Method for manufacturing optical connection terminal

Abstract

According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a method for manufacturing an optical connection terminal in which transmission loss can be suppressed. A positioning member (1b) has a guide mechanism enabling positioning with respect to a positioning member (1A). The positioning member (1A) of an optical connection terminal (10A) and the positioning member (1b) of an optical connection terminal (20) are connected by the guide mechanism. The optical connection terminal (20) is manufactured by performing alignment with respect to the optical connection terminal (10A) and connecting an optical fiber array (5b) to the positioning member (1b). This process for manufacturing the optical connection terminal (20) is repeated to manufacture a plurality of optical connection terminals (20), using the single optical connection terminal (10A) as a reference. That is, the optical connection terminal (10A) is a master terminal for manufacturing the plurality of optical connection terminals (20).

Description

Method for manufacturing optical connection terminal

[0001] The present invention relates to a method for manufacturing an optical connection terminal capable of optically connecting to a connection target.

[0002] In the fields of co-packaged optics (CPO) and silicon photonics (SiP), an optical connection mechanism for connecting a PIC (Photonic Integrated Circuit) or the like to an optical fiber is required.

[0003] As such a connection mechanism, for example, there is a bonded structure combining a fiber array in which a plurality of optical fibers are arranged in parallel and a lens array in which a plurality of lenses are provided (for example, Patent Document 1).

[0004] Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. Hei 5-88049

[0005] In order to assemble a conventional optical connection terminal configured by bonding an optical waveguide and a lens array, it is necessary to align and bond each waveguide and the lens array. FIG. 14A is a diagram illustrating a method for assembling a pair of optical connection terminals. One (left side in the figure) optical connection terminal includes a lens array 100a, an optical waveguide 101a, a positioning member 103a, and the like. The other (right side in the figure) optical connection terminal includes a lens array 100b, an optical waveguide 101b, a positioning member 103b, and the like. Note that the optical waveguides 101a and 101b are, for example, optical fiber arrays or planar optical waveguides.

[0006] First, the lens array 100a is fixed to the positioning member 103a, and the lens array 100b is fixed to the positioning member 103b. Guide holes 105a and 105b are provided in the positioning members 103a and 103b, respectively, and a guide pin 107 is inserted through the guide holes 105a and 105b. For example, the guide pin 107 is fixed to the positioning member 103b, and a distal end portion protruding from the positioning member 103b is inserted into the guide hole 105a of the positioning member 103a, whereby the positioning members 103a and 103b can be connected to each other. That is, the guide holes 105a, 105b and the guide pin 107 serve as a guide mechanism for aligning and connecting the lens arrays 100a, 100b.

[0007] Therefore, by connecting the positioning members 103a and 103b using a guide mechanism, the lens arrays 100a and 100b are positioned opposite each other. In other words, if the fixed position accuracy of the lens arrays 100a and 100b and the positioning accuracy of the guide mechanism are ideal, the lens arrays 100a and 100b can be aligned. For example, the centerlines X of the lens arrays 100a and 100b can be aligned.

[0008] Next, as shown in Figure 14B, the optical waveguide 101a and the lens array 100a are aligned, and the optical waveguide 101b and the lens array 100b are aligned. At this time, when light is emitted from the optical waveguide 101a side, the light can be received by the optical waveguide 101b via the lens arrays 100a and 100b (arrow Y in the figure).

[0009] In this process, by measuring the intensity of the light received by the optical waveguide 101b, the optical waveguide 101a and the lens array 100a can be aligned. Ideally, the core center of the optical waveguide 101a coincides with the lens center of the lens array 100a, and the core center of the optical waveguide 101b coincides with the lens center of the lens array 100b. In this state, a pair of optical connection terminals can be manufactured by fixing the optical waveguides 101a and 101b to the lens arrays 100a and 100b, respectively, by adhesive or other means.

[0010] This method allows for the simultaneous manufacture of a pair of optical connection terminals to be connected; for example, n male connectors and n female connectors can be manufactured in n steps.

[0011] However, when alignment is performed using the method described above, the centers of the optical waveguides 101a and 101b may not coincide with the centers of the lens arrays 100a and 100b, as shown in Figure 14C. For example, even if the core center of optical waveguide 101a and the lens center of lens array 100a are misaligned, if the core center of optical waveguide 101b and the lens center of lens array 100b are misaligned by a corresponding amount and direction, the light emitted from optical waveguide 101a (Z in the figure) may be effectively optically connected to optical waveguide 101b.

[0012] As described above, if optical connection terminals are manufactured with misaligned waveguides and lens arrays, transmission loss will increase when connected to other optical connection terminals manufactured using the same process. This results in a mix of compatible and incompatible optical connection terminals.

[0013] This invention has been made in view of these problems, and aims to provide a method for manufacturing an optical connection terminal that can suppress transmission loss.

[0014] To achieve the aforementioned objective, the present invention provides a method for manufacturing an optical connection terminal that can be optically connected to a connection target, comprising: a first optical connection terminal having a first optical waveguide member and a first positioning member joined to the first optical waveguide member and having a guide mechanism; and a second optical connection terminal having a second optical waveguide member and a second positioning member joined to the second optical waveguide member and having a guide mechanism that allows positioning with respect to the first positioning member; connecting the first positioning member and the second positioning member by the guide mechanism; aligning the first optical waveguide member and the second optical waveguide member; joining the first optical waveguide member to the first positioning member and joining the second optical waveguide member to the second positioning member; thereby manufacturing the first optical connection terminal and the second optical connection terminal, and the first positioning The method for manufacturing an optical connection terminal is characterized by the following steps: connecting a guiding member and a third positioning member having a guide mechanism that allows positioning with respect to the first positioning member using a guide mechanism; aligning with respect to the first optical connection terminal; and repeatedly connecting a third optical waveguide member to the third positioning member to manufacture a third optical connection terminal, thereby manufacturing a plurality of the third optical connection terminals based on the first optical connection terminal; and repeatedly connecting a second positioning member and a fourth positioning member having a guide mechanism that allows positioning with respect to the second positioning member using a guide mechanism; aligning with respect to the second optical connection terminal; and repeatedly connecting a fourth optical waveguide member to the fourth positioning member to manufacture a fourth optical connection terminal, thereby manufacturing a plurality of the fourth optical connection terminals based on the second optical connection terminal.

[0015] A first lens array may be fixed to the first positioning member, the first optical connection terminal and the second optical connection terminal may be aligned, and the first optical waveguide member may be joined to the first positioning member via the first lens array. Alternatively, a fourth lens array may be fixed to the fourth positioning member, the fourth optical waveguide member may be aligned with respect to the second optical connection terminal, and the fourth optical waveguide member may be connected to the fourth positioning member via the fourth lens array to manufacture the fourth optical connection terminal.

[0016] A second lens array may be fixed to the second positioning member, the first optical connection terminal and the second optical connection terminal may be aligned, and the second optical waveguide member may be joined to the second positioning member via the second lens array. Alternatively, a third lens array may be fixed to the third positioning member, the third optical waveguide member may be aligned with respect to the first optical connection terminal, and the third optical waveguide member may be connected to the third positioning member via the third lens array to manufacture the third optical connection terminal.

[0017] The third optical connection terminal and the fourth optical connection terminal may have one male connector and the other female connector.

[0018] At least one of the first optical connection terminal and the second optical connection terminal may be an MT connector.

[0019] In each of the first optical connection terminal and the second optical connection terminal, the deviation of the actual waveguide core position from the ideal waveguide core position relative to the guide mechanism may be 1 μm or less.

[0020] In each of the first optical connection terminal and the second optical connection terminal, the deviation of the actual waveguide core position from the center position of the ideal lens array with respect to the guide mechanism may be 2 μm or less.

[0021] According to the present invention, by using a first optical connection terminal and a second optical connection terminal that are aligned with each other as master terminals, a plurality of third optical connection terminals and fourth optical connection terminals can be manufactured, thereby suppressing transmission loss during optical connection of any of the manufactured third optical connection terminals and fourth optical connection terminals.

[0022] For example, even if the first optical waveguide member and the first positioning member are joined at a position offset from their ideal center positions, the increase in transmission loss can be suppressed by joining the second optical waveguide member and the second positioning member with a corresponding amount and direction of offset. Furthermore, by manufacturing multiple third optical connection terminals with offsets corresponding to the offset of the first optical connection terminal, the third positioning member and the third optical waveguide member can be joined at a position offset from the ideal center position with good reproducibility. Similarly, by manufacturing multiple fourth optical connection terminals with offsets corresponding to the offset of the second optical connection terminal, the fourth positioning member and the fourth optical waveguide member can be joined at a position offset from the ideal center position with good reproducibility.

[0023] In this way, by manufacturing a third optical connection terminal and a fourth optical connection terminal, any third optical connection terminal and a fourth optical connection terminal can be optically connected while suppressing transmission loss.

[0024] Furthermore, a lens array may be fixed to at least one of the first positioning member and the second positioning member. Even in this case, by using the first and second optical connection terminals as master terminals and manufacturing the third and fourth optical connection terminals, the third and fourth optical connection terminals can be optically connected while suppressing transmission loss.

[0025] Furthermore, if one of the third optical connection terminal and the fourth optical connection terminal has a male connector and the other has a female connector, then the third optical connection terminal and the fourth optical connection terminal can always be connected to each other.

[0026] Furthermore, if at least one of the first optical connection terminal and the second optical connection terminal has an MT-type connector, precise positioning can be achieved.

[0027] Furthermore, by keeping the deviation of the actual waveguide core position from the ideal waveguide core position based on the respective guide mechanisms in the first and second optical connection terminals to 1 μm or less, the third and fourth optical connection terminals can be manufactured with high precision.

[0028] Similarly, by keeping the deviation of the actual waveguide core position from the ideal lens array center position (based on the respective guide mechanisms) to 2 μm or less in the first and second optical connection terminals using lens arrays, the third and fourth optical connection terminals can be manufactured with high precision.

[0029] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a method for manufacturing an optical connection terminal that can suppress transmission loss.

[0030] A side view showing the process of connecting optical connection terminals 10 and 20. A cross-sectional view along line A-A in Figure 1A. A view along line B-B in Figure 1A. A view along line C-C in Figure 1A. A side view showing the state in which optical connection terminals 10 and 20 are connected. A cross-sectional view along line D-D in Figure 3A. A diagram showing the assembly process of optical connection terminals 10A and 20B. A diagram showing the assembly process of optical connection terminals 10A and 20B. A diagram showing the assembly process of optical connection terminal 20. A diagram showing the assembly process of optical connection terminal 20. A diagram showing the assembly process of optical connection terminal 20. A diagram showing the assembly process of optical connection terminal 10. A diagram showing the assembly process of optical connection terminal 10. A diagram showing the optical connection structure of optical connection terminals 10 and 20. A diagram showing the displacement of the core center position of the optical waveguide relative to the positioning member 1A in optical connection terminal 10A. A diagram showing the displacement of the core center position of the optical waveguide relative to the positioning member 1A in optical connection terminal 10A. A diagram showing optical connection terminal 30A. A diagram showing optical connection terminal 40B. A diagram showing the displacement of the core center position of the optical waveguide relative to the positioning member 1A in optical connection terminal 30A. A diagram showing the displacement of the core center position of the optical waveguide relative to the positioning member 1A in optical connection terminal 30A. A diagram showing optical connection terminal 50A. A diagram showing the alignment process of conventional optical waveguides 101a and 101b. A diagram showing the alignment process of conventional optical waveguides 101a and 101b. A diagram showing the alignment process of conventional optical waveguides 101a and 101b.

[0031] The following describes an optical connection terminal according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 1A is a side view showing optical connection terminals 10 and 20, and Figure 1B is a cross-sectional view taken along line A-A in Figure 1A. Figure 2A is a view taken along line B-B in Figure 1A, and Figure 2B is a view taken along line C-C in Figure 1A. Figure 3A is a side view of a connection structure in which optical connection terminals 10 and 20 are optically connected to each other, and Figure 3B is a cross-sectional view taken along line D-D in Figure 3A. The optical connection terminals 10 and 20 can be optically connected to each other.

[0032] One optical connection terminal 10 consists of a positioning member 1a, a lens array 3a, a planar optical waveguide 5a, etc. The other optical connection terminal 20 consists of a positioning member 1b, a lens array 3b, an optical fiber array 5b, etc.

[0033] In this embodiment, members that guide light, such as the planar optical waveguide 5a and the optical fiber array 5b, are collectively referred to as optical waveguide members.

[0034] First, the optical connection terminal 10 will be described. A through hole is provided in the center of the positioning member 1a, and the lens array 3a is housed inside the through hole of the positioning member 1a and fixed, for example, with an adhesive. At this time, the lens array 3a is positioned and fixed in a predetermined position relative to the positioning member 1a. If the positioning member 1a and the lens array 3a are transparent, an ultraviolet-curing resin can be used as the adhesive.

[0035] The lens array 3a is optically connected to a planar optical waveguide 5a (optical waveguide member). Multiple optical waveguides are formed in the planar optical waveguide 5a, and each of them is aligned with a lens of the lens array 3a, optically connected, and fixed, for example, by adhesive. In other words, the planar optical waveguide 5a is joined to the positioning member 1a via the lens array 3a.

[0036] Here, it is desirable that the planar optical waveguide 5a and lens array 3a are made of silicon or glass, and the positioning member 1a is made of thermoplastic resin. If the planar optical waveguide 5a and lens array 3a are made of glass, deformation will be minimal even at high temperatures such as reflow soldering, and a highly accurate centering state can be maintained. On the other hand, if the positioning member 1a is made of resin, the processing of the guide mechanism 9a and the like becomes easier.

[0037] Furthermore, it is desirable that the difference in the coefficient of linear expansion (CTE) between the lens array 3a and the planar optical waveguide 5a be 20 ppm / °C or less, and more preferably 10 ppm / °C or less. This prevents optical axis misalignment during temperature changes and damage during reflow.

[0038] In addition, as such combinations, quartz (CTE = 0.5 ppm / °C), silicon (CTE = 2.6 ppm / °C), indium (InP) (CTE = 4.6 ppm / °C), TEMPAX (product name) (CTE = 3.25 ppm / °C), etc. can be applied as the planar optical waveguide 5a, and quartz (CTE = 0.5 ppm / °C), silicon (CTE = approximately 3), TEMPAX (product name) (CTE = 3.25 ppm / °C), optical glass (CTE = 4 to 16 ppm / °C), etc. can be applied to these as the lens array 3a.

[0039] An optical integrated circuit 13 is optically connected to the rear of the planar optical waveguide 5a. The planar optical waveguide 5a and the optical integrated circuit 13 are fixed together, for example, by an adhesive. The optical integrated circuit 13 is, for example, a SiP chip and is connected to a substrate. Note that an optical fiber array may be used instead of the planar optical waveguide 5a, and the optical integrated circuit 13 may not be bonded.

[0040] As shown in Figure 1B, a guide mechanism 9a for positioning relative to the connection target is provided on the front surface (the surface facing the connection target) of the positioning member 1a. The guide mechanism 9a is arranged on both sides of the lens array 3a. In the illustrated example, guide holes are formed on both sides of the lens array 3a. That is, the guide mechanism 9a is a female structure that can be fitted with the connection target.

[0041] Furthermore, a magnet 11a, which serves as the fixing part to the connection target, is placed on the front surface (the surface facing the connection target) of the positioning member 1a. As shown in Figure 2A, multiple magnets 11a are placed near the four corners of the positioning member 1a.

[0042] Next, the optical connection terminal 20 will be described. The optical connection terminal 20 has a structure substantially similar to that of the optical connection terminal 10. A lens array 3b is housed and fixed inside the positioning member 1b. At this time, the lens array 3b is positioned at a predetermined position with respect to the positioning member 1b and fixed by, for example, an adhesive. If the positioning member 1b and the lens array 3b are transparent, an ultraviolet curable resin can be used as the adhesive.

[0043] The lens array 3b is optically connected to an optical fiber array 5b (optical waveguide member). The optical fiber array 5b is composed of a plurality of optical fibers, and is arranged in parallel at predetermined intervals by a holding member having holes or V-grooves. Each lens of the lens array 3b is aligned with the corresponding optical fiber to achieve optical connection, and is fixed by, for example, an adhesive. That is, the optical fiber array 5b is joined to the positioning member 1b via the lens array 3b.

[0044] It is preferable that the optical fiber array 5b and the lens array 3b are made of glass, and the positioning member 1b is made of thermoplastic resin. In this case, the optical fiber array 5b and the lens array 3b can be selected from the same materials as those of the lens array 3a and the planar optical waveguide 5a in the optical connection terminal 10.

[0045] The front surface of the positioning member 1b (the surface facing the connection target) is provided with a guide mechanism 9b for positioning with respect to the connection target. As shown in FIG. 1B, the guide mechanism 9b is arranged on both sides of the lens array 3b. In the illustrated example, fitting protrusions are formed on both sides of the lens array 3b. That is, the guide mechanism 9b can be fitted with the guide mechanism 9a. As shown in FIG. 3B, by fitting the guide mechanism 9a and the guide mechanism 9b together, the positioning members 1a and 1b are positioned and connected to each other.

[0046] Further, as shown in FIG. 2B, a magnet 11b serving as a fixing portion to the connection target is arranged on the front surface of the positioning member 1b (the surface facing the connection target). A plurality of magnets 11b are respectively arranged near the four corners of the positioning member 1b, similarly to the positioning member 1a. When the positioning members 1a and 1b are arranged facing each other, the magnetic directions are set such that the magnets 11a and 11b attract each other.

[0047] Next, a method for manufacturing mutually connectable, optically connectable optical connection terminals 10 and 20 will be described. First, in the present embodiment, a master terminal is manufactured.

[0048] Figures 4A and 4B are diagrams illustrating manufacturing steps of optical connection terminals 10A and 20B serving as master terminals. The optical connection terminal 10A has a configuration substantially identical to that of the aforementioned optical connection terminal 10, and comprises a positioning member 1A, a lens array 3A, a planar optical waveguide 5A, and the like. Further, the optical connection terminal 20B has a configuration substantially identical to that of the aforementioned optical connection terminal 20, and comprises a positioning member 1B, a lens array 3B, an optical fiber array 5B, and the like.

[0049] That is, the positioning member 1A, lens array 3A, and planar optical waveguide 5A of the optical connection terminal 10A respectively correspond to the positioning member 1a, lens array 3a, and planar optical waveguide 5a of the optical connection terminal 10. Further, the positioning member 1B, lens array 3B, and optical fiber array 5B of the optical connection terminal 20B respectively correspond to the positioning member 1b, lens array 3b, and optical fiber array 5b of the optical connection terminal 20.

[0050] In the present embodiment, the optical connection terminal 10A is referred to as a first optical connection terminal, and the positioning member 1A, lens array 3A, and planar optical waveguide 5A are respectively referred to as a first positioning member, a first lens array, and a first optical waveguide member. Further, the optical connection terminal 20B is referred to as a second optical connection terminal, and the positioning member 1B, lens array 3B, and optical fiber array 5B are respectively referred to as a second positioning member, a second lens array, and a second optical waveguide member.

[0051] Specifically, the first optical connection terminal, optical connection terminal 10A, has a first optical waveguide member, a planar optical waveguide 5A, and a positioning member 1A that is joined to the planar optical waveguide 5A via a first lens array, a lens array 3A. The positioning member 1A has a guide mechanism 9a (see Figure 1B) similar to that of positioning member 1a. The second optical connection terminal, optical connection terminal 20B, has a second optical waveguide member, an optical fiber array 5B, and a positioning member 1B that is joined to the optical fiber array 5B via a second lens array, a lens array 3B. The positioning member 1B has a guide mechanism 9b (see Figure 1B) similar to that of positioning member 1b, which is capable of positioning with respect to positioning member 1A.

[0052] Furthermore, the aforementioned optical connection terminal 20 is designated as the third optical connection terminal, and the positioning member 1b, lens array 3b, and optical fiber array 5b are designated as the third positioning member, third lens array, and third optical waveguide member, respectively. Similarly, the optical connection terminal 10 is designated as the fourth optical connection terminal, and the positioning member 1a, lens array 3a, and planar optical waveguide 5a are designated as the fourth positioning member, fourth lens array, and fourth optical waveguide member, respectively.

[0053] As shown in Figure 4A, first, a positioning member 1A to which the lens array 3A is fixed and a positioning member 1B to which the lens array 3B is fixed are connected by a guide mechanism. Next, as shown in Figure 4B, the planar optical waveguide 5A and the optical fiber array 5B are aligned, and the planar optical waveguide 5A is joined to the positioning member 1A via the lens array 3A, and the optical fiber array 5B is joined to the positioning member 1B via the lens array 3B. Through these steps, the optical connection terminal 10A and the optical connection terminal 20B are manufactured.

[0054] In this case, as shown in Figure 14C, the center positions of the planar optical waveguide 5A and the optical fiber array 5B do not necessarily have to coincide perfectly. Even if the positions of the planar optical waveguide 5A and the lens array 3A (positioning member 1A) are misaligned, if the optical fiber array 5B and the lens array 3B (positioning member 1B) are misaligned by a corresponding amount and direction, optical connection can be made while suppressing transmission loss.

[0055] Subsequently, the optical connection terminal 10A and the optical connection terminal 20B are disconnected and separated. Next, as shown in Figure 5A, the optical connection terminal 20 is manufactured using the optical connection terminal 10A. As previously mentioned, the positioning member 1b has a guide mechanism 9b (see Figure 1B) that can be positioned relative to the positioning member 1A. As shown in Figure 5B, the positioning member 1A of the optical connection terminal 10A and the positioning member 1b of the optical connection terminal 20 are connected by their respective guide mechanisms.

[0056] In this state, as shown in Figure 6A, the optical fiber array 5b is aligned with respect to the optical connection terminal 10A (planar optical waveguide 5A), and the optical fiber array 5b is connected to the positioning member 1b (lens array 3b) to manufacture the optical connection terminal 20. As shown in Figure 6B, by repeating the manufacturing process of the optical connection terminal 20 as shown in Figures 5A to 6A, multiple optical connection terminals 20 are manufactured using one optical connection terminal 10A as a reference. In other words, the optical connection terminal 10A is a master terminal for manufacturing multiple optical connection terminals 20.

[0057] Similarly, as shown in Figure 7A, the optical connection terminal 10 is manufactured using the optical connection terminal 20B. As previously mentioned, the positioning member 1a has a guide mechanism 9a (see Figure 1B) that can be positioned relative to the positioning member 1B. As shown in Figure 7B, the positioning member 1B of the optical connection terminal 20B and the positioning member 1a of the optical connection terminal 10 are connected by their respective guide mechanisms.

[0058] In this state, as shown in Figure 8A, the optical waveguide 5a is aligned with respect to the optical connection terminal 20B (optical fiber array 5B), and the optical waveguide 5a is connected to the positioning member 1a to manufacture the optical connection terminal 10. As shown in Figure 8B, by repeating the manufacturing process of the optical connection terminal 10 in Figures 7A to 8A, multiple optical connection terminals 10 are manufactured using one optical connection terminal 20B as a reference. In other words, the optical connection terminal 20B is a master terminal for manufacturing multiple optical connection terminals 10.

[0059] In this way, by manufacturing multiple optical connection terminals 20 using one optical connection terminal 10A, each manufactured optical connection terminal 20 can connect to optical connection terminal 10A with suppressed transmission loss. Similarly, by manufacturing multiple optical connection terminals 10 using one optical connection terminal 20B, each manufactured optical connection terminal 10 can connect to optical connection terminal 20B with suppressed transmission loss. In other words, the manufactured optical connection terminals 10 and 20 can connect to each other with suppressed transmission loss. Therefore, it is possible to prevent a mix of optical connection terminals 20 that are compatible with a given optical connection terminal 10 and optical connection terminals 20 that are not compatible with it.

[0060] As shown in Figure 9, when the optical connection terminals 10A and 20B, which are master terminals, are aligned during manufacturing, there is a risk that the center positions of the planar optical waveguide 5A and lens array 3A, and the center positions of the optical fiber array 5B and lens array 3B, may be misaligned. Even in this case, the manufactured optical connection terminal 10 will be aligned with the optical connection terminal 20B, and will be manufactured with good reproducibility, exhibiting the same amount and direction of misalignment as the optical connection terminal 10A. Similarly, the manufactured optical connection terminal 20 will be aligned with the optical connection terminal 10A, and will be manufactured with good reproducibility, exhibiting the same amount and direction of misalignment as the optical connection terminal 20B.

[0061] Thus, there may be a difference between the center positions of the planar optical waveguide 5A and the lens array 3A, and between the center positions of the optical fiber array 5B and the lens array 3B, but it is more desirable that the difference between them be small.

[0062] Figure 10A is a front view of the optical connection terminal 10A. As previously mentioned, a lens array 3A is bonded to the positioning member 1A, and a planar optical waveguide 5A (see Figure 4B) is bonded to the lens array 3A. Here, positioning with respect to the connection target is performed by the guide mechanism 9a of the positioning member 1A. That is, the positioning member 1A is positioned with respect to the connection target by the center line E connecting the centers of the guide mechanisms 9a, and the center lines F of each guide mechanism 9a that are perpendicular to the center line E.

[0063] Figure 10B is an enlarged view of section J in Figure 10A. In the optical connection terminal 10A, the actual center position H of the lens array 3A does not perfectly coincide with the ideal center position (G in the figure) of the lens array 3A relative to the guide mechanism 9a. For example, a discrepancy occurs due to variations in the bonding position between the lens array 3A and the positioning member 1A. In addition, a discrepancy also occurs in the waveguide core position (I in the figure) of the actual planar optical waveguide 5A relative to the actual center position H of the lens array 3A.

[0064] In this case, it is desirable that the deviation of the waveguide core position I of the actual planar optical waveguide 5A from the center position G of the ideal lens array 3A with respect to the guide mechanism 9a in the optical connection terminal 10A is 2 μm or less. Similarly, it is desirable that the deviation of the waveguide core position of the actual optical fiber array 5B from the center position of the ideal lens array 3B with respect to the guide mechanism 9b in the optical connection terminal 20B is 2 μm or less. The ideal position and deviation amount of each part can be measured, for example, by imaging from the front of each optical connection terminal with a CCD or the like and measuring it on the magnified screen.

[0065] As described above, according to this embodiment, since multiple optical connection terminals 10 and 20 are manufactured using master optical connection terminals 10A and 20B, multiple optical connection terminals 10 and 20 can be manufactured with good reproducibility. Therefore, compared to the case where optical connection terminals 10 and 20 are manufactured in pairs, transmission loss can be suppressed when any optical connection terminal 10 and optical connection terminal 20 are connected.

[0066] For example, in a case where one optical connection terminal 10 and the other optical connection terminal 20 have a male connector and the other has a female connector, it is possible to suppress the transmission loss when any female connector is connected to any male connector.

[0067] Furthermore, since optical connection terminal 20 and optical connection terminal 10A do not connect optically by bringing lens array 3b and lens array 3A into contact, the force required for connection and disconnection is small, and a mechanism for gripping each other's positioning members is unnecessary. Similarly, since optical connection terminal 10 and optical connection terminal 20B do not connect optically by bringing lens array 3a and lens array 3B into contact, the force required for connection and disconnection is small, and a mechanism for gripping each other's positioning members is unnecessary.

[0068] Next, other embodiments will be described. In the following description, components that perform the same functions as those in the embodiments described above will be denoted by the same reference numerals as in Figures 1A to 10B, and redundant explanations will be omitted.

[0069] Figure 11A shows an optical connection terminal 30A according to the second embodiment. The optical connection terminal 30A is substantially the same as the optical connection terminal 10A, but differs in that it does not have a lens array 3A. That is, in the optical connection terminal 30A, the planar optical waveguide 5A is directly joined to the positioning member 1A. In this case, the optical connection terminal 30A is manufactured by connecting the positioning member 1A of the optical connection terminal 30A to the positioning member 1B of the optical connection terminal 20B, aligning the planar optical waveguide 5A and the optical fiber array 5B, and fixing the planar optical waveguide 5A to the positioning member 1A.

[0070] Alternatively, instead of the optical connection terminal 20B to which optical connection terminal 30A is connected, optical connection terminal 40B, as shown in Figure 11B, may be used. Optical connection terminal 40B is substantially the same as optical connection terminal 20B, but differs in that it does not have a lens array 3B. That is, in optical connection terminal 40B, the optical fiber array 5B is directly bonded to the positioning member 1B. In this case, the positioning member 1B of optical connection terminal 20B is connected to the positioning member 1A of optical connection terminal 10A or optical connection terminal 30A, the planar optical waveguide 5A and the optical fiber array 5B are aligned, and the optical fiber array 5B is fixed to the positioning member 1B, thereby manufacturing optical connection terminal 40B.

[0071] Even in this case, there may be a misalignment between the center position of the planar optical waveguide 5A and the positioning member 1A, and between the center position of the optical fiber array 5B and the positioning member 1B, but it is more desirable that the misalignments be small.

[0072] Figure 12A is a front view of the optical connection terminal 30A. As described above, a planar optical waveguide 5A is joined to the positioning member 1A. Here, positioning with respect to the connection target is performed by the guide mechanism 9a of the positioning member 1A. That is, the positioning member 1A is positioned with respect to the connection target by the center line K connecting the centers of the guide mechanisms 9a and the center lines L of each guide mechanism 9a that are perpendicular to the center line K.

[0073] Figure 12B is an enlarged view of section M in Figure 12A. At the optical connection terminal 30A, the actual center position O of the planar optical waveguide 5A does not perfectly coincide with the center position (N in the figure) of the ideal planar optical waveguide 5A with respect to the guide mechanism 9a.

[0074] In this case, it is desirable that at the optical connection terminal 30A, the deviation of the actual core position O of the planar optical waveguide 5A from the ideal core center position N of the planar optical waveguide 5A with respect to the guide mechanism 9a is 1 μm or less. Similarly, at the optical connection terminal 40B, it is desirable that the deviation of the actual waveguide core position of the optical fiber array 5B from the ideal center position of the optical fiber array 5B with respect to the guide mechanism 9b is 1 μm or less.

[0075] According to the second embodiment, by using optical connection terminals 30A and 40B as master terminals and manufacturing multiple optical connection terminals with the same configuration as optical connection terminals 30A and 40B, the same effects as the first embodiment can be obtained.

[0076] Next, a third embodiment will be described. Figure 13 shows an optical connection terminal 50A according to the third embodiment. The optical connection terminal 50A is a so-called MT connector (Mechanically Transferable Connector). In the optical connection terminal 50A, the positioning member 51 is an MT ferrule, and a plurality of optical fiber arrays 55 are fixed to it. The tip of each optical fiber is inserted through a hole on the front of the positioning member 51 and is exposed on the end face of the positioning member 51.

[0077] Holes 57 are provided on both sides of the exposed portion of the optical fiber in the positioning member 51, and pins 53 are inserted into and fixed in the holes 57. The pins 53 are inserted into guide holes in the positioning member to be connected, thereby connecting the optical connection terminals. In other words, in the optical connection terminal 50A, the holes 57 and pins 53 function as a guide mechanism for positioning and connecting to the connection target.

[0078] Thus, even if optical connection terminal 50A (using holes 57 instead of pins 53 as a guide mechanism) is used as the master terminal instead of optical connection terminals 10A and 30A, multiple optical connection terminals 20 can be efficiently manufactured. Alternatively, multiple optical connection terminals 10 may be manufactured by using optical connection terminal 50A (using pins 53 and holes 57 as a guide mechanism) as the master terminal instead of optical connection terminals 20B and 40B. In other words, at least one of the first optical connection terminal and the second optical connection terminal, which are master terminals, can be an MT connector.

[0079] According to the third embodiment, the same effects as the first embodiment can be obtained. Furthermore, by using an MT connector as the master terminal, optical connection terminals can be manufactured with high precision.

[0080] Although embodiments of the present invention have been described above with reference to the attached drawings, the technical scope of the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above. It is clear to those skilled in the art that various modifications or alterations can be conceived within the scope of the technical idea described in the claims, and these will naturally also fall within the technical scope of the present invention.

[0081] 1a, 1b, 1A, 1B, 51... Positioning members 3a, 3b, 3A, 3B... Lens arrays 5a, 5A... Planar optical waveguides 5b, 5B, 55... Optical fiber arrays 9a, 9b... Guide mechanisms 10, 20, 10A, 20B, 30A, 40B, 50A... Optical connection terminals 11a, 11b... Magnets 13... Optical integrated circuits 53... Pins 57... Holes 100a, 100b... Lens arrays 101a, 101b... Optical waveguides 103a, 103b... Positioning members 105a, 105b... Guide holes 107... Guide pins

Claims

1. A method for manufacturing an optical connection terminal capable of optical connection to a connection target, comprising: a first optical connection terminal having a first optical waveguide member and a first positioning member joined to the first optical waveguide member and having a guide mechanism; a second optical connection terminal having a second optical waveguide member and a second positioning member joined to the second optical waveguide member and having a guide mechanism capable of positioning with respect to the first positioning member; connecting the first positioning member and the second positioning member by the guide mechanism; aligning the first optical waveguide member and the second optical waveguide member; joining the first optical waveguide member to the first positioning member and joining the second optical waveguide member to the second positioning member; and manufacturing the first optical connection terminal and the second optical connection terminal. A method for manufacturing an optical connection terminal, characterized by repeatedly manufacturing a third optical connection terminal by connecting a first positioning member and a third positioning member having a guide mechanism capable of positioning with the first positioning member using a guide mechanism, aligning with the first optical connection terminal, and connecting a third optical waveguide member to the third positioning member; and manufacturing a plurality of the third optical connection terminals based on the first optical connection terminal; and repeatedly manufacturing a fourth optical connection terminal by connecting a second positioning member and a fourth positioning member having a guide mechanism capable of positioning with the second positioning member using a guide mechanism, aligning with the second optical connection terminal, and connecting a fourth optical waveguide member to the fourth positioning member; and manufacturing a plurality of the fourth optical connection terminals based on the second optical connection terminal.

2. The method for manufacturing an optical connection terminal according to claim 1, characterized in that a first lens array is fixed to the first positioning member, the first optical connection terminal and the second optical connection terminal are aligned, and the first optical waveguide member is joined to the first positioning member via the first lens array, and a fourth lens array is fixed to the fourth positioning member, the fourth optical waveguide member is aligned with respect to the second optical connection terminal, and the fourth optical waveguide member is connected to the fourth positioning member via the fourth lens array to manufacture the fourth optical connection terminal.

3. The method for manufacturing an optical connection terminal according to claim 2, characterized in that a second lens array is fixed to the second positioning member, the first optical connection terminal and the second optical connection terminal are aligned, and the second optical waveguide member is joined to the second positioning member via the second lens array, and a third lens array is fixed to the third positioning member, the third optical waveguide member is aligned with respect to the first optical connection terminal, and the third optical waveguide member is connected to the third positioning member via the third lens array to manufacture the third optical connection terminal.

4. The method for manufacturing an optical connection terminal according to claim 1, characterized in that one of the third optical connection terminal and the fourth optical connection terminal is a male connector and the other is a female connector.

5. The method for manufacturing an optical connection terminal according to claim 1, characterized in that at least one of the first optical connection terminal and the second optical connection terminal is an MT connector.

6. The method for manufacturing an optical connection terminal according to claim 1, characterized in that, in each of the first optical connection terminal and the second optical connection terminal, the deviation of the actual waveguide core position from the ideal waveguide core position with respect to the guide mechanism is 1 μm or less.

7. The method for manufacturing an optical connection terminal according to claim 3, characterized in that, in each of the first optical connection terminal and the second optical connection terminal, the deviation of the actual waveguide core position from the center position of the ideal lens array with respect to the guide mechanism is 2 μm or less.

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