JP2001116962A - Optical element array module and its manufacturing method - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an optical element array module and its manufacturing method wherein connection efficiency between an end face light emitting type optical element array and an optical fiber array connector is high and uniform optical connection is realized by each channel of the array when the end face light emitting type optical element array is face-up connection mounted onto an optical element mounting substrate. SOLUTION: In the optical element array module, the end face light emitting type optical element array 13 is face-up connection mounted onto the mounting surface of the optical element mounting substrate 11, and a lens array block 31 wherein a lens array is formed in the end face of the optical element mounting substrate 11 is piled up and fixed onto an optical connector housing 41 into which an optical connector ferrule 51 holding the end part of the optical fiber array is freely attachably and detachably inserted so that the end face light emitting point column of the optical element array 13, a lens array 34 condensing laser beams emitted from the end face light emitting point column and an optical fiber array 54 are optically connected.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an optical element array module in which a multi-channel optical element is integrated, and in which a multi-channel optical element array, a lens array and an optical connector can be efficiently and easily optically coupled. The present invention relates to an optical element array module in which optical elements are integrated and a method for manufacturing the same.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, as one method of constructing a multi-channel integrated optical element array module, a positioning marker and a V-groove are formed on a mounting substrate with high accuracy, and the optical element array is referred to based on this. And a method of mounting an optical fiber array with high positional accuracy. For example, JP-A-9-
As described in Japanese Patent No. 281360, a positioning marker and a V-groove are accurately formed on a silicon substrate by anisotropic etching, and an optical element array is solder-connected to the marker reference. After removing the coating on the tip of the optical fiber array in the groove, they are individually aligned and mounted to enable multi-channel optical coupling. Also, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No.
As described in Japanese Patent Publication No. 77, as a mounting structure of a receptacle-type optical element array module in which an optical fiber array is detachable from a main body of the optical element array module,
There is also an example in which the optical coupling can be performed without adjustment via a guide pin of the optical connector.

[0003]

However, in the above-mentioned conventional structure, the height reference of the input / output surface of the optical element array, that is, from the vertical mounting substrate in the same plane as the array of input / output points of the optical element array. Since the distance is based on the V-groove of the mounting substrate, there is a problem that it is difficult to adjust the height according to the height variation of the input / output surface of the optical element array. When the input / output surface of the optical element array and the connection surface to the mounting substrate are orthogonal to each other, as in an edge emitting type or edge receiving type element array, the optical element array is mounted on the mounting substrate with a V-groove. Can be directly connected with solder or the like, but when the input / output surface of the optical element array and the connection surface to the mounting substrate are parallel as in the case of a surface emitting type optical element array or a surface receiving type optical element array, In addition, it is difficult to directly connect the optical element array to the mounting substrate with the V-groove by soldering or the like, and the mounting structure is complicated.

[0004] An object of the present invention is to solve the above problems.
When the edge emitting or edge receiving optical element array is mounted face-up on the optical element mounting board, the coupling efficiency between the edge emitting or edge receiving optical element array and the optical fiber array connector is high, and the An object of the present invention is to provide an optical element array module in which each channel realizes uniform optical coupling and a method of manufacturing the same. Another object of the present invention is to provide a high coupling efficiency between an optical element array and an optical fiber array connector when a surface emitting or surface receiving type optical element array is connected to and mounted on an optical element mounting board. An object of the present invention is to provide an optical element array module in which each channel of the array realizes uniform optical coupling and a method of manufacturing the same. Another object of the present invention is to provide an optical element array module which is reduced in size when a surface emitting type or surface receiving type optical element array is connected and mounted on an optical element mounting substrate.

[0005]

In order to achieve the above object, the present invention provides an edge emitting type or edge receiving type optical element array which is mounted face-up on a mounting surface of an optical element mounting substrate. A lens array block having the lens array formed on an end surface of the optical element mounting substrate and an end of the optical fiber array are held so that the array, the lens array for condensing the laser light, and the optical fiber array are optically coupled. An optical element array module comprising: an optical connector ferrule; and an optical connector housing in which an optical connector ferrule to be removably inserted is stacked and fixed. Also,
According to the present invention, in the optical element array module, when the lens array block is overlapped and fixed on an end face of the optical element mounting board, the end face light emission occurs between the lens array block and the end face of the optical element mounting board. Alternatively, it is configured to engage so as to be finely adjustable in the height direction of the light receiving point array. Further, in the optical element array module according to the present invention, when the lens array block is overlapped and fixed on an end face of the optical element mounting board, the gap between the lens array block and the end face of the optical element mounting board is fixed. It is characterized in that it is positioned in the end face light emitting or light receiving point row direction and is engaged so as to be finely adjustable in the height direction of the end face light emitting or light receiving point row.

Further, the present invention provides the optical element array module, wherein a gap between the end face of the optical element mounting board and the lens array block is formed by a concave portion and a convex portion, or a groove concave portion is formed by a columnar projection or a columnar member. And is configured to be engaged by fitting. Further, in the optical element array module according to the present invention, when the optical connector ferrule is inserted into the optical connector housing, the distance between the lens array block and the optical connector ferrule is at least two-dimensional (in the array direction and at a right angle thereto). In a suitable direction). Further, according to the present invention, in the optical element array module, when the optical connector ferrule is inserted into the optical connector housing, a joint having a centripetal function (for example, a ball joint) between the lens array block and the optical connector ferrule. It is characterized by being configured to be engaged by. Further, the present invention provides the optical element array module,
The lens array block is characterized in that the lens array is attached to a frame that is fixed by overlapping on an end surface of the optical element mounting substrate.

Further, the present invention provides a surface emitting or surface receiving type optical element array connected to and mounted on a mounting surface of a substrate for mounting an optical element, wherein the optical element array, a lens array for condensing laser light, and an optical fiber array. An optical connector in which a lens array block in which the lens array is formed and an optical connector ferrule that holds an end of the optical fiber array are detachably attached to a mounting surface of the optical element mounting substrate so that optical coupling is performed. An optical element array module characterized by being stacked and fixed on a housing. Further, in the optical element array module, the optical element array module may be positioned between the mounting surface of the optical element mounting substrate and the lens array block so that the optical element array and the lens array are relatively positioned. It is characterized by being configured to be engaged. Further, in the optical element array module, the optical element array module may be positioned between the mounting surface of the optical element mounting substrate and the lens array block so that the optical element array and the lens array are relatively positioned. And a concave portion and a convex portion or a concave portion and a spherical surface.

Further, the present invention provides the optical element array module, wherein when the optical connector ferrule is inserted into the optical connector housing, a joint having a centripetal function between the lens array block and the optical connector ferrule (for example, (Ball joint). Further, the present invention is characterized in that, in the optical element array module, the lens array block is configured by attaching the lens array to a frame which is fixed by overlapping on an end face of the optical element mounting substrate. Also, the present invention provides a surface emitting type or surface receiving type optical element array which is connected and mounted on a mounting surface of an optical element mounting substrate, and wherein the optical element mounting is optically coupled with the optical element array. An optical connector housing for detachably inserting an optical connector ferrule for holding an end of the optical fiber array on a mounting surface of a substrate for optical communication, wherein the optical connector housing is mounted by engaging with a joint having a centering function. It is an element array module.

The present invention also provides an edge emitting type or edge receiving type optical element array connected to and mounted on a mounting surface of an optical element mounting substrate, and the optical element array, a lens array for condensing laser light, and an optical fiber array. An optical connector housing in which a lens array block in which the lens array is formed and an optical connector ferrule for holding an end of the optical fiber array are detachably attached to an end surface of the optical element mounting board so that the optical connector is optically coupled to the optical element mounting substrate. Are stacked and fixed to form an optical element array module.

The present invention also provides an engaging portion forming step of forming an engaging portion on an end face of an optical element mounting substrate with reference to an alignment mark formed on the optical element mounting substrate, A mounting step of aligning a die or an end face light receiving type optical element array with reference to the alignment mark or the engaging portion formed in the engaging portion forming step as a reference and mounting the face-up connection on the mounting surface of the optical element mounting substrate. When,
In order for the optical element array and the lens array that collects the laser light to be optically coupled, the lens array block on which the lens array is formed is subjected to edge emission or light emission using the engaging portion formed in the engaging portion forming step. A lens array block mounting step of positioning in the light receiving point row direction, finely adjusting the end face light emission or the light receiving point row in the height direction, and mounting the lens array block on the end face of the optical element mounting board; and An optical connector housing mounting step of engaging and mounting an optical connector housing for detachably inserting an optical connector ferrule holding an end of the optical fiber array with the lens array block so as to optically couple. This is a method for manufacturing an optical element array module characterized by the following.

Further, the present invention provides an engaging portion forming step of forming an engaging portion on an end surface of an optical element mounting substrate, and an engaging portion formed in the engaging portion forming step or the engaging portion. A mounting step of aligning an edge-emitting or edge-receiving optical element array with reference to an alignment mark formed with reference to a portion and mounting the face-up connection on a mounting surface of an optical element mounting board; The lens array block forming the lens array is engaged with the lens array block such that the end surface light emitting or light receiving point sequence of the element array and the lens array that collects laser light emitted from the end surface light emitting or light receiving point sequence are optically coupled. Positioning in the end face light emitting or light receiving point row direction using the engaging part formed in the part forming step, fine adjustment in the height direction of the end face light emitting or light receiving point row, and the end face of the optical element mounting substrate A lens array block mounting step of mounting, and an optical connector housing for detachably inserting an optical connector ferrule holding an end of the optical fiber array so that the lens array and the optical fiber array are optically coupled to each other. An optical connector housing mounting step of mounting by engaging with a block.

The present invention also provides an engaging portion forming step of forming an engaging portion on a mounting surface of an optical element mounting substrate with reference to an alignment mark formed on the optical element mounting substrate. A mounting step of aligning the element array with reference to the alignment mark or the engaging portion formed in the engaging portion forming step and connecting and mounting the element array on a mounting surface of an optical element mounting substrate; and The optical element mounting substrate is positioned by positioning the lens array block on which the lens array is formed using the engaging portion formed in the engaging portion forming step so that the lens array for condensing light is optically coupled. Mounting a lens array block on a mounting surface of the optical fiber array, and an optical connector ferrule holding an end of the optical fiber array so that the lens array and the optical fiber array are optically coupled to each other. A method for manufacturing an optical element array module; and a detachably inserted optical connector housing mounted attaching the optical connector housing into engagement with the lens array block process.

Further, the present invention provides an engaging portion forming step of forming an engaging portion on a mounting surface of an optical element mounting substrate, and an engaging portion formed in the engaging portion forming step or the engaging portion. A mounting step of aligning the optical element array with reference to the alignment mark formed based on the joint portion and connecting and mounting the optical element array on the mounting surface of the optical element mounting board; and condensing the optical element array and laser light. The lens array block in which the lens array is formed is positioned using the engaging portion formed in the engaging portion forming step so that the lens array is optically coupled with the lens array to be mounted on the mounting surface of the optical element mounting substrate. A lens array block mounting step of mounting, and an optical connector for detachably inserting an optical connector ferrule holding an end of the optical fiber array so that the lens array and the optical fiber array are optically coupled to each other. A method for manufacturing an optical element array module; and a light connector housing mounting step of mounting is engaged with the lens array block Ujingu.

Further, the present invention is an optical connector housing having a spherical surface (for example, a ball joint) which is provided at a position opposed to, for example, a guide pin hole provided on an optical connector ferrule. Further, the present invention is a multi-core optical connector including an optical connector ferrule having a guide pin hole and an optical connector housing having a spherical surface engaged with a position facing the guide pin hole. Also, the present invention
A lens array block having a fitting groove in the vertical direction in the same plane as the lens array of the lens array, and having a concave portion on the opposite surface to a position opposite to the guide pin hole of the optical connector ferrule. Further, the present invention is a lens array block having a plurality of recesses in the same plane as a lens row of a lens array, and having a recess on a surface opposite to a guide pin hole of an optical connector ferrule.

[0015]

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Embodiments of an optical element array module according to the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. First, a first embodiment of an optical element array module which is face-up connected (solder connection on a side far from the light emitting surface) using an edge emitting optical element array as an edge emitting or edge receiving optical element array according to the present invention. About form
This will be described with reference to FIG. That is, FIG. 1 is an exploded perspective view showing a first embodiment of the optical element array module according to the present invention, and FIG. 2 is a plan view having a partial cross section for explaining an assembling procedure of FIG. is there. FIG. 3 is a partial cross-sectional plan view showing an assembled state of the optical element array module according to the present invention. FIG. 4 is a perspective view showing an embodiment in which the edge emitting optical element array is face-up connected to the optical element mounting substrate. 1 to 4, the coordinate axes are shown at the upper left, the optical axis direction of the optical element array 13 and the optical fiber array 54 is defined as the Z axis, the pitch direction is defined as the X axis, and the direction perpendicular to the X axis is defined as the Y axis.

First, the optical element array 13 is composed of an edge emitting type optical element array, and electrodes are formed on the surface to be mounted on the optical element mounting substrate 11, and electrodes are formed on the opposite upper surface. The edge emitting type optical element array 13 is provided on the optical element mounting substrate 11 with an alignment mark formed on the mounting surface or a fitting portion formed on an end surface of the optical element mounting substrate 11 as described later. The grooves 16a, 16b are used to position the X-axis and the Z-axis with high precision with reference to somewhere, and are mounted by face-up connection (solder connection on the side farther from the light emitting surface). Naturally, the upper surface electrode of the edge emitting optical element array 13 is also lead-connected to the terminal of the optical element mounting substrate 11. A driving IC 12 for driving the edge emitting optical element array 13 is also mounted on the mounting surface of the optical element mounting substrate 11, for example, the optical element array 13.

As shown in FIG. 4, when the laser is oscillated, the edge emitting type optical element array 13 emits a laser from a light emitting point 14 as a laser spread 17. Since the edge emitting optical element array 13 is manufactured by the photolithography process, the light emitting point 14 has a constant height on the order of μm from the upper surface of the edge emitting optical element array 13. Since the thickness processing of itself is mechanical processing, there is large fluctuation, and a large variation occurs in the height from the lower surface. As a result, when the light emitting point 14 is connected to the optical element mounting substrate 11 face up (when the light emitting point 14 is farther from the solder connection surface 18), the light emitting point height 15 from the optical element mounting substrate 11
Will vary by about ± 10 to 20 μm. However, since the solder connection is made on the surface far from the light emitting point 14, the influence of the internal stress generated in the solder connection on the laser oscillation is small, the solder connection becomes easy, and the manufacturing yield can be improved.

As described above, the optical element mounting substrate 1
The light emitting point height 15 from the mounting surface 1 to the light emitting point row 14 is
Due to variations in the substrate thickness and solder thickness of the edge-emitting laser array 13 itself, variations in height in the Y direction of up to about ± 10 to 20 μm occur. Therefore, the optical element array module according to the present invention has a lens array including the optical element mounting substrate 11 and the lens array 34 having a function of condensing laser light so that the height variation in the Y direction can be adjusted. The block 31 and the optical connector housing 41 in which the optical connector ferrule 51 is configured to be detachable are formed in a laminated adhesive structure in the Z direction. The lens array 34 is for condensing the laser light emitted from the edge emitting optical element array 13 and emitting the light to efficiently couple the light to the multi-core optical fiber array 54.
Since the multi-core optical connector is configured by arranging optical fibers at a pitch of, for example, 250 μm, the optical element array 13 and the lens array 34 are also integrated and manufactured at the same pitch of, for example, 250 μm. As described above, the lens array 34 constituted by arranging a plurality of lenses in a line at a pitch of, for example, 250 μm is formed by a method utilizing convex molding of glass by precision transfer or a change in refractive index by ion exchange of a glass plate. It can be molded well.

Then, between the end face of the optical element mounting substrate 11 and the incident end face of the lens array block 31, Y
The height variation can be adjusted by relatively fine movement in the direction, and the Y direction can be placed on both sides of the end surface of the optical element mounting substrate 11 in the X direction so that the height can be mechanically positioned in the X direction. For example, V-shaped fitting grooves 16a and 16b, which are engaging portions facing the lens array block 3, are formed.
The fitting groove 16 is also provided on both sides in the X direction of the incident end face
For example, V-shaped fitting grooves 32a and 32b which are engaging portions facing the a and 16b are formed, and guide pins 21a and 21b which are columnar members are formed in these fitting grooves. Array block connection operation 1
02 and are uniquely engaged in the X and Z directions. In short, the optical element mounting substrate 1
1 and the incident end face of the lens array block 31
In the X direction, it is positioned mechanically, and in the Y direction,
What is necessary is just to be able to adjust the fine movement and fix it by bonding or the like.

The Y formed on the end surface of the optical element mounting substrate 11
The fitting grooves 16a and 16b, which are the engaging portions facing in the directions,
Before mounting the edge emitting optical element array 13 or the driving IC 12, the substrate 11 is made of, for example, Si by anisotropic etching or the like. In the case of a system, it can be processed by glass molding using a precision transfer mold. The fitting grooves 16a and 16b, which are the engaging portions, are provided on the optical element mounting substrate 11.
Processing is performed with reference to the alignment mark 106 formed on the mounting surface of the optical element mounting substrate 11, or fitting grooves 16a and 16b, which are engaging portions, are formed on the end surface of the optical element mounting substrate 11, and the formed fitting groove 16a is formed. , 16b as a reference. Thereby, the edge emitting optical element array 13 mounted face-up on the mounting surface of the optical element mounting substrate 11 and the lens array block 31 mounted on the end surface of the optical element mounting substrate 11
Means that positioning is performed with relatively high precision in the X direction and the Z direction.

Since the lens array block 31 can be integrally manufactured with the lens array 34 in which convex portions having a lens effect are formed at equal intervals by transfer molding of glass, the fitting grooves 32a and 32b and the concave portions are formed. 33a and 33b can also be transfer-molded simultaneously. As described above, in the lens array block 31, the lens array 34, the fitting grooves 32a, 32b, and the recesses 33a,
The positional relationship with 33b can be obtained with high accuracy. Further, the lens array block 31 can also be mounted by precisely positioning the lens array 34 on the Si frame in which the fitting grooves 16a and 16b and the recesses 33a and 33b have been processed by anisotropic etching and attaching the lens array block 31 with precision. It is possible to manufacture. Also in this case, the lens array 34, the fitting grooves 32a and 32b, and the concave portions 33a and 33
The positional relationship with b can be realized with high accuracy.

For example, since the lens array block 31 can be manufactured by transfer molding of glass, the fitting grooves 16a, 16b and the guide pins 21a,
Instead of 21b, semicircular columnar projections whose axes are oriented in the Y direction may be integrally provided on both sides of the incident end face by transfer molding. By doing so, the columnar projection can be directly engaged with the fitting grooves 16a, 16b formed on the end face of the optical element mounting substrate 11, and as a result, the guide pins 21a, 21b can be eliminated. It is possible to reduce the number of parts. The distance between the end surface of the optical element mounting substrate 11 and the lens array block 31 is
If the fine movement can be adjusted in the Y direction, it can also be realized by the engagement between the concave portion and the convex portion. Therefore, the lens array 3
The lens array block 31 integrally formed with the optical element 4 is adjusted with high precision in the Y direction with respect to the light emitting point array 14 of the edge emitting optical element array 13 and is adhered and fixed to the end face of the optical element mounting substrate 11. In addition, the positional accuracy of the lens array 34 suitable for optical coupling with the edge emitting optical element array 13 can be ensured.

Position adjustment including height adjustment of the lens array 34 of the lens array block 31 and the light emitting point array 14 of the edge emitting laser array 13 can be performed as described below. (1) The positioning of the optical element array 13 at the time of soldering onto the optical element mounting substrate 11 is precisely added (formed) to the optical element array 13 and the optical element mounting substrate 11 in advance. This can be performed by observing the positional relationship between the alignment marks 105 and 106 with an optical system and finely adjusting a mechanism for holding either one. Of course,
The images of the alignment marks 105 and 106 are picked up by an image pickup means, and the amount of misalignment between the optical element array 13 and the optical element mounting substrate 11 is calculated by image signal processing. The element array 13 and the optical element mounting substrate 11 can be positioned (aligned). In addition, the alignment mark 106 formed on the mounting surface of the optical element mounting substrate 11 and the fitting groove 16a as an engaging portion formed on the end surface of the optical element mounting substrate 11,
16b has a highly accurate positional relationship. That is, since one of them is formed based on the other, the mutual positional relationship is formed with high precision. Optically observing the fitting grooves 16a and 16b, which are the engaging portions formed on the end surface of the optical element mounting substrate 11, the fitting grooves 16a and 16b are formed.
It is also possible to position and mount the optical element array 13 with reference to 6b. Thus, the optical element array 1
3 can be positioned with high precision in the X and Z directions with respect to the optical element mounting substrate 11 and connected by soldering or the like.

(2) When the optical element array 13 is in the X direction and Z direction
(Facing) the fitting grooves 16a, 16b formed in the Y direction of the end surface of the optical element mounting substrate 11 connected with high precision in the Y direction to the incident end surface of the lens array block 31 in the Y direction.
For example, the fitting grooves 32a and 32b formed are fitted (engaged) between the guide pins 21a and 21b (for example, between the V groove, the cylindrical surface, and the V groove by the guide pin connecting operation 101 and the lens array connecting operation 102). X)
Positioning is uniquely restricted in the direction and the Z direction. In the Y direction, the relative position between the V-groove and the cylinder can be shifted in the Y direction, and the degree of freedom remains.

(3) The positioning of the light emitting point array 14 of the optical element array 13 and the lens array 34 of the lens array block 31 in the Y direction is performed, for example, as follows. (A) A laser beam is oscillated from the light emitting point array 14 of the optical element array 13 so that the position of the laser condensed image after passing through the lens is set to TV
Measured with a camera or the like, and adjusted the relative position in the Y direction according to the relative positional relationship with the center position of the separately measured lens image,
Fix by adhesion or the like. (B) The height position of the light emitting point array 14 of the optical element array 13 is T
Measure with a V camera or the like. Next, the TV camera is moved in the Z direction to focus on the lens, the center position of the lens image is measured, the relative position is adjusted in the Y direction based on their relative positional relationship, and fixed by bonding or the like. (C) If the height from the upper surface of the optical element array 13 to the light emitting point array 14 is measured in advance, and the height from the upper surface of the lens array block 31 to the center of the lens array 34 is measured, the variation is obtained. Therefore, the relative position in the Y direction is determined so that the dimension between the upper surface of the optical element array 13 and the upper surface of the lens array block 31 becomes a predetermined value, and the lens array block 3 is formed with an adhesive, for example.
1 may be fixed to the end surface of the optical element mounting substrate 11.

Next, the optical connector housing 41 is positioned and adhered and fixed to the lens array block 31 by the optical connector housing connecting operation 103. A ball joint 42a held in the optical connector housing 41,
The optical connector housing 41 engages with the concave portions 33 a and 33 b formed on both sides of the lens array block 31 on the optical connector side, so that the optical connector housing 41 moves in the X direction and the Y
It is mechanically positioned in the direction and is adhesively fixed to the emission end face of the lens array block 31. In addition, the optical connector housing 41 with the above-mentioned ball joint
Can be manufactured accurately and inexpensively by assembling one or a plurality of parts by plastic transfer molding. The optical connector ferrule 51 is attached to the end of the optical fiber tape 53 on which the multi-core optical fiber array 54 is formed, and is positioned with high precision with respect to the multi-core optical fiber array 54 to form guide pin holes 52a and 52b. I have. Therefore,
When the optical connector ferrule 51 having the multi-core optical fiber array 54 is inserted into the optical connector housing 41 by the optical connector housing connecting operation 104, the optical connector housing 41 holds the guide pin holes (may be concave portions) 52a and 52b. When the ball joints 42a and 42b are engaged with each other, the lens array 34 and the multi-core optical fiber array 54 are relatively accurately positioned in the X direction, the Y direction, and the Z direction, and the optical coupling state is stabilized. Will be retained.

That is, the lens array block 31 and the optical connector ferrule 51 detachably inserted into the optical connector housing 41 can be relatively and simultaneously positioned in the XYZ directions with high precision by the ball joints 42a and 42b. As a result, highly accurate optical coupling can be realized. In particular, in the lens array block 31, only the depths of the concave portions 33a and 33b are required, and the length of the optical element array module in the Z direction can be minimized. Further, the ball joints 42a, 42b
The connection via is a structure that is automatically centered and fitted simply by pressing the spherical surfaces of the ball joints 42a, 42b against the concave portions 33a, 33b; 52a, 52b, so that the bending / tilting of the optical connector ferrule 51 is large. However, even if a simple assembling apparatus is used for optical coupling, optical coupling can be easily performed at the time of assembly and inspection, and the manufacturing cost can be reduced. When the optical connector ferrule 51 is inserted into the optical connector housing 41 by the optical connector housing connection operation 103, the optical connector ferrule 51
(Not shown) for pushing the lens toward the lens array block 31 and a latch mechanism (not shown) for hooking the lens so as not to come off. Further, the optical connector ferrule 51 can be removed from the optical connector housing 41 by removing the latch mechanism.

As described above, the lens array block 31, the optical connector housing 41 adhered and fixed to the exit end face of the lens array block 31, and the optical connector housing 41
The optical connector ferrule 51 which is attached to and detached from the optical connector ferrule 51 includes the ball joints 42a and 4b held in the optical connector housing 41.
2b has been described for the positioning in the X direction and the Y direction.
A spherical or pin-shaped projection is integrally provided on the light emitting end face by transfer molding or the like to position the optical connector housing 41 and the optical connector ferrule 51 attached to and detached from the optical connector housing 41 in the X direction and the Y direction. May be. Also, the lens array block 3
Although the structure of the optical connector ferrule 5 is slightly complicated,
A pin-shaped protrusion that fits into one of the guide pin holes 52 a and 52 b and the hole formed in the optical connector housing 41 may be embedded in the emission end face of the lens array block 31 and implanted.

As described above, the optical element array 13 on the optical element mounting board 11 and the multi-core optical fiber array 54 in the optical connector ferrule 51 are efficiently and easily optically coupled.
Can be configured. In the above-described first embodiment, the case where the face-up connection is performed using the edge emitting optical element array has been described. However, the same configuration is used in the case of the face-down connection (solder connection on the side closer to the light receiving surface). It goes without saying that the components can be implemented and the components can be shared.

Next, a second embodiment of an optical element array module using a surface emitting optical element array or a surface incident light receiving element array according to the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. That is, FIG. 5 is an exploded perspective view showing a second embodiment of the optical element array module according to the present invention. FIG.
FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing an embodiment in which a surface-emitting type optical element array is connected to an optical element mounting substrate. In the second embodiment of the optical element array module according to the present invention, the optical element array 63 is composed of a surface emitting type optical element array, a surface incident light receiving element array, or the like. An electrode is formed on the opposite upper surface. The optical element array 63 is mounted on the mounting surface of the optical element mounting substrate 61 with high precision positioning in the X and Y directions using alignment marks and the like, and connected by solder or the like. Naturally, the upper electrode of the optical element array 63 is also lead-connected to the terminal of the optical element mounting substrate 61. Then, a driving IC 1 for driving the optical element array 63
2 is also mounted on, for example, the upper surface of the optical element mounting substrate 61. Naturally, the driving IC 12 may be mounted on the mounting surface of the optical element mounting substrate 61.

As described above, the optical element array 63 and the optical element mounting substrate 61 are parallel because the input / output surface of the optical element array 63 and the connection surface to the optical element mounting substrate 61 are parallel to each other.
And each is added (formed) with high precision in advance.
By observing the positional relationship between the alignment marks (not shown) with an optical system and finely adjusting a mechanism for holding one of them, the optical element array 63 is moved in the X direction and Y direction with respect to the optical element mounting substrate 61. It can be connected by soldering or the like with high precision positioning in the direction. Naturally, the image of the alignment mark is picked up by the image pick-up means, and the amount of positional shift between the optical element array 63 and the optical element mounting substrate 61 is calculated by image signal processing, and the optical element is calculated according to the calculated amount of positional shift. The array 63 and the optical element mounting substrate 61 can be positioned (aligned). The alignment mark formed on the mounting surface of the optical element mounting substrate 61 and the concave portions 66a and 66b, which are the engaging portions formed on the mounting surface of the optical element mounting substrate 61, have a high precision positional relationship. Have. That is, since one of them is formed based on the other, the mutual positional relationship is formed with high precision. Also, the concave portions 66a and 66b, which are the engaging portions formed on the mounting surface of the optical element mounting substrate 61, are optically observed, for example, and the optical element array 63 is positioned and connected and mounted with reference to the concave portions 66a and 66b. It is also possible.

In the case where the optical element array 63 is a surface emitting type optical element array, as shown in FIG. 6, when a laser beam is oscillated, the laser beam is emitted from a light emitting point 64 as a laser spread 67. The surface-emitting type optical element array 63 has a structure in which the light-emitting surface is connected to a solder connection surface 68 which is directly opposite to the light-emitting surface. Therefore, the position of the light emitting point 64 in the XY plane is not affected by the variation in the thickness processing of the surface emitting type optical element array 63 itself, and the concave portions 66a, 66b
It is only necessary to increase the accuracy of the alignment of the solder connection with reference to the above. However, the surface emitting optical element array 63
It is difficult to increase the wavelength as compared with the edge emission type optical element array 13, and the usage may be limited.

As described above, in the second embodiment, the optical element mounting substrate 61 having the optical element side concave portions 66a and 66b in the same plane as the light emitting point array 64 of the optical element array 63 is opposed to the concave portions. The lens array block 81 having the concave portions 82a and 82b includes the concave portions 66a and 66b;
b, the ball joints 71a and 71b, which are convex portions, are fitted (the ball joint connection operation 111 and the lens array connection operation 112) to engage in the X direction, the Y direction, and the Z direction.
Constrained uniquely to direction. In addition, the optical element mounting substrate 61
The recesses 66a and 66b formed on the side surfaces of the substrate 61 are made of, for example, S
In the case of i, processing can be performed by anisotropic etching or the like, and in the case of glass, processing can be performed by glass molding using a precision transfer mold.
The lens array 34 formed by arranging a plurality of lenses in the lens array block 81 in a row at a pitch of, for example, 250 μm is formed by a method utilizing convex molding of glass by precision transfer or a change in refractive index by ion exchange of a glass plate. It can be molded with high accuracy. A lens array 34 in which convex portions having a lens effect are formed at equal intervals.
And the concave portions 66a, 66b; 82a, 82b on both surfaces are simultaneously subjected to glass transfer molding, whereby the lens array block 81 with concave portions can be manufactured.

Thereafter, connection of the optical connector housing 41 and the like to the lens array block 81 can be performed in the same manner as in the above-described first embodiment. In the second embodiment described above, both sides of the lens array block 81 are positioned in the XYZ directions by fitting with the concave portions using the ball joints 71a, 71b; 42a, 42b. And the optical fiber array 54 can be optically coupled with high precision via the lens array 34.

Next, a third embodiment of the optical element array module according to the present invention will be described with reference to FIG.
In the third embodiment, the optical element mounting board 61 and the optical connector ferrule 51 are connected to the ball joint 9 without using the lens array used in the second embodiment.
This is a structure in which direct connection is made using 2a and 92b. A concave portion 66a in the same plane as the light emitting point array 64 of the optical element array 63;
The optical element mounting substrate 61 having the optical connector 66b and the ball joints 92a and 92b provided in the optical connector housing 91 facing the concave portion (optical connector housing connection operation 121) are fitted to each other, so that the X direction, the Y direction, and the Z direction are achieved. Constrained uniquely to direction. Subsequent optical connector ferrule 51
Are the same as in the first embodiment.

According to the third embodiment, the present invention can be applied to a case where a slight decrease in the optical coupling efficiency is allowed.
As a result, the number of parts is reduced by omitting the lens array, and the optical element array 63 and the multi-core optical connectors 91 and 51 are accurately positioned and directly connected by using the common ball joints 92a and 92b. An optical element array module having a minimum length can be realized. In addition, the common ball joint connection is achieved by forming the spherical surfaces of the ball joints 92a and 92b into concave portions 66a and 66b;
a, it can be automatically centered and fitted by simply pressing it against 52b, so even if a simple assembling device is used, optical coupling can be easily performed at the time of assembly and inspection, and the manufacturing cost can be reduced. Become.

As described above, in the direct optical coupling without a lens using a ball joint, the length in the module Z direction can be minimized and the assembling can be most easily performed. It is effective for conversion. Further, according to the first to third embodiments, since it is constituted by assembling by a restraining means with a guide pin, a ball joint or the like, the processing accuracy of the part by precision transfer molding of glass or plastic (within ± 5 μm) ), It is possible to assemble with an accuracy close to), and to simplify alignment and to achieve optical alignment without alignment.
The alignment man-hour can be greatly reduced.

The structure of the optical connector is the same as that of the edge emitting optical element array, the edge receiving optical element array, the surface emitting optical element array, and the surface receiving optical element array even if the type of the optical element changes. It is possible to manufacture an inexpensive optical element array module by using a common optical connector.

[0039]

According to the present invention, the coupling efficiency between the optical element array and the optical fiber array connector is improved when the edge emitting type or edge receiving type optical element array is mounted face-up on the optical element mounting board. This is advantageous in that it is possible to realize an optical element array module in which each channel of the array enables uniform optical coupling. Further, according to the present invention, when a surface emitting type or surface receiving type optical element array is connected and mounted on an optical element mounting board, the coupling efficiency between the optical element array and the optical fiber array connector is high, and There is an effect that an optical element array module in which each channel enables uniform optical coupling can be realized.

Further, according to the present invention, a small-sized optical element array module can be realized when a surface-emitting type or surface-receiving type optical element array is connected and mounted on an optical element mounting substrate. Further, according to the present invention, since each channel of the array has a stacked structure of modules having uniform optical coupling characteristics, there is an effect that manufacturing can be facilitated, yield can be improved, and manufacturing can be performed at low cost. .

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is an exploded perspective view showing a first embodiment of an optical element array module according to the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a plan view having a partial cross section for explaining an assembling procedure according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a partial sectional plan view showing an assembled state of the first embodiment according to the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view showing an embodiment in which the edge emitting optical element array according to the present invention is mounted face-up on an optical element mounting substrate.

FIG. 5 is an exploded perspective view showing a second embodiment of the optical element array module according to the present invention.

FIG. 6 is a perspective view showing an embodiment in which the surface emitting optical element array according to the present invention is connected and mounted on an optical element mounting substrate.

FIG. 7 is an exploded perspective view showing a third embodiment of the optical element array module according to the present invention.

[Explanation of symbols]

Reference Signs List 11: optical element mounting substrate, 12: driving IC, 13: edge emitting optical element array, 14: light emitting point, 15: light emitting point height, 16a, 16b, 32a, 32b: fitting groove, 21
a, 21b: guide pin, 31: lens array block, 33a, 33b: recess, 34: lens array, 41
... optical connector housing, 42a, 42b ... ball joint, 51 ... optical connector ferrule, 52a, 52b ... guide pin hole, 53 ... optical fiber tape, 61 ... optical element mounting substrate, 63 ... optical element array, 64 ... light emitting point , 66
a, 66b recess, 71a, 71b ball joint, 8
1. Lens array block, 82a, 82b, 83a,
83b: concave portion, 91: optical connector housing, 92a,
92b: ball joint, 105, 106: alignment mark.

Continued on the front page (72) Inventor Atsushi Takai 216 Totsuka-cho, Totsuka-ku, Yokohama-shi, Kanagawa Prefecture Inside the Communication Systems Division of Hitachi, Ltd. (72) Inventor Atsushi Miura 216 Totsuka-cho, Totsuka-ku, Yokohama, Kanagawa Prefecture (72) Inventor Koichiro Tonedaira 216 Totsuka-cho, Totsuka-ku, Yokohama-shi, Kanagawa Prefecture F-term (reference) 2H036 LA01 NA03 QA13 QA23 QA32 QA50 QA56 2H037 BA03 BA12 DA03 DA04 DA05 DA06 DA12 DA13 DA33 5F073 AB02 AB15 AB16 AB27 AB28 FA07 FA08

Claims (20)

[Claims] An edge emitting type or edge receiving type optical element array is mounted face-up on a mounting surface of an optical element mounting substrate, and the optical element array, a lens array for condensing laser light, and an optical fiber array are provided. A lens array block in which the lens array is formed on an end surface of the optical element mounting substrate and an optical connector housing for detachably inserting an optical connector ferrule holding an end of the optical fiber array so as to optically couple. An optical element array module characterized by being stacked and fixed. 2. When the lens array block is overlapped and fixed on an end face of the optical element mounting substrate, a height of the end face light emitting or light receiving point array is provided between the lens array block and the end face of the optical element mounting substrate. 2. The optical element array module according to claim 1, wherein the optical element array module is configured so as to be engaged so as to be finely adjustable in the vertical direction. 3. When the lens array block is overlaid and fixed on an end face of the optical element mounting board, a space between the lens array block and the end face of the optical element mounting board is arranged in the end face light emitting or light receiving point column direction. 2. The optical element array module according to claim 1, wherein the optical element array module is positioned and engaged so as to be finely adjustable in the height direction of the end face light emitting or light receiving point row. 4. The optical element array module according to claim 1, wherein an end face of said optical element mounting board and said lens array block are engaged with a concave portion and a convex portion. 5. An apparatus according to claim 1, wherein an end face of said optical element mounting board and said lens array block are engaged by fitting a groove recess with a columnar projection or a columnar member. The optical element array module according to the above. 6. When the optical connector ferrule is inserted into the optical connector housing, the lens array block and the optical connector ferrule are positioned and engaged at least two-dimensionally. Item 6. The optical element array module according to item 1, 2, 3 or 4, or 5. 7. When the optical connector ferrule is inserted into the optical connector housing, the lens array block and the optical connector ferrule are engaged with a joint having a centering function. Item 1
Or the optical element array module according to 2 or 3 or 4 or 5. 8. The lens array block according to claim 1, wherein the lens array is mounted on a frame fixed on the end face of the optical element mounting substrate. 6. The optical element array module according to 5. 9. A surface-emitting type or surface-receiving type optical element array is connected and mounted on a mounting surface of an optical element mounting substrate, and the optical element array is optically coupled with a lens array for condensing laser light and an optical fiber array. A lens array block in which the lens array is formed and an optical connector housing for detachably inserting an optical connector ferrule holding an end of the optical fiber array are stacked on the mounting surface of the optical element mounting substrate. An optical element array module characterized in that the optical element array module is fixed. 10. A structure in which a mounting surface of the optical element mounting board and the lens array block are engaged with each other so that the optical element array and the lens array are relatively positioned. The optical element array module according to claim 9, wherein: 11. A fitting between a concave portion and a convex portion between a mounting surface of the optical element mounting substrate and the lens array block so that the optical element array and the lens array are relatively positioned. The optical element array module according to claim 9, wherein the optical element array module is configured to be engaged when necessary. 12. A fitting of a concave portion and a spherical surface between a mounting surface of the optical element mounting substrate and the lens array block so that the optical element array and the lens array are relatively positioned. The optical element array module according to claim 9, wherein the optical element array module is configured to be engaged when necessary. 13. When the optical connector ferrule is inserted into the optical connector housing, the lens array block and the optical connector ferrule are engaged with a joint having a centripetal function. Item 11. The optical element array module according to Item 9 or 10. 14. The optical element array according to claim 9, wherein said lens array block is formed by attaching said lens array to a frame fixed to be superposed on an end surface of said optical element mounting substrate. module. 15. An optical element array for connecting an optical element array to a mounting surface of a substrate for mounting an optical element, wherein the optical element array and the optical fiber array are optically coupled to each other. An optical element comprising: an optical connector housing for detachably inserting an optical connector ferrule for holding an end of the optical fiber array on a mounting surface of a substrate; Array module. 16. An engaging part forming step of forming an engaging part on an end surface of the optical element mounting substrate by using an alignment mark formed on the optical element mounting substrate as a reference; A mounting step of aligning the optical element array based on the alignment mark or the engaging portion formed in the engaging portion forming step as a reference and mounting the optical element array face-up on a mounting surface of an optical element mounting substrate; The lens array block on which the lens array is formed is coupled to the lens array that condenses the laser light by using the engaging portion formed in the engaging portion forming step so that the end surface emits light or receives light. A lens array block mounting step of positioning in the column direction, finely adjusting the height of the end face light emitting or light receiving point row and mounting the end face of the optical element mounting board; An optical connector housing for detachably inserting an optical connector ferrule holding an end of the optical fiber array so as to optically couple the lens array and the optical fiber array. A method for manufacturing an optical element array module, comprising: an attaching step. 17. An engaging part forming step of forming an engaging part on an end face of an optical element mounting substrate by forming an engaging part, and the engaging part formed in the engaging part forming step or with reference to the engaging part. A mounting step of aligning an edge-emitting or edge-receiving optical element array with reference to the alignment mark formed by performing face-up connection mounting on a mounting surface of an optical element mounting substrate; and an end face of the optical element array. The lens array block on which the lens array is formed is formed in the engaging portion forming step so that the light emitting or light receiving point array and the lens array that collects laser light emitted from the end face light emitting or light receiving point array are optically coupled. Positioning in the direction of the end face light emitting or light receiving point row using the formed engaging portion, fine adjustment in the height direction of the end face light emitting or light receiving point row, and mounting on the end face of the optical element mounting substrate. An optical connector housing for detachably inserting an optical connector ferrule holding an end of the optical fiber array so that the lens array and the optical fiber array are optically coupled to each other. An optical connector housing mounting step of mounting the optical element array module by engaging with the optical element array module. 18. An engaging part forming step of forming an engaging part on a mounting surface of an optical element mounting substrate by forming an engaging part with reference to an alignment mark formed on the optical element mounting substrate; A mounting step of performing alignment with reference to the alignment mark or the engaging portion formed in the engaging portion forming step and connecting and mounting the optical element on the mounting surface of the optical element mounting substrate; and condensing the laser beam with the optical element array The lens array block in which the lens array is formed is positioned using the engaging portion formed in the engaging portion forming step so that the lens array is optically coupled with the lens array to be mounted on the mounting surface of the optical element mounting substrate. A lens array block mounting step of mounting, and an optical connector ferrule holding an end of the optical fiber array detachably so that the lens array and the optical fiber array are optically coupled. Method for manufacturing an optical element array module; and a light connector housing mounting step of mounting the wear to the optical connector housing is engaged with the lens array block. 19. An engaging part forming step of forming an engaging part on a mounting surface of an optical element mounting substrate by processing the engaging part, and the engaging part formed in the engaging part forming step or the engaging part as a reference. A mounting step of aligning the optical element array with reference to the alignment mark formed as described above and connecting and mounting the optical element array on the mounting surface of the optical element mounting board; and a lens array for condensing the optical element array and laser light. A lens array block in which the lens array block in which the lens array is formed is positioned using the engaging portion formed in the engaging portion forming step and is attached to the mounting surface of the optical element mounting substrate so that the lens array is optically coupled. An optical connector housing for detachably inserting an optical connector ferrule holding an end of the optical fiber array so that the lens array and the optical fiber array are optically coupled to each other. Method for manufacturing an optical element array module; and a light connector housing mounting step of mounting is engaged with the serial lens array block. 20. An edge emitting type or edge receiving type optical element array is connected and mounted on a mounting surface of an optical element mounting substrate, and the optical element array is optically coupled with a lens array for condensing laser light and an optical fiber array. A lens array block having the lens array formed on an end surface of the optical element mounting board and an optical connector housing for detachably inserting an optical connector ferrule holding an end of the optical fiber array are stacked. An optical element array module fixed and configured.