JP2011007955A - Optical connector, optical module using the same and method of manufacturing the optical module - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To solve the following problem: when an optical waveguide is inserted/attached on an optical connector, it is difficult to adjust the length of an optical fiber.SOLUTION: The optical connector is provided with a first groove for arranging the optical waveguide on a substrate, and a second groove which intersects with the first groove. The first groove is provided from one end to the other end of the substrate. The second groove is so arranged that the wall face constituting the second groove is tilted with respect to the face which is perpendicular to the extending direction of the first groove. The first groove and the second groove are so arranged that the light input to the substrate or the light output from the substrate is coupled with the optical waveguide via the second groove.

Description

  The present invention relates to an optical connector, an optical module using the same, and a method for manufacturing the same.

  With the recent development of technology, the communication capacity required for optical communication is steadily increasing.

  In order to cope with such an increase in communication capacity, an apparatus for performing communication using a plurality of optical elements in parallel has been put into practical use. Many of these apparatuses use array type optical elements. An array type optical element refers to a chip having a plurality of surface type optical elements.

  In an apparatus that uses a plurality of optical elements in parallel, a connector that can insert and remove a plurality of optical fibers at a time, such as an MT connector, is used.

  In the case of a planar element, an optical signal is input / output perpendicular to the substrate. For this reason, normally, the optical fiber must be inserted perpendicularly to the planar optical element mounted on the substrate. However, when the optical fiber is inserted perpendicularly to the surface optical element, there is a problem that a large space is required around the surface optical element due to restrictions on the size of the MT connector and the bending radius of the optical fiber.

  In order to solve such problems, there has been proposed a connector that converts the optical path of an optical signal input / output from / to a surface optical element to a right angle with respect to the substrate surface using a mirror or the like. 1.

  As shown in FIG. 14, the optical connector 500 described in Patent Literature 1 includes an optical fiber hole 502 through which an optical fiber passes and a reflection surface 506 that reflects light emitted from the optical fiber. As shown in FIG. 15, the optical connector 500 is fitted to the photoelectric composite substrate 518 using fitting pins 517. The optical fiber 512 is inserted into the optical fiber hole 502 and connected to the optical connector. The light emitted from the optical fiber 512 is reflected by the reflecting surface 506, and its optical path is changed downward in the drawing. The light is received by the optical element 519.

JP 2009-058848 A (paragraphs (0015) to (0021), FIGS. 1 and 7) JP 2003-004991 A (paragraphs (0026), (0027), FIG. 2)

  However, the optical connector described in Patent Document 1 has a problem that it is difficult to adjust the length of the optical fiber on the spot when the optical fiber is inserted into the optical connector. That is, when the optical fiber is inserted into the optical connector, as shown in FIG. 15, it is necessary to press and fix the end of the optical fiber to the inside of the optical connector, so the optical fiber is inserted into the optical connector. However, it has been difficult to adjust the length of the optical fiber. Further, when an extra length of optical fiber is generated after the optical fiber is inserted into the optical connector, complicated fiber extra length processing is required.

  An object of the present invention is to provide an optical connector that solves the problem that it is difficult to adjust the length of the optical fiber when the optical fiber that is the above-described problem is inserted into the optical connector, and an optical device using the optical connector. It is to provide a module and a manufacturing method thereof.

  In the optical connector of the present invention, a first groove for arranging the optical waveguide on the substrate and a second groove intersecting the first groove are arranged, and the first groove extends from one end of the substrate to the other end. The second groove is arranged such that a wall surface constituting the second groove is inclined with respect to a plane perpendicular to the extending direction of the first groove, and light input to the substrate or light output from the substrate is received. The first groove and the second groove are arranged so as to be coupled to the optical waveguide via the second groove.

  Another optical connector of the present invention has a first substrate element portion and a second substrate element portion, and the other end of at least one of the first substrate element portion and the second substrate element portion is the other end. A first groove for disposing the optical waveguide is provided, and has a second connection portion in at least one of the first substrate element portion and the second substrate element portion, and the second connection portion is a reflection portion. And a cutting portion capable of cutting the optical waveguide, and the reflection portion is disposed to be inclined with respect to a plane perpendicular to the extending direction of the first groove, and is disposed on the first substrate element portion or the second substrate element portion. The first groove and the second connection portion so that the input light or the light output from the first substrate element portion or the second substrate element portion is coupled to the optical waveguide via the second connection portion; Are arranged.

  The method for manufacturing an optical module of the present invention includes a step of forming a first groove for arranging the optical waveguide from one end to the other end of the substrate, and a second crossing the first groove on the substrate. A step of forming a groove, a step of disposing the optical waveguide in at least a part of the first groove, and a step of cutting the optical waveguide along the wall surface of the second groove. In the forming step, the wall surface constituting the second groove is perpendicular to the extending direction of the first groove so that the light input to the substrate or the light output from the substrate is coupled to the optical waveguide through the second groove. Including a step of forming an inclined surface with respect to a smooth surface.

  According to another method of manufacturing an optical module of the present invention, a first groove for arranging an optical waveguide from one end to the other end of at least one of the first substrate element portion and the second substrate element portion is formed. A step, a step of forming a second groove in at least one of the first substrate element portion and the second substrate element portion, a step of disposing an optical waveguide in at least a part of the first groove, The optical waveguide is sandwiched between the substrate element portion and the second substrate element portion, the first substrate element portion and the second substrate element portion are fitted, and the optical waveguide is inserted into the second groove after the fitting step. Cutting along the wall surface of the substrate, and the step of forming the second groove includes light input to the first substrate element portion or the second substrate element portion or the first substrate element portion or the second substrate element portion. So that the light output from the two substrate element portions is coupled to the optical waveguide via the second groove. Characterized in that it comprises a step of forming inclined with respect to a plane perpendicular to the wall surface constituting the extending direction of the first groove.

  According to another method of manufacturing an optical module of the present invention, a first groove for disposing an optical waveguide from one end to the other end of at least one of the first substrate element portion and the second substrate element portion is formed. Forming a second connecting portion having a step, a reflecting portion and a cutting portion capable of cutting the optical waveguide in at least one of the first substrate element portion and the second substrate element portion, and at least one of the first grooves A step of disposing the optical waveguide in part, and a cutting step of sandwiching the optical waveguide between the first substrate element portion and the second substrate element portion and cutting the optical waveguide at the cutting portion, In the step of forming the second connecting portion, the light input to the first substrate element portion or the second substrate element portion or the light output from the first substrate element portion or the second substrate element portion is the second connection. The reflecting part is perpendicular to the extending direction of the first groove so as to be coupled to the optical waveguide via the part. Characterized in that it comprises a step of forming inclined to the.

  According to the optical connector of the present invention, the length of the optical fiber can be easily adjusted on the spot when the optical fiber is inserted.

It is the (a) perspective view of the optical connector which concerns on the 1st Embodiment of this invention, (b) Top view, (c) 1c-1c sectional view taken on the line of (b). It is sectional drawing of another optical connector which concerns on the 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a perspective view of another optical connector which concerns on the 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is the (a) perspective view of the optical connector which concerns on the 2nd Embodiment of this invention, (b) bottom view, (c) 4c-4c sectional view taken on the line of (b). (A) The perspective view of the 1st connection part of another optical connector which concerns on the 2nd Embodiment of this invention, (b) The perspective view of another 1st connection part. It is sectional drawing of another optical connector which concerns on the 2nd Embodiment of this invention. It is sectional drawing for demonstrating the manufacturing method of the optical module which concerns on the 3rd Embodiment of this invention. (A) perspective view, (b) top view, (c) cross-sectional view taken along line 8c-8c of (b), (d) bottom view (b) of an optical connector according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 8D is a cross-sectional view taken along line 8d-8d, and (e) a perspective view illustrating a fitted state. It is sectional drawing of another optical connector which concerns on the 4th Embodiment of this invention. It is sectional drawing for demonstrating the manufacturing method of the optical module which concerns on the 5th Embodiment of this invention. (A) perspective view, (b) bottom view, (c) cross-sectional view taken along line 11c-11c of (b), (d) bottom view (b) of an optical connector according to a sixth embodiment of the present invention; FIG. 11D is a sectional view taken along line 11d-11d, and (e) is a perspective view showing a fitted state. It is sectional drawing of another optical connector which concerns on the 6th Embodiment of this invention. It is sectional drawing for demonstrating the manufacturing method of the optical module which concerns on the 7th Embodiment of this invention. 1 is a perspective view of an optical connector described in Patent Document 1. FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of an optical connector described in Patent Document 1. FIG.

  Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.

[First Embodiment]
FIG. 1A is a perspective view of an optical connector 100 according to the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 1B is a top view of the optical connector 100. FIG. 1C is a cross-sectional view taken along the line 1c-1c of the optical connector 100 of FIG. The optical connector 100 according to the first embodiment includes a substrate 101, a first groove 102 disposed from one end of the substrate to the other end, and a second groove 103 that intersects the first groove. The first groove 102 is a groove for installing the optical waveguide. The wall surface of the second groove 103 is inclined with respect to a plane perpendicular to the extending direction of the first groove 102. The first groove 102 and the second groove 103 are configured so that light input to the substrate 101 or light output from the substrate 101 is coupled to the optical waveguide installed in the first groove via the second groove 103. Is arranged.

  The optical waveguide installed in the first groove 102 has a cut surface along the second groove 103. The second groove 103 includes one having a refractive index different from that of the core structure of the optical waveguide. Therefore, a part of the light that propagates through the optical waveguide and is input to the optical connector is reflected due to the difference in refractive index between the optical waveguide and the second groove 103. For example, air is included in the second groove.

  Since the optical connector according to the present embodiment has the above-described configuration, the traveling direction of the light incident on the optical connector can be changed to a desired direction. Light that propagates through the optical waveguide and enters the optical connector is reflected in a predetermined direction after reaching the second groove. The reflected light can be efficiently extracted from the optical connector, for example, by making the material constituting the substrate transparent to the reflected light. Further, light input to the optical connector from other than the optical waveguide is reflected after reaching the second groove, and the reflected light is coupled to the optical waveguide, propagates through the optical waveguide, and is output from the optical connector.

  Here, for example, an optical fiber can be used for the optical waveguide. Below, the case where an optical fiber is used as an optical waveguide is demonstrated.

  When the optical connector according to this embodiment is used, the length of the optical fiber can be easily adjusted on the spot when the optical fiber is inserted into the optical connector. That is, in the optical fiber according to the present embodiment, since the first groove penetrates, a part of the optical fiber including the tip of the optical fiber that requires length adjustment can be passed through the optical connector. Since the optical fiber can be cut along the second groove, the length of the optical fiber can be easily adjusted. After the optical fiber is cut, an end face of the optical fiber is formed at a location where the second groove and the first groove intersect. And light can be taken out from this end surface.

  In the optical connector described in Patent Document 1, the optical fiber hole corresponding to the first groove (FIG. 14, reference numeral 502) does not penetrate the substrate. For this reason, when the optical fiber is inserted into the optical connector, it is necessary to press and fix the end of the optical fiber against the end of the first groove. For this reason, it is difficult to adjust the length of the optical fiber when inserting the optical connector.

  Further, as an optical module technology related to the present invention, Patent Document 2 discloses that after an optical fiber is arranged on a substrate, a slit is formed in a fiber embedded substrate, and the optical fiber is cut in accordance with the formation of the slit. It is disclosed to adjust the length. Since the slit is formed by cutting the substrate, a large-scale apparatus such as a dicing saw is required for forming the slit. Therefore, it is difficult to adjust the length of the optical fiber on the spot in such an optical module.

  On the other hand, when the optical connector according to the present embodiment is used, since the second groove corresponding to the slit of Patent Document 2 is arranged in advance in the optical connector itself, the optical fiber is placed in a desired position of the first groove. It is only necessary to cut only the optical fiber after being disposed in. Therefore, a simple cutting tool can be used. As a result, when the optical fiber is inserted into the optical connector, the length of the optical fiber can be easily adjusted on the spot.

  As described above, when the optical connector according to the present embodiment is used, the length of the optical fiber can be adjusted when the optical fiber is inserted into the optical connector. This eliminates the need for extra length processing of the optical fiber after insertion of the optical connector.

  In the above description, the optical connector according to the present embodiment has been described taking light that has propagated through the optical waveguide and input to the optical connector as an example. However, the optical connector according to the present embodiment is input to the optical connector from a location other than the optical waveguide. It is also possible to couple the light to the optical waveguide via the second groove, propagate the optical waveguide, and output from the optical connector.

  The structure of the optical waveguide is not particularly limited as long as it can guide light. For example, a slab type, a buried type, or a ridge type can be used as the optical waveguide. The optical waveguide may be an optical fiber or a polymer optical waveguide.

  The substrate may have a plurality of first grooves. In that case, the distance between the respective first grooves is preferably 250 micrometers or 125 micrometers. By using these intervals, the optical fibers can be easily aligned. Moreover, the optical connector according to the present embodiment inserted into the optical fiber can be coupled to a general MT connector.

  The shape of the first groove is not particularly limited. It may be a cylinder or a flat plate. The first groove is disposed on the substrate so as to cross the second groove and exceed the second groove.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 2, the optical connector 100 may have a waveguide portion 104 between the surface of the substrate 101 and the second groove 103. By providing the waveguide section 104, the light reflected by the second groove is guided through the waveguide section 104 without being scattered, so that the light can be extracted more efficiently. In addition, the optical connector can input light from the outside through the waveguide section, and the input light is coupled to the optical waveguide installed in the first groove via the second groove to propagate through the optical waveguide. And output from the optical connector. In addition, the light propagating from the optical waveguide and input to the optical connector can be output from the waveguide section through the second groove.

  The material of the waveguide is preferably a material close to the refractive index of the optical fiber as the optical waveguide, for example, resin or quartz glass. By using such a material, the light emission angle can be kept small, and as a result, the light coupling efficiency between the optical waveguide and the waveguide can be increased. The waveguide may be composed of air.

  Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 3, the optical connector may have an adhesive hole 105 to which an adhesive for adhering the optical waveguide to the connector is added.

  The adhesive is added to the bonding hole 105 after the optical waveguide is installed in the first groove 102. Thereby, the optical waveguide can be fixed to the substrate 101. By fixing the optical waveguide to the substrate, the optical waveguide can be cut with high accuracy, and a highly reliable optical connector can be provided. In addition to the optical waveguide, the first connection portion may also be fixed to the substrate using an adhesive. By fixing the first connection portion to the substrate, a highly reliable optical connector can be provided.

  The material of the substrate is not particularly limited. For example, an epoxy resin can be used.

  The optical connector may have a guide hole for aligning with another optical device connected to the optical connector. By fitting the guide hole of the optical connector with the guide pin of the other optical device, the optical connector and the other optical device can be aligned.

[Second Embodiment]
Next, an optical connector according to a second embodiment of the present invention will be described.

  FIG. 4A is a perspective view of the optical connector 100 according to the second embodiment. FIG. 4B is a bottom view of the optical connector 100. FIG. 4C is a cross-sectional view taken along line 4c-4c of FIG. The optical connector 100 according to the second embodiment includes a substrate 101, a first groove 102 disposed from one end of the substrate to the other end, and a second groove 103 that intersects the first groove. The first groove 102 is a groove for installing the optical waveguide. The wall surface of the second groove 103 is inclined with respect to a plane perpendicular to the extending direction of the first groove 102. The first groove 102 and the second groove 103 are configured so that light input to the substrate 101 or light output from the substrate 101 is coupled to the optical waveguide installed in the first groove via the second groove 103. Is arranged.

  As shown in FIG. 4, the optical connector 100 according to the second embodiment includes a first connection portion 106 disposed in the second groove. The first connecting portion 106 has a reflecting portion whose surface is coated with metal or the like. Thereby, the light that has reached the second groove can be reflected in a desired direction, and the reflectance can be further increased.

  The reflection part included in the first connection part may be a total reflection mirror or a half mirror. Further, a filter such as a dielectric multilayer film having wavelength selectivity may be used. If a half mirror or a filter having wavelength selectivity is used, light can be extracted at a desired ratio. Further, an advantage that light can be multiplexed / demultiplexed can be obtained.

  As shown in FIG. 4, the first connection portion 106 may further include a cutting portion 107 that can cut the optical waveguide. In that case, as will be described later, the manufacturing process of the optical module is facilitated.

  As shown in FIG. 5A, the first connection unit 106 may be a combination of a reflection unit 109 having a reflection surface that reflects light and a mirror holder 108 that holds the reflection unit 109. The mirror holder 108 has a cutting part 107 on the side inserted into the second groove. The cutting portion 107 cuts the optical waveguide when the first connecting portion 106 is disposed in the second groove. Further, it is desirable to process the reflecting surface of the reflecting portion 109 so as to be a smooth surface. As the reflecting surface, it is desirable to use a metal having a high reflectivity, for example, gold deposited. In order to give the cutting portion 107 a function of cutting the optical waveguide, it is desirable to use a hard metal such as stainless steel or Kovar for the cutting portion.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 5B, a light transmitting hole 110 that is a hole for transmitting light may be provided in a portion where the optical waveguide of the mirror holder 108 abuts. In this case, a half mirror having a specific reflectance may be used for the reflecting portion 109. When the half mirror is used, at least a part of the light reaching the reflecting portion can be reflected and the remaining light can be transmitted, and light can be extracted at a desired ratio. Further, a filter having wavelength selectivity may be used for the reflection portion 109.

  The thickness of the first connection portion is preferably about several microns thinner than the width of the second groove. Further, it is desirable that the surface be flat. This is because the first connecting portion has such characteristics, so that the first connecting portion can be smoothly inserted into the second groove.

  The optical connector may have two or more waveguide portions as shown in FIG. In this case, the light can be guided through the waveguide section 111 provided between the upper surface of the substrate and the second groove, and the waveguide section 104 provided between the lower surface of the substrate and the second groove. . By providing a plurality of waveguide portions on the substrate in this way, the directions of the plurality of lights can be changed simultaneously. For example, in the case of the optical connector shown in FIG. 6, one of the lights input to the connector from both ends of the optical waveguide can be output upward and the other can be output downward. Alternatively, light emitted from optical elements installed on the upper and lower surfaces of the optical connector can be input to the optical connector, and the input light can be coupled to the optical waveguide.

  The number of waveguides is not limited to two. There may be three or more waveguide portions.

  The position of the waveguide is not limited between the second groove and the upper surface and between the second groove and the lower surface. The position of the waveguide and its structure may be appropriately determined according to the reflection angle in the second groove.

[Third Embodiment]
Next, the manufacturing method of the optical module which concerns on the 3rd Embodiment of this invention is demonstrated with reference to FIG. In this embodiment, the optical connector according to the first embodiment is used. In this specification, an optical module in which an optical waveguide is inserted into an optical connector is referred to as an optical module. In the present embodiment, a case where an optical fiber is used as the optical waveguide will be described.

  First, as shown in FIG. 7A, the optical fiber 112 is inserted from one end of the optical connector 100 and disposed in the first groove 102. As shown in FIG. 7B, the optical fiber 112 is disposed in the first groove 102 through the second groove 103, and is fixed using an adhesive or the like.

  Next, as shown in FIG. 7C, the cutter portion 113 is inserted into the second groove, and the optical fiber 112 is cut along the wall surface of the second groove 103. As a result, the optical fiber 112 is divided at the second groove 103. The wall surface configuring the second groove is formed to be inclined with respect to a plane perpendicular to the extending direction of the first groove.

  After cutting the optical fiber 112, the cutter portion 113 is taken out from the second groove 103 as shown in FIG.

  As described above, as shown in FIG. 7E, the optical module according to this embodiment is completed. The traveling direction of the light input from the optical fiber 112 to the optical connector 100 changes downward through the second groove 103 as indicated by a broken line arrow in FIG.

  Since the optical module according to the present embodiment has the manufacturing process described above, the length of the optical fiber can be easily adjusted on the spot when the optical fiber is inserted into the optical connector.

  The method for cutting the optical fiber is not particularly limited. A simple tool such as a general cutter member can be used.

  In the second groove of the optical module shown in FIG. 7E, a first connection part having a reflection part may be further arranged. Thereby, it is possible to reflect the light incident on the second groove via the second groove.

  In the step shown in FIG. 7C, a first connecting portion having a reflecting portion and a cutting portion capable of cutting the optical fiber may be disposed instead of the cutter portion 113. This eliminates the need to take out the first connecting portion once arranged in the second groove later. Thereby, since installation of a reflection part and cutting of a fiber can be performed in the same process, a manufacturing process can be reduced as a result. In addition, since the adhesion between the cut surface of the optical waveguide and the reflection surface of the first connection portion is increased, the spread of the reflected light is suppressed, and the connectivity between the light and the optical element is increased.

[Fourth Embodiment]
Next, an optical connector according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention will be described.

  FIG. 8A is a perspective view of an optical connector 200 according to the fourth embodiment. FIG. 8B is a top view of the optical connector 200 according to the second embodiment. FIG. 8C is a cross-sectional view taken along the line 8c-8c in FIG. FIG. 8D is a cross-sectional view taken along line 8d-8d in FIG. FIG. 8E is a perspective view showing a state in which the first board element part 214 and the second board element part 215 of the optical connector 200 according to the fourth embodiment are fitted. The optical connector 200 according to the fourth embodiment includes a first board element part 214 and a second board element part 215. As shown in FIG. 8E, the first substrate element portion 214 and the second substrate element portion 215 are fitted to form a substrate. The first substrate element portion 214 includes a first groove 202 disposed from one end to the other end of the first substrate element portion 214 and a second groove 203 intersecting with the first groove. The first groove 202 is a groove for installing the optical waveguide. The wall surface of the second groove 203 is formed to be inclined with respect to a plane perpendicular to the extending direction of the first groove 202. The first groove 202 and the second groove 203 are arranged so that light input to the substrate or light output from the substrate is coupled to the optical waveguide installed in the first groove via the second groove 203. Has been.

  As shown in FIG. 8, the optical connector 200 according to the fourth embodiment is characterized in that the substrate includes a first substrate element portion 214 and a second substrate element portion 215. Accordingly, the optical waveguide can be disposed in the first groove with the first substrate element portion 214 and the second substrate element portion 215 interposed therebetween. That is, since it is not necessary to pass the tip of the optical waveguide through the first groove, the optical connector according to the present embodiment can be used for the case where both ends of the optical waveguide are fixed.

  When the optical connector according to this embodiment is used, the length of the optical waveguide can be easily adjusted on the spot when the optical waveguide is inserted into the optical connector. Furthermore, when the optical connector according to the present embodiment is used, it can be easily inserted into an optical waveguide having both ends fixed. This is because the substrate is divided into a plurality of substrate element portions, the optical waveguide is sandwiched between the plurality of substrate element portions, and then the optical waveguide is cut.

  The first groove only needs to be arranged in either the first substrate element portion 214 or the second substrate element portion 215. Alternatively, as shown in FIG. 9, a groove is provided in each of the first substrate element portion 214 and the second substrate element portion 215, and the first substrate element portion 214 and the second substrate element portion 215 are fitted. Thus, the first groove may be formed.

[Fifth Embodiment]
Next, the manufacturing method of the optical module which concerns on the 5th Embodiment of this invention is demonstrated with reference to FIG. In this embodiment, the optical connector according to the fourth embodiment is used. In the present embodiment, a case where an optical fiber is used as the optical waveguide will be described.

  First, as shown in FIGS. 10A and 10B, the first substrate element portion 214 and the second substrate element portion 215 are fitted together with the optical fiber 212 interposed therebetween. The optical fiber 212 is installed in a first groove disposed in the first substrate element portion 214.

  Next, as shown in FIG. 10C, the optical fiber 212 is cut along the wall surface of the second groove 203. The method for cutting the optical fiber 212 is not particularly limited. For example, the optical fiber 212 can be cut using the cutter unit 213.

  Then, as shown in FIG. 10D, after cutting the optical fiber 212, the cutter unit 213 is taken out from the second groove 203.

  Thus, the optical module according to this embodiment is completed as shown in FIG.

  The traveling direction of the light input from the optical fiber 212 to the optical connector 200 changes downward through the second groove 203 as indicated by a broken line arrow in FIG.

  The optical module manufacturing method according to the present embodiment is characterized in that the first substrate element portion and the second substrate element portion are fitted together with the optical waveguide interposed therebetween. Thereby, the optical module can be manufactured using the optical connector according to the present embodiment even for the case where both ends of the optical fiber are fixed.

[Sixth Embodiment]
Next, an optical connector according to a sixth embodiment of the present invention will be described.

  FIG. 11A is a perspective view of an optical connector 300 according to the sixth embodiment. FIG. 11B is a bottom view of the optical connector 300 according to the sixth embodiment. FIG.11 (c) is the 11c-11c sectional view taken on the line of FIG.11 (b). FIG.11 (d) is the 11d-11d sectional view taken on the line of FIG.11 (b). FIG. 11E is a perspective view showing a state in which the first board element part 314 and the second board element part 315 of the optical connector 300 according to the sixth embodiment are fitted. The optical connector 300 according to the sixth embodiment includes a first board element part 314 and a second board element part 315. As shown in FIG. 11E, the first substrate element portion 314 and the second substrate element portion 315 are fitted to form a substrate. As shown in FIG. 11, the second substrate element portion 315 has a first groove 302 disposed from one end to the other end of the second substrate element portion 315. The first groove 302 is a groove for installing the optical waveguide. The first groove 302 and the second groove 303 are configured so that light input to the substrate or light output from the substrate is coupled to the optical waveguide provided in the first groove 302 via the second groove 303. Has been placed. As shown in FIG. 11, the first substrate element portion 314 is provided with a second connection portion 316 having a cutting portion capable of cutting the optical waveguide. The second connection portion 316 has a reflection surface that is coated with a metal or the like on its surface and can reflect light. The reflecting surface is disposed so as to be inclined with respect to a surface perpendicular to the extending direction of the first groove. The second connecting portion 316 is disposed at a position for cutting the optical waveguide installed in the first groove 302 when the first substrate element portion 314 and the second substrate element portion 315 are fitted.

  In the optical connector according to the fourth embodiment, as shown in FIG. 11, the substrate includes a first substrate element portion 314 and a second substrate element portion 315, and further includes a second connection portion 316. It is characterized by. As described above, since the substrate is composed of a plurality of components, the optical waveguide can be disposed in the first groove 302 with the first substrate element portion 314 and the second substrate element portion 315 interposed therebetween. That is, since it is not necessary to pass the tip of the optical waveguide through the first groove, the optical connector according to the present embodiment can be used for the case where both ends of the optical waveguide are fixed. Furthermore, by having the second connection portion 316 at a predetermined position, the optical waveguide can be cut at the same time as the optical waveguide is sandwiched between the first substrate element portion 314 and the second substrate element portion 315, thereby making it easier. Can be inserted.

  When the optical connector according to this embodiment is used, the length of the optical fiber can be easily adjusted on the spot when the optical waveguide is inserted into the optical connector. This is because the length of the optical waveguide can be freely adjusted through the optical waveguide to the first groove penetrating the substrate, and then the optical waveguide can be easily cut along the second groove.

  Further, when the optical connector according to the present embodiment is used, it can be easily inserted into an optical fiber having both ends fixed. This is because the substrate included in the optical waveguide is divided into a plurality of substrate element portions, and the optical waveguide is sandwiched between the plurality of substrate element portions.

  In addition, the 2nd connection part should just be in at least any one of a 1st board | substrate element part and a 2nd board | substrate element part. For example, as shown in FIG. 12, the second connection portion may be disposed on both the first substrate element portion 314 and the second substrate element portion 315.

[Seventh Embodiment]
Next, the manufacturing method of the optical module which concerns on the 7th Embodiment of this invention is demonstrated with reference to FIG. In this embodiment, the optical connector according to the sixth embodiment is used. In the present embodiment, a case where an optical fiber is used as the optical waveguide will be described.

  First, as shown in FIG. 13A, the first substrate element portion 314 and the second substrate element portion 315 are fixed by sandwiching and fitting the optical fiber 312 at a desired position. The optical fiber 313 is installed in the first groove 302 disposed in the first substrate element portion 314.

  At this time, as shown in FIG. 13B, the second connecting portion 316 cuts the optical fiber 312 disposed in the first groove. Since the second connection portion 316 has a reflection surface on the surface thereof, it is possible to reflect the light that has propagated through the optical fiber 312 and reached the second connection portion 316.

  As described above, as shown in FIG. 13B, the optical module according to the present embodiment is completed. The traveling direction of the light input from the optical fiber 312 to the optical connector 300 changes downward through the second connection portion 316 as indicated by the broken line arrow in FIG.

  In the optical module manufacturing method according to the present embodiment, the first substrate element portion and the second substrate element portion are fitted with the optical waveguide sandwiched therebetween, and the optical fiber is cut by the second connection portion at the time of the fitting. It is characterized by being. Thereby, since the operation | movement which inserts an optical fiber in an optical connector and the operation | movement which cut | disconnects an optical fiber can be performed in the same process, a manufacturing process can be reduced.

  The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and various modifications are possible within the scope of the invention described in the claims, and it is also included within the scope of the present invention. Not too long.

100, 200, 300 Optical connector 101 Substrate 102, 202, 302 First groove 103, 203, 303 Second groove 104 Waveguide part 105 Adhesive hole 106 First connection part 107 Cutting part 108 Mirror holder 109 Reflecting part 110 Light transmission hole 111 Waveguide portion 112, 212, 312 Optical fiber 113, 213 Cutter portion 214, 314 First substrate element portion 215, 315 Second substrate element portion 316 Second connection portion 500 Optical connector 502 Optical fiber hole 506 Reflecting surface 512 Optical fiber 517 Fitting pin 518 Photoelectric composite substrate 519 Optical element

Claims (15)

A first groove for disposing an optical waveguide on the substrate and a second groove intersecting the first groove are disposed;
The first groove is disposed from one end to the other end of the substrate;
The second groove is disposed such that a wall surface constituting the second groove is inclined with respect to a plane perpendicular to the extending direction of the first groove,
An optical connector in which the first groove and the second groove are arranged so that light input to the substrate or light output from the substrate is coupled to the optical waveguide via the second groove. The optical connector according to claim 1, further comprising a first connection portion, wherein the first connection portion includes a reflection portion and is disposed in the second groove. The optical connector according to claim 2, wherein the first connection part has a cutting part capable of cutting the optical waveguide. 4. The optical connector according to claim 2, wherein the reflection unit reflects at least a part of the light reaching the reflection part and transmits a part thereof. 5. 5. The optical connector according to claim 1, further comprising a waveguide portion between a surface of the substrate and the second groove. The optical connector according to claim 5, comprising two or more waveguide portions. The substrate has a first substrate element portion and a second substrate element portion,
The said 1st board | substrate element part and the said 2nd board | substrate element part fit, and the said 1st groove | channel and the said 2nd groove | channel are comprised, The any one of Claim 1 to 6 characterized by the above-mentioned. The optical connector according to one item. Having a first substrate element portion and a second substrate element portion;
A first groove for disposing an optical waveguide from one end to the other end of at least one of the first substrate element portion and the second substrate element portion;
At least one of the first substrate element portion and the second substrate element portion has a second connection portion, and the second connection portion includes a reflection portion and a cutting portion capable of cutting the optical waveguide,
The reflective portion is disposed to be inclined with respect to a plane perpendicular to the extending direction of the first groove,
Light input to the first substrate element unit or the second substrate element unit or light output from the first substrate element unit or the second substrate element unit is transmitted through the second connection unit. An optical connector in which the first groove and the second connection portion are arranged so as to be coupled to the optical waveguide. 9. The optical connector according to claim 8, further comprising a waveguide section between the surface of the first board element section or the surface of the second board element section and the second connection section. . An optical module, wherein an optical waveguide is disposed in the first groove of the optical connector according to claim 1, and the optical waveguide is divided by the second groove. Forming a first groove for arranging the optical waveguide from one end to the other end of the substrate;
Forming a second groove on the substrate intersecting the first groove;
Disposing an optical waveguide in at least a portion of the first groove;
Cutting the optical waveguide along the wall surface of the second groove,
The step of forming the second groove configures the second groove so that light input to the substrate or light output from the substrate is coupled to the optical waveguide through the second groove. A method of manufacturing an optical module, comprising: forming a wall surface with an inclination with respect to a plane perpendicular to the extending direction of the first groove. Forming a first groove for disposing the optical waveguide from one end to the other end of at least one of the first substrate element portion and the second substrate element portion;
Forming a second groove in at least one of the first substrate element portion and the second substrate element portion;
Disposing an optical waveguide in at least a portion of the first groove;
Sandwiching the optical waveguide between the first substrate element portion and the second substrate element portion, and fitting the first substrate element portion and the second substrate element portion;
Cutting the optical waveguide along the wall surface of the second groove after the fitting step,
The step of forming the second groove includes light input to the first substrate element portion or the second substrate element portion or light output from the first substrate element portion or the second substrate element portion. Forming a wall surface constituting the second groove so as to be inclined with respect to a plane perpendicular to the extending direction of the first groove, so that the optical waveguide is coupled to the optical waveguide via the second groove. An optical module manufacturing method comprising: The method of manufacturing an optical module according to claim 11, further comprising a step of disposing a first connection portion including a reflection portion in the second groove. The step of disposing the first connection portion includes a step of cutting the optical waveguide using a first connection portion further having a cutting portion capable of cutting the optical waveguide. Manufacturing method of optical module. Forming a first groove for disposing an optical waveguide from one end to the other end of at least one of the first substrate element portion and the second substrate element portion;
Forming a second connecting portion having a reflecting portion and a cutting portion capable of cutting the optical waveguide on at least one of the first substrate element portion and the second substrate element portion;
Disposing an optical waveguide in at least a portion of the first groove;
Cutting the optical waveguide between the first substrate element portion and the second substrate element portion, and cutting the optical waveguide at the cutting portion,
In the step of forming the second connection portion, light input to the first substrate element portion or the second substrate element portion, or output from the first substrate element portion or the second substrate element portion. Forming the reflecting portion inclined with respect to a plane perpendicular to the extending direction of the first groove so that light is coupled to the optical waveguide through the second connecting portion. An optical module manufacturing method.

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