A device for optically coupling two photonic elements may comprise an interposer where each photonic element is axially aligned with an optical pathway in the interposer. Also included is an optics assembly configured to direct a photonic signal along the optical pathway; and a mechanical guide assembly configured to reduce the relative tilt and rotation of photonic elements. Another such device may comprise two connectors where each connector comprises an optical pathway element in which an optics assembly is situated and a photonic element aligned with the optical pathway element. A mechanical guide assembly secures the optical pathway elements in a position so as to reduce the relative tilt and rotation of the photonic elements. A connection for optically coupling two computing units can comprise a partition situated between the computing units and on which an interposer is mounted.