Abstract:
An arrangement for providing passive alignment of optical components on a common substrate uses a set of reference cavities, where each optical device is positioned within a separate reference cavity. The reference cavities are formed to have a predetermined depth, with perimeters slightly larger than the footprint of their associated optical components. The reference cavity includes at least one right-angle corner that is used as a registration corner against which a right-angle corner of an associated optical component is positioned. The placement of each optical component in its own reference cavity allows for passive optical alignment to be achieved by placing each component against its predefined registration corner.
Abstract:
An opto-electronic assembly is provided comprising a substrate (generally of silicon or glass) for supporting a plurality of interconnected optical and electrical components. A layer of sealing material is disposed to outline a defined peripheral area of the substrate. A molded glass lid is disposed over and bonded to the substrate, where the molded glass lid is configured to create a footprint that matches the defined peripheral area of the substrate. The bottom surface of the molded glass lid includes a layer of bonding material that contacts the substrate's layer of sealing material upon contact, creating a bonded assembly. In one form, a wafer level assembly process is proposed where multiple opto-electronic assemblies are disposed on a silicon wafer and multiple glass lids are molded in a single sheet of glass that is thereafter bonded to the silicon wafer.
Abstract:
An optical coupler may include a fiber optic structure that has a portion of an outer surface that is beveled at a predetermined angle relative to a longitudinal axis of the fiber optic structure. The beveled outer surface portion may be optically coupled with a waveguide core of an optical integrated circuit. The fiber optic structure may also include a second outer surface portion that is butt coupled to an end of an optical fiber to optically couple the second outer surface portion with the optical fiber.
Abstract:
An apparatus for providing self-aligned optical coupling between an opto-electronic substrate and a fiber array, where the substrate is enclosed by a transparent lid such that the associated optical signals enter and exit the arrangement through the transparent lid. The apparatus takes the form of a two-part connectorized fiber array assembly where the two pieces uniquely mate to form a self-aligned configuration. A first part, in the form of a plate, is attached to the transparent lid in the area where the optical signals pass through. The first plate includes a central opening with inwardly-tapering sidewalls surrounding its periphery. A second plate is also formed to include a central opening and has a lower protrusion with inwardly-tapering sidewalls that mate with the inwardly-tapering sidewalls of the first plate to form the self-aligned connectorized fiber array assembly. The fiber array is then attached to the second plate in a self-aligned fashion.
Abstract:
Embodiments herein include an optical system, an optical component, and an associated method of passive alignment in which complementary magnetic patterns are used to provide passive alignment between optical elements. The magnetic coupling between the magnetic patterns operates to align optical elements in at least two dimensions. The magnetic coupling provides a temporary holding force on the optical elements until the optical elements are secured using epoxy or other adhesive.
Abstract:
Embodiments herein include an optical system, an optical component, and an associated method of passive alignment in which complementary magnetic patterns are used to provide passive alignment between optical elements. The magnetic coupling between the magnetic patterns operates to align optical elements in at least two dimensions. The magnetic coupling provides a temporary holding force on the optical elements until the optical elements are secured using epoxy or other adhesive.
Abstract:
An opto-electronic assembly is provided comprising a substrate (generally of silicon or glass) for supporting a plurality of interconnected optical and electrical components. A layer of sealing material is disposed to outline a defined peripheral area of the substrate. A molded glass lid is disposed over and bonded to the substrate, where the molded glass lid is configured to create a footprint that matches the defined peripheral area of the substrate. The bottom surface of the molded glass lid includes a layer of bonding material that contacts the substrate's layer of sealing material upon contact, creating a bonded assembly. In one form, a wafer level assembly process is proposed where multiple opto-electronic assemblies are disposed on a silicon wafer and multiple glass lids are molded in a single sheet of glass that is thereafter bonded to the silicon wafer.
Abstract:
An apparatus for providing releasable attachment between a fiber connector and an opto-electronic assembly, the opto-electronic assembly utilizing an interposer substrate to support a plurality of opto-electronic components that generates optical output signals and receives optical input signals. An enclosure is used to cover the interposer substrate and includes a transparent region through which the optical output and input signals pass unimpeded. A magnetic connector component is attached to the lid and positioned to surround the transparent region, with a fiber connector for supporting one or more optical fibers magnetically attached to the connector component by virtue of a metallic component contained in the fiber connector. This arrangement provides releasable attachment of the fiber connector to the enclosure in a manner where the optical output and input signals align with the optical fibers in the connector.
Abstract:
An interposer (support substrate) for an opto-electronic assembly is formed to include a thermally-isolated region where temperature-sensitive devices (such as, for example, laser diodes) may be positioned and operate independent of temperature fluctuations in other areas of the assembly. The thermal isolation is achieved by forming a boundary of dielectric material through the thickness of the interposer, the periphery of the dielectric defining the boundary between the thermally isolated region and the remainder of the assembly. A thermo-electric cooler can be used in conjunction with the temperature-sensitive device(s) to stabilize the operation of these devices.
Abstract:
An optical demultiplexer that includes at least one a hybrid phase shifter configured to receive a light signal over a fiber element, the light signal including polarized optical signals. Each phase shifter includes a thermo-optic phase shifter configured to phase shift the light signal, an electro-optic phase shifter configured to phase shift the light signal, and a coupler configured to maintain polarization of the polarized signal components. The optical demultiplexer also includes control circuitry configured to regulate the thermo-optic and electro-optic phase shifters.