as shown in FIG7, optical fiber 23 and optical waveguide 24 are coupled through a lens. The end of optical fiber 23 near optical waveguide 24 is the optical fiber end face, and the end of optical waveguide 24 near optical fiber 23 is the waveguide end face. The portion of the optical fiber end face that can be used to transmit optical signals is the optical fiber port, and the portion of the waveguide end face that can be used to transmit optical signals is the waveguide port. In related technologies, the lens is integrated onto the waveguide end face or optical fiber end face by bonding. The bonding process requires precise control of the center alignment of the waveguide port, optical fiber port, and lens, which is complex and requires high precision.

[0063] Furthermore, the alignment of the waveguide endface and the fiber endface requires the assistance of positioning and fixing structures. These positioning and fixing structures often have strict time requirements, and their overall structure is complex, resulting in high manufacturing costs.

[0064] To improve the coupling efficiency of optical fiber 23 and optical waveguide 24 and reduce the processing cost of coupling between them, this application provides an optical waveguide-optical fiber coupling device. This device enables detachable coupling between optical fiber 23 and optical waveguide 24, thereby reducing the processing cost. By converting the coupling between the optical waveguide and the optical fiber into coupling between optical fibers, the alignment accuracy requirements during coupling between optical fiber 23 and optical waveguide 24 are reduced, improving the optical transmission effect in the optical module.

[0065] As shown in Figure 8, Figure 8 illustrates an optical waveguide fiber coupling device 30 provided in an embodiment of this application. This example optical waveguide fiber coupling device 30 includes: an optical fiber 23, an optical waveguide 24, a base 25, and a coupling device 31. The optical waveguide 24 is disposed on the base 25. The coupling device 31 is used to couple signals from the optical waveguide 24 to the optical fiber 23, or to couple signals from the optical fiber 23 to the optical waveguide 24.

[0066] The optical waveguide 24 includes a waveguide end face A, the optical fiber 23 includes an optical fiber end face B, and the coupling device 31 includes a first part 01 and a second part 02. The first part 01 is connected to the waveguide end face A, and the second part 02 is connected to the optical fiber end face B. The second part 02 is removable from the base 25 via a plug-in structure 33.

[0067] The optical waveguide-fiber coupling device 30 provided in this application embodiment includes a coupling device 31 comprising a first part 01 and a second part 02. The first part 01 of the coupling device 31 is connected to the waveguide end face A, and the second part 02 is connected to the fiber end face B, thereby realizing the coupling between the optical waveguide 24 and the optical fiber 23. When an optical signal is output, the optical signal originates from the optical waveguide 24 and is coupled to the optical fiber 23 through the coupling device 31. When an optical signal is input, the optical signal originates from the optical fiber 23 and is coupled to the optical waveguide 24 through the coupling device 31.

[0068] Furthermore, the second part 02 is removably mounted on the base 25 via a plug-in structure 33, which allows the second part 02 to be removed from the base 25, enabling efficient assembly of the first part 01 and the second part 02. Therefore, the optical waveguide fiber coupling device 30 provided in this embodiment can achieve low-cost, high-efficiency detachable coupling assembly of the optical waveguide 24 and the optical fiber 23.

[0069] For ease of explanation, an xyz coordinate system is established in Figure 8. The first direction x is parallel to the extension direction of fiber optic cable 23, the second direction y is perpendicular to the extension direction of fiber optic cable 23, and the third direction z is parallel to the height direction of the base plate 25. The third direction z is perpendicular to the first direction x and the second direction y. The coordinate system definitions in subsequent figures are similar and will not be repeated.

[0070] The plug-in structure 33 provided in this embodiment is used to position the relative positions of the second part 02 and the base 25. The plug-in structure 33 can achieve various structures.

[0071] Figure 9 illustrates a plug-in structure 33 according to an example of this application. The plug-in structure 33 includes at least one positioning hole 331 and at least one positioning post 332, the positioning post 332 extending into the positioning hole 331. One of the positioning hole 331 or the positioning post 332 is disposed on the base 25, and the other is disposed on the second portion 02. In some examples, the positioning hole 331 is disposed on the base 25, and the positioning post 332 is disposed on the second portion 02. In other examples, the positioning hole 331 is disposed on the second portion 02, and the positioning post 332 is disposed on the base 25.

[0072] When the positioning post 332 of the plug-in structure 33 extends into the positioning hole 331, the second part 02 and the base 25 can be positioned and assembled through the positioning hole 331 and the positioning post 332. Since the optical waveguide 24 is set on the base 25, and the first part 01 is connected to the waveguide end face A of the optical waveguide 24, the positioning and assembly of the second part 02 and the base 25 also indirectly realizes the positioning and assembly of the second part 02 and the first part 01.

[0073] In one possible implementation, as shown in FIG10, is another implementation structure diagram of the plug-in structure 33 of this application example. The positioning holes 331 include a first positioning hole 3311 and a second positioning hole 3312, which are arranged along a first direction x. The positioning posts 332 include a first positioning post 3321 and a second positioning post 3322, which are also arranged along the first direction x. The first positioning post 3321 extends into the first positioning hole 3311, and the second positioning post 3322 extends into the second positioning hole 3312. Two or more sets of positioning holes 331 and positioning posts 332 can also achieve a fixing effect.

[0074] In some examples, as shown in Figure 11, which is a schematic diagram of the plug-in structure shown in Figure 10 in the xy plane, the first positioning post 3321 and the second positioning post 3322 have a first spacing dx along the first direction x, which allows the second part 02 to be fixed to the base 25 in the first direction x.

[0075] In other examples, as shown in Figure 11, the first positioning hole 331 and the second positioning hole 331 have a second spacing dy in the second direction y, which allows the second part 02 to be fixed in the second direction y and to the base 25.

[0076] In one possible implementation, as shown in Figure 10, the positioning post 332 is a frustum-shaped protrusion, and the positioning hole 331 is a frustum-shaped recess. The frustum-shaped positioning post 332 and the positioning hole 331 have gradually changing diameters. This design makes assembly and disassembly easier, improving assembly efficiency during assembly and reducing mold damage during disassembly.

[0077] In some embodiments, as shown in FIG12, it is a schematic diagram of a limiting structure 34 according to an example of this application. The optical waveguide fiber coupling device 30 further includes the limiting structure 34. The limiting structure 34 is used to prevent the second part 02 from moving along the second direction y. The limiting structure 34 can fix the second part 02 to the base 25 in the second direction y.

[0078] In one possible implementation, referring to the limiting structure 34 in Figures 11, 12, and 13, the limiting structure 34 includes a first baffle 3411, a second baffle 3412, a first elastic member 3421, and a second elastic member 3422. The first baffle 3411 and the second baffle 3412 are disposed on the base 25 and arranged along a second direction y. The first elastic member 3421 is disposed on the second portion of the sidewall opposite to the first baffle 3411, and abuts against the first baffle 3411. The second elastic member 3422 is disposed on the second portion of the sidewall opposite to the second baffle 3412, and abuts against the second baffle 3412.

[0079] In some examples, as shown in Figure 14, the limiting structure 34 in Figures 12 and 13 is illustrated in the yz plane. The first elastic element 3421 and the second elastic element 3422 can be springs. In this way, during operation, the first elastic element 3421 abuts against the first baffle 3411, and the second elastic element 3422 abuts against the second baffle 3412, making the fixation between the second part and the base more secure. When removal is required, applying external force to the first elastic element 3421 and the second elastic element 3422 removes the second part from the base.

[0080] In some examples, the first baffle 3411 and the second baffle 3412 may be protrusions on the base. In other examples, the first baffle 3411 and the second baffle 3412 may be plate-like structures mounted on the base.

[0081] In some embodiments, as shown in FIG15, a schematic diagram of a coupling device 31 provided in this application embodiment is presented. The second part 02 includes a first fiber core 021 and a first cladding 022. The first cladding 022 covers the first fiber core 021 and is disposed on the base via a plug-in structure 33. The first fiber core 021 includes a first end E1 and a second end E2 opposite to each other. The first end E1 is used for coupling with the first part 01, and the second end E2 is connected to the fiber end face B. Because the structure for transmitting optical signals in the optical fiber 23 is also a fiber core, at the fiber end face B, the coupling between the optical waveguide and the optical fiber 23 becomes the coupling between the first fiber core 021 and the fiber core of the optical fiber 23. The coupling between the fiber core of the optical fiber 23 and the first fiber core 021 not only has similar mode spot size and matching mode field shape, but also no difference in refractive index, which can reduce optical loss and improve coupling tolerance.

[0082] To enable optical signal transmission from an optical waveguide to an optical fiber via a coupling device, the coupling device can be implemented in various ways. Several possible implementations of the coupling device are shown below.

[0083] Figure 16A shows a schematic diagram of the structure that the coupling device can realize, which is an example of an optical waveguide fiber coupling device 30 in this application.

[0084] In some embodiments, as shown in FIG16A, the first part 01 includes a first lens 321, which is connected to the waveguide end face A; the second part 02 further includes a second lens 322, which is connected to the first end E1 and is used for coupling with the first lens 321. In this way, at the waveguide end face A, the optical signal can propagate between the first fiber core 021 and the optical waveguide 24 through the first lens 321 and the second lens 322.

[0085] In some examples, the first lens 321 is integrated onto the waveguide end face A using laser printing, and the second lens 322 is integrated onto the first end E1 of the first fiber core 021 using laser printing. Because the precision of laser printing can reach within 100 micrometers, the first lens 321 can be precisely integrated onto the waveguide end face A, and the second lens 322 can be precisely integrated onto the first end E1 of the first fiber core 021.

[0086] It should be noted that the connections in the embodiments of this application can be direct or indirect. Direct connections can be fixed or bonded. For example, the first lens 321 is bonded to the waveguide end face A, and the second lens 322 is bonded to the first end E1. Alternatively, the first lens 321 is fixedly connected to the waveguide end face A, and the second lens 322 is fixedly connected to the first end E1. Indirect connections can be made through a material, such as adhesive.

[0087] In one possible implementation, continuing as shown in Figure 16A, a gap D exists between the first lens 321 and the second lens 322, and the gap D can be less than 100 micrometers. In this case, the optical waveguide fiber coupling device has a more compact structural layout, which can improve space utilization and better achieve high-speed, high-density spatial transmission.

[0088] For example, the spacing D ranges from 40 to 60 micrometers. The first lens 321 and the second lens 322 are coupled, allowing the optical signal to propagate normally between them. For example, the spacing D can be 40 micrometers, 41 micrometers, 42 micrometers, 43 micrometers, 44 micrometers, 45 micrometers, 46 micrometers, 47 micrometers, 48 ​​micrometers, 49 micrometers, 50 micrometers, 51 micrometers, 52 micrometers, 53 micrometers, 54 micrometers, 55 micrometers, 56 micrometers, 57 micrometers, 58 micrometers, 59 micrometers, or 60 micrometers.

[0089] In some embodiments, there are multiple optical waveguides, multiple first fiber cores, and multiple optical fibers. For example, in Figure 16B, the optical waveguide-fiber coupling device includes three optical waveguides, three first fiber cores, and three optical fibers. The three optical waveguides are, for example, a first optical waveguide 241, a second optical waveguide 242, and a third optical waveguide 243. The three first fiber cores are, for example, a first first fiber core 0211, a second first fiber core 0212, and a third first fiber core 0213. The three optical fibers are, for example, a first optical fiber 231, a second optical fiber 232, and a third optical fiber 233.

[0090] The waveguide end face of the first optical waveguide 241 is connected to the first first lens 3211. The first first lens 3211 is coupled to the first second lens 3221. The first second lens 3221 is connected to the first end of the first first fiber core 0211. The second end of the first first fiber core 0211 is coupled to the first optical fiber 231.

[0091] The waveguide end face of the second optical waveguide 242 is connected to the second first lens 3212. The second first lens 3212 is coupled to the second second lens 3222. The second second lens 3222 is connected to the first end of the second first fiber core 0212. The second end of the second first fiber core 0212 is coupled to the second optical fiber 232.

[0092] The waveguide end face of the third optical waveguide 243 is connected to the third first lens 3213. The third first lens 3213 is coupled to the third second lens 3223. The third second lens 3223 is connected to the first end of the third first fiber core 0213. The second end of the third first fiber core 0213 is coupled to the third optical fiber 233.

[0093] This allows for applications where multiple optical waveguides 24 are coupled to multiple optical fibers 23, enabling low-cost and high-efficiency detachable coupling assembly between multiple optical waveguides 24 and multiple optical fibers 23.

[0094] Figure 17A shows another optical waveguide fiber coupling device 30 according to the present application, illustrating a schematic diagram of the structure that the coupling device can achieve.

[0095] In some embodiments, as shown in Figures 17A and 18, the first portion 01 includes a polymer waveguide 011 and a second fiber core 012. The polymer waveguide 011 includes a first side S1 and a second side S2 opposite to each other. The first side S1 is connected to the waveguide end face A. The second fiber core 012 includes a third end E3 and a fourth end E4 opposite to each other. The third end E3 is connected to the second side S2. The fourth end E4 is coupled to the first end E1.

[0096] In this way, at waveguide end face A, the optical signal can propagate between the second fiber core 012 and the polymer waveguide 011, and between the first fiber core 021 and the optical waveguide. The coupling between waveguide end face A and the first fiber core 021 becomes coupling between the first fiber core 021 and the second fiber core 012. In some examples, the first side S1 of the polymer waveguide 011 is connected to the waveguide end face A by 3D printing, and the second side S2 of the polymer waveguide 011 is connected to the third end E3 of the second fiber core 012 by 3D printing.

[0097] The polymer waveguide 011 can be made from a variety of materials, including photosensitive resin and photoinitiator. This allows the polymer waveguide 011 to undergo a liquid-solid transition under laser irradiation, tightly fitting the waveguide end face A and the third end E3 of the second fiber core 012. This enables the optical signal to propagate normally between the second fiber core 012 and the waveguide end face A.

[0098] Photosensitive resin is the core component of two-photon polymerized adhesives. Photosensitive resin is a liquid polymer material mainly composed of resin, monomers, crosslinking agents, and additives. Under irradiation with a laser of a specific wavelength, the photosensitive resin undergoes a polymerization reaction, leading to material curing. Commonly used photosensitive resins include polyurethane acrylate and polyimide acrylate.

[0099] Photoinitiators are key components for initiating the curing of photosensitive resins. They generate free radicals or ions under laser irradiation, thereby initiating the polymerization reaction of the resin. Based on their mechanism of action, photoinitiators can be classified into cationic initiators and free radical initiators. Cationic initiators include arylsulfonyl ketones and diaryliodonium salts, while free radical initiators include camphorquinone and benzoin ether.

[0100] In some examples, the polymer waveguide 011 may be suspended and connected to the waveguide 24 and the second fiber core 012. In other embodiments, the polymer waveguide 011 may be disposed on a support and connected to the waveguide 24 and the second fiber core 012.

[0101] In one possible implementation, as shown in Figures 19A and 20, the waveguide-fiber coupling device 30 further includes a substrate 35. The substrate 35 is disposed on the abutment 25, and the optical waveguide 24 is disposed on the substrate 35. The substrate 35 includes a groove structure 36 for accommodating the polymer waveguide 011 and the second fiber core 012. In this way, the groove structure 36 can fix the position of the polymer waveguide 011 and the second fiber core 012 relative to the waveguide end face A, achieving alignment between the optical waveguide 24, the polymer waveguide 011, and the second fiber core 012. In some examples, the substrate 35 is a silicon substrate.

[0102] The material of the substrate 35 is not limited in this application embodiment; the substrate 35 can be a metallic material. For example, the material of the substrate 35 is iron, ferromanganese, ferrosilicon, ferrochrome, ferrovanadium, steel, or carbon steel, etc.

[0103] In one possible implementation, the groove structure 36 has a V-shaped cross-section, which is a plane perpendicular to the extension direction (i.e., the first direction x) of the groove structure 36. In this way, the V-shaped groove structure 36 can provide a more stable second fiber core.

[0104] In one possible implementation, there are multiple optical waveguides 24, multiple first fiber cores 021, and multiple optical fibers 23. For example, in Figure 17B or Figure 19B, the optical waveguide-fiber coupling device includes three optical waveguides, three first fiber cores, and three optical fibers. The three optical waveguides are, for example, first optical waveguide 241, second optical waveguide 242, and third optical waveguide 243. The three first fiber cores are, for example, first first fiber core 0211, second first fiber core 0212, and third first fiber core 0213. The three optical fibers are, for example, first optical fiber 231, second optical fiber 232, and third optical fiber 233.

[0105] The waveguide end face of the first optical waveguide 241 is connected to the first side of the first polymer waveguide 0111, the second side of the first polymer waveguide 0111 is connected to the first second fiber core 0121, the first second fiber core 0121 is coupled to the first end of the first first fiber core 0211, and the second end of the first first fiber core 0211 is coupled to the first optical fiber 231.

[0106] The waveguide end face of the second optical waveguide 242 is connected to the first side of the second polymer waveguide 0112. The second side of the second polymer waveguide 0112 is connected to the second second fiber core 0122. The second second fiber core 0122 is coupled to the first end of the second first fiber core 0212. The second end of the second first fiber core 0212 is coupled to the second optical fiber 232.

[0107] The waveguide end face of the third optical waveguide 243 is connected to the first side of the third polymer waveguide 0113, the second side of the third polymer waveguide 0113 is connected to the third second fiber core 0123, the third second fiber core 0123 is coupled to the first end of the third first fiber core 0213, and the second end of the third first fiber core 0213 is coupled to the third optical fiber 233.

[0108] This allows for applications where multiple optical waveguides 24 are coupled to multiple optical fibers 23, enabling low-cost and high-efficiency detachable coupling assembly between multiple optical waveguides 24 and multiple optical fibers 23.

[0109] The waveguide fiber coupling device provided in this application embodiment can be applied to the external optical port of a processing unit (xPU), such as a central processing unit (CPU), graphics processing unit (GPU), tensor processing unit (TPU), deep learning processing unit (DPU), neural network processing unit (NPU), or brain processing unit (BPU). The waveguide fiber coupling device provided in this application embodiment can also be applied to the fiber optic input port of a DSP chip.

[0110] This application also provides an optical module, including optoelectronic devices and at least one waveguide-fiber coupling device as described in any of the above embodiments. The optical chip is connected to the optical waveguide of the waveguide-fiber coupling device. The optical chip, for example, is an optical emitting chip or an optical receiving chip, used to convert between optical signals and electrical signals. The optical waveguide and optical fiber are coupled through the waveguide-fiber coupling device provided in this application, which not only reduces processing costs but also improves coupling efficiency.

[0111] In some embodiments, the optical module provided in this application can be disposed on the circuit board to form a circuit board assembly. The circuit board is, for example, a printed circuit board (PCB), and the circuit board assembly is, for example, an optical board card. In some embodiments, the circuit board assembly can be disposed inside a communication device. In other embodiments, the optical module provided in this application can be directly disposed inside a communication device. The communication device may further include a control module. The control module is used to control the optical module to receive and transmit signals. The communication device is, for example, an optoelectronic server or a data center switch.

[0112] In the description of this specification, specific features, structures, materials, or characteristics may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments or examples.

[0113] The above description is merely a specific embodiment of this application, but the scope of protection of this application is not limited thereto. Any changes or substitutions within the technical scope disclosed in this application should be included within the scope of protection of this application. Therefore, the scope of protection of this application should be determined by the scope of the claims.

Claims

1. An optical waveguide fiber coupling device, characterized in that, include: Base, optical waveguide, optical fiber and coupling device; The optical waveguide is disposed on the base, and the optical waveguide includes a waveguide end face; The optical fiber includes an optical fiber end face; The coupling device is used to couple the signal from the optical waveguide to the optical fiber, or to couple the signal from the optical fiber to the optical waveguide; The coupling device includes a first part and a second part. The first part is connected to the waveguide end face, and the second part is connected to the optical fiber end face. The second part is removable from the base via a plug-in structure.

2. The optical waveguide fiber coupling device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The insertion and removal structure includes at least one positioning hole and at least one positioning post, wherein the positioning post extends into the positioning hole; One of the positioning holes or the positioning pins is disposed on the base, and the other is disposed on the second part.

3. The optical waveguide fiber coupling device according to claim 2, characterized in that, The at least one positioning hole includes a first positioning hole and a second positioning hole; the first positioning hole and the second positioning hole are arranged along a first direction; the first direction is parallel to the extension direction of the optical fiber; The at least one positioning post includes a first positioning post and a second positioning post; the first positioning post and the second positioning post are arranged along a first direction; The first positioning pin extends into the first positioning hole; the second positioning pin extends into the second positioning hole.

4. The optical waveguide fiber coupling device according to any one of claims 1-3, characterized in that, The optical waveguide fiber coupling device further includes a limiting structure for preventing the second part from moving along a second direction, which is perpendicular to the extension direction of the optical fiber.

5. The optical waveguide fiber coupling device according to claim 4, characterized in that, The limiting structure includes a first baffle, a second baffle, a first elastic element, and a second elastic element. The first baffle and the second baffle are disposed on the base, and the first baffle and the second baffle are arranged along the second direction; The first elastic element is disposed on the side wall of the second part opposite to the first baffle, and the first elastic element abuts against the first baffle; The second elastic element is disposed on the side wall of the second part opposite to the second baffle, and the second elastic element abuts against the second baffle.

6. The optical waveguide fiber coupling device according to any one of claims 1-5, characterized in that, The second part includes: a first fiber core and a first cladding, wherein the first cladding covers the first fiber core and is disposed on the base via the plug-in structure; The first fiber core includes a first end and a second end opposite to each other; the second end is connected to the end face of the optical fiber, and the first end is used to couple with the first part.

7. The optical waveguide fiber coupling device according to claim 6, characterized in that, The first part includes a first lens, which is connected to the waveguide end face; The second part also includes a second lens, which is connected to the first end and is used for coupling with the first lens.

8. The optical waveguide fiber coupling device according to claim 7, characterized in that, The distance between the first lens and the second lens is less than 100 μm.

9. The optical waveguide fiber coupling device according to claim 7 or 8, characterized in that, The optical waveguide has multiple components, the first fiber core has multiple components, and the optical fiber has multiple components; The waveguide end faces of the plurality of optical waveguides are connected to the plurality of the first lenses in a one-to-one correspondence; The fiber end faces of the plurality of optical fibers are coupled one-to-one with the second ends of the plurality of first fiber cores; the first ends of the plurality of first fiber cores are connected one-to-one with the plurality of second lenses; and the plurality of first lenses are coupled one-to-one with the plurality of second lenses.

10. The optical waveguide fiber coupling device according to claim 6, characterized in that, The first part includes: a polymer waveguide and a second fiber core; The polymer waveguide includes a first side and a second side opposite to each other; the first side is connected to the waveguide end face; The second fiber core includes a third end and a fourth end opposite to each other; the third end is connected to the second side; the fourth end is coupled to the first end.

11. The optical waveguide fiber coupling device according to claim 10, characterized in that, The polymer waveguide is made of photosensitive resin and photoinitiator.

12. The optical waveguide fiber coupling device according to claim 10 or 11, characterized in that, The waveguide fiber coupling device further includes a substrate; the substrate is disposed on the base platform, and the optical waveguide is disposed on the substrate; The substrate includes a groove structure; the groove structure is used to accommodate the polymer waveguide and the second fiber core.

13. The optical waveguide fiber coupling device according to claim 12, characterized in that, The cross-section of the groove structure is V-shaped, and the cross-section of the groove structure is a surface perpendicular to the extension direction of the groove structure.

14. The optical waveguide fiber coupling device according to any one of claims 10-13, characterized in that, The optical waveguide has multiple components, the first fiber core has multiple components, and the optical fiber has multiple components; The waveguide end faces of the plurality of optical waveguides are connected to the first sides of the plurality of polymer waveguides in a one-to-one correspondence; the second sides of the plurality of polymer waveguides are connected to the third ends of the plurality of second fiber cores in a one-to-one correspondence; the fiber end faces of the plurality of optical fibers are coupled to the second ends of the plurality of first fiber cores in a one-to-one correspondence; and the first ends of the plurality of first fiber cores are coupled to the fourth ends of the plurality of second optical fibers in a one-to-one correspondence.

15. An optical module, characterized in that, include: An optoelectronic device, and at least one waveguide fiber coupling device according to any one of claims 1-14; the optoelectronic device is connected to the optical waveguide of the optical waveguide fiber coupling device.

16. A circuit board assembly, characterized in that, include: The circuit board, and the optical module as described in claim 15.

17. A communication device, characterized in that, include: The control module, and the circuit board assembly of claim 16 or the optical module of claim 15; The control module is used to control the optical module to receive and emit signals.

Images