JP2012194454A - Lens array and optical module equipped with the same - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a lens array capable of performing selection of using configuration between that for optical transmission/monitoring and that for optical reception easily and at low cost, and an optical module.SOLUTION: A lens array includes: a plurality of first lens surfaces 11; a plurality of second lens surfaces 12; a first reflection plane 14 and a second reflection plane 16 forming an optical path for each of light emission/reception elements 7, 30 between both lens planes 11, 12; and an inclined plane 18 of a recess 17 located between the second reflection plane 16 and each second lens surface 12 on the optical path. An optical path (optical path for transmission) of light for each light emission element 7 and an optical path of monitor light are formed by arranging an optical function part 21 in the recess 17, and an optical path (optical path for reception) of light for each light reception element 30 is formed by arranging no optical function part 21 in the recess 17.

Description

  The present invention relates to a lens array and an optical module including the lens array, and more particularly to a lens array suitable for optically coupling a plurality of light emitting elements or light receiving elements and an end face of an optical transmission body, and light including the same. Regarding modules.

  In recent years, application of so-called optical interconnection has become widespread as a technique for transmitting signals at high speed within a system apparatus or between apparatuses or between optical modules. Here, the optical interconnection refers to a technology in which an optical component is handled as if it were an electrical component and mounted on a mother board or a circuit board used for a personal computer, a vehicle, an optical transceiver, or the like.

  Optical modules used for such optical interconnections include, for example, internal connections between media converters and switching hubs, optical transceivers, medical equipment, test equipment, video systems, high-speed computer clusters, and other parts within equipment. There are various uses such as.

  As an optical component applied to this type of optical module, there is a demand for a lens array in which a plurality of small-diameter lenses are arranged in parallel, which is effective for realizing multi-channel optical communication in a compact configuration. Increasingly increasing.

  Here, the lens array can be conventionally attached with a photoelectric conversion device including a plurality of light emitting elements (for example, VCSEL: Vertical Cavity Surface Emitting Laser) or a light receiving element (for example, a photodetector), and an optical transmission body. A plurality of optical fibers can be attached.

  The lens array is thus arranged between the photoelectric conversion device and the plurality of optical fibers, and optically emits light emitted from each light emitting element of the photoelectric conversion device to the end face of each optical fiber. It is possible to perform multi-channel optical transmission by coupling, and to receive multi-channel optical reception by optically coupling light emitted from the end face of each optical fiber to each light receiving element. It had been.

  In addition, among photoelectric conversion devices for light transmission, in order to stabilize the output characteristics of the light emitting element, light reception for monitoring is used to monitor light (particularly intensity or light quantity) emitted from the light emitting element. Some lens arrays are equipped with an element, and a lens array corresponding to such a photoelectric conversion device is configured to reflect a part of light emitted from the light emitting element to the light receiving element side for monitoring as monitor light. .

  As a lens array having a reflection function for generating such monitor light, the inventor has so far proposed, for example, as shown in Patent Document 1.

JP 2010-262222 A

  As a result of earnest research to realize cost reduction and improvement in convenience while utilizing the advantages of the lens array having the monitor function described in Patent Document 1, the present inventor has obtained an optical transmission with a monitor. The present invention has been achieved in which it is possible to easily and inexpensively select a usage pattern between trust and for optical reception.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above points, and can select a usage form between optical transmission / monitoring and optical reception easily and at low cost, and thus cost reduction. It is another object of the present invention to provide a lens array that can improve convenience and an optical module including the lens array.

  In order to achieve the above-described object, the lens array according to claim 1 of the present invention is characterized in that it is disposed between a photoelectric conversion device in which a plurality of light emitting elements or light receiving elements are aligned and an optical transmission body, and A lens array in which a plurality of light emitting / receiving elements and an end face of the optical transmission body can be optically coupled, wherein the plurality of light emitting / light emitting elements are disposed on a first surface of the lens array body on the photoelectric conversion device side. A plurality of first lens surfaces formed so as to be aligned in a predetermined alignment direction corresponding to the light receiving elements, through which the light emitted or received by each of the plurality of light emitting / receiving elements passes; An alignment direction of the plurality of first lens surfaces on a second surface of the lens array body adjacent to the one surface in a direction perpendicular to the alignment direction of the plurality of first lens surfaces. Align along The light for each of the plurality of light emitting / receiving elements is emitted from the lens array main body side toward the end face of the optical transmission body or from the end face of the optical transmission body to the lens array main body side. As incident light, a plurality of second lens surfaces that pass after or before passing through the plurality of first lens surfaces, and a third surface in the lens array body that faces the first surface, It is formed so as to be inclined toward the second surface side from the first surface side toward the third surface side, and between the plurality of first lens surfaces and the plurality of second lens surfaces. A first reflecting surface that forms an optical path of light for each of the plurality of light emitting / receiving elements, and a position of the third surface on the second surface side with respect to the first reflecting surface. The direction from the surface side of 1 toward the third surface side The optical path is formed with the first reflecting surface at a position closer to the plurality of second lens surfaces than the first reflecting surface on the optical path. The second reflecting surface, a recess formed in a position facing the second reflecting surface on the first surface, and a part of the inner surface of the recess, and from the first surface side It is formed so as to incline to the opposite side to the second surface as it goes to the third surface side, and at a position closer to the plurality of second lens surfaces than the second reflecting surface on the optical path. The plurality of light emitting elements are aligned and formed as the photoelectric conversion device, and monitor light for monitoring light emitted from at least one of the plurality of light emitting elements is received as the photoelectric conversion device. At least one second receiver In the case where an optical element is used, the function of forming an optical path of light for each of the plurality of light emitting elements together with the first reflecting surface and the second reflecting surface in the recess and the monitor light As an optical function unit having a function of forming the optical path of the light, the light for each of the plurality of light emitting elements incident on the inclined surface from the second reflecting surface side is directed to the plurality of second lens surfaces and the light In a state where an optical function unit that divides the light into the second light receiving element side including the monitor light and emits the monitor light toward the second light receiving element is disposed, the photoelectric conversion device The optical function unit is not disposed in the recess when the photoelectric conversion device is used for optical transmission to the optical transmission body side with the monitor and the plurality of light receiving elements are aligned. In state The inclined surface functions as a total reflection surface that forms an optical path of light for each of the plurality of light receiving elements together with the first reflection surface and the second reflection surface, whereby the optical transmission device side by the photoelectric conversion device It is in the point used for optical reception from.

  According to the first aspect of the present invention, an optical transmission lens array with a monitor can be configured by disposing the optical function unit in the recess, and the optical function unit is disposed in the recess. By doing so, a lens array for light reception can be configured, and the plurality of first lens surfaces and the plurality of second lens surfaces are used for both transmission and reception (in other words, the lens array main body is dedicated to transmission). It is not necessary to form a lens surface or a lens surface dedicated to reception), so that it is possible to easily and inexpensively select a usage form between optical transmission / monitoring and optical reception. It becomes possible.

  The lens array according to claim 2 is characterized in that, in claim 1, the optical function section is formed on the inclined surface, and the light for each of the plurality of light emitting elements incident on the inclined surface is obtained. At least one of the light for each of the plurality of light emitting elements is reflected at a predetermined reflectance to the plurality of second lens surface sides and at a predetermined transmittance to be transmitted to the second light receiving element side. A reflection / transmission layer that transmits light as the monitor light, and the lens array body that is filled in the concave portion so as to be in contact with the reflection / transmission layer and advances the monitor light toward the second light receiving element side And a filler having the same refractive index as that of the reflective / transparent layer with the filler interposed therebetween, and an incident surface on which the monitor light is incident and the monitor light incident on the incident surface are Light receiving element It lies in that a lens member having at least one third lens surface to be emitted toward the.

  According to the invention of claim 2, in the reflection / transmission layer, the light for each of the plurality of light emitting elements can be reflected as the transmission light to the plurality of second lens surface sides, and as the monitor light. Since the transmitted monitor light can be incident on the incident surface of the lens member without being refracted in the filler and can be emitted from the third lens surface toward the second light receiving element. Optical transmission with a monitor can be appropriately performed with a simple configuration.

  The lens array according to claim 3 is characterized in that, in claim 2, the incident surface of the lens member is formed perpendicular to the transmission direction of the monitor light in the reflection / transmission layer. is there.

  According to the third aspect of the present invention, since the monitor light is vertically incident on the incident surface of the lens member, it is possible to suppress the refraction of the monitor light when entering the lens member. The emission direction of the monitor light on the lens surface can be optimized without imposing a burden on the surface shape of the third lens surface.

  The lens array according to claim 4 is characterized in that, in claim 2 or 3, the lens member is formed to have the same refractive index as that of the lens array body.

  According to the fourth aspect of the invention, since the refraction and Fresnel reflection of the monitor light when entering the lens member can be suppressed, the emission direction of the monitor light on the third lens surface is optimized. In addition, the generation of stray light due to Fresnel reflection can be suppressed.

  The lens array according to a fifth aspect of the present invention is the lens array according to any one of the second to fourth aspects, wherein the reflection / transmission layer is formed by coating on the inclined surface, The part of the predetermined range lies in that the part is formed in a shape that expands toward the opening side in order to facilitate the coating on the inclined surface.

  According to the fifth aspect of the present invention, the reflection / transmission layer can be easily and appropriately formed.

  The lens array according to claim 6 is characterized in that the lens array is arranged between a photoelectric conversion device in which a plurality of light emitting elements or light receiving elements are aligned and an optical transmission body, and the plurality of light emitting / receiving elements and the light are arranged. A lens array that can be optically coupled to an end face of a transmission body, and a predetermined alignment direction corresponding to the plurality of light emitting / receiving elements on a first surface of the lens array body on the photoelectric conversion device side A plurality of first lens surfaces through which light emitted or received by each of the plurality of light emitting / receiving elements passes, and the plurality of first lenses on the first surface. The lens array body adjacent to the lens array body adjacent in the direction perpendicular to the alignment direction of the lens surfaces is formed to align along the alignment direction of the plurality of first lens surfaces. The plurality of departures The light for each light receiving element is emitted as light emitted from the lens array main body side toward the end face of the optical transmission body or incident light to the lens array main body side from the end face of the optical transmission body. A plurality of second lens surfaces that respectively pass after or before the passage of one lens surface, and a third surface of the lens array body that faces the first surface, from the first surface side to the third surface The plurality of light emission / light receptions formed between the plurality of first lens surfaces and the plurality of second lens surfaces are formed to be inclined toward the second surface side toward the third surface side. A first reflecting surface that forms an optical path of light for each element, and the third surface from the first surface side to the second surface side of the first reflecting surface with respect to the first reflecting surface. As you go to the side of the surface, it will incline to the opposite side of the second surface A second reflecting surface that forms the optical path together with the first reflecting surface at a position closer to the plurality of second lens surfaces than the first reflecting surface on the optical path; A concave portion that is recessed and formed at a position facing the second reflective surface on the surface of the light source, and a part of the inner surface of the concave portion, and is formed to face the second reflective surface, on the optical path A first optical surface disposed at a position closer to the plurality of second lens surfaces than the second reflecting surface in the lens and a part of the inner surface of the concave portion and connected to the first optical surface In this way, the second lens surface is formed so as to face the plurality of second lens surfaces, and is disposed at a position closer to the plurality of second lens surfaces than the first optical surface on the optical path. And the plurality of optical surfaces as the photoelectric conversion device. When the light emitting elements are formed in alignment and at least one second light receiving element for receiving monitor light for monitoring light emitted from at least one of the plurality of light emitting elements is used. Is an optical function having a function of forming an optical path of light for each of the plurality of light emitting elements and a function of forming an optical path of the monitor light together with the first reflective surface and the second reflective surface in the recess. As a part, the light for each of the plurality of light emitting elements incident on the first optical surface from the second reflecting surface side includes the light directed to the plurality of second lens surfaces and the second monitoring light. The first optical function unit that disperses the light toward the light receiving element side and emits the monitor light toward the second light receiving element is disposed, and the monitor with the monitor by the photoelectric conversion device is provided. When the light receiving element used for optical transmission to the transmission body and having the plurality of light receiving elements aligned is used as the photoelectric conversion device, the first reflecting surface and the second reflecting surface are formed in the recess. Light for each of the plurality of light receiving elements incident on the second optical surface from the plurality of second lens surface sides as an optical function unit having a function of forming an optical path of light for each of the plurality of light receiving elements together with a surface The second optical function unit that reflects the light toward the second reflection surface is used for light reception from the optical transmitter side by the photoelectric conversion device.

  According to the sixth aspect of the present invention, a lens array for optical transmission with a monitor can be configured by disposing the first optical function section in the recess, and the second optical section in the recess. By arranging the optical function unit, it is possible to configure a lens array for receiving light, and furthermore, since the plurality of first lens surfaces and the plurality of second lens surfaces can be used for both transmission and reception, It is possible to easily and inexpensively select the usage pattern between the transmitter / monitor and the optical receiver.

  Still further, the lens array according to claim 7 is characterized in that, in claim 6, the first optical function unit faces the first optical surface from the first surface side and the second optical surface. Opposite to the plurality of second lens surfaces, and incline toward the opposite side of the second surface from the first surface side toward the third surface side. The light for each of the plurality of light emitting elements incident on the first optical surface is reflected to the plurality of second lens surfaces with a predetermined reflectance and the first light with a predetermined transmittance. And a reflection / transmission layer that transmits at least one light of each of the plurality of light-emitting elements as the monitor light, and this reflection / transmission layer is formed. / Inclined surface on which the monitor light transmitted through the transmission layer is incident And a lens member having at least one third lens surface for emitting the monitor light incident on the inclined surface toward the second light receiving element, the first optical surface, the second optical surface, and The lens member filled in the space surrounded by the reflection / transmission layer and a filler having the same refractive index, and the second optical function unit includes the lens member, the filler, and the lens The reflective surface formed in place of the reflective / transmissive layer is provided on the inclined surface of the member.

  According to the seventh aspect of the present invention, the first optical function unit and the second optical function unit are determined depending on which of the reflection / transmission layer and the reflection layer is formed on the inclined surface of the lens member. Therefore, common members (lens members and fillers) can be used not only for the lens array main body but also for the optical function unit, thereby further reducing the cost. .

  The lens array according to claim 8 is characterized in that, in claim 7, the first optical surface and the second optical surface are incident directions of light for each of the plurality of light emitting / receiving elements. It is in the point formed perpendicularly to.

  According to the eighth aspect of the present invention, the refraction of light for each of the plurality of light emitting / receiving elements at the time of incidence on the first optical surface and the second optical surface can be suppressed. The linearity of the optical path between the reflecting surface and the third lens surface and the linearity of the optical path between the reflection / transmission layer or the reflecting layer and the second lens surface can be ensured. Compared to the case where it cannot be ensured, simple design and manufacture are possible.

  Further, the lens array according to claim 9 is characterized in that in claim 7 or 8, the filler is formed to have the same refractive index as the lens array body.

  According to the ninth aspect of the present invention, light refraction and Fresnel reflection can be suppressed for each of the plurality of light emitting / receiving elements at the time of incidence on the first optical surface and the second optical surface. The optical path linearity between the second reflecting surface and the third lens surface and the linearity of the optical path between the reflection / transmission layer or the reflecting layer and the second lens surface are ensured and simple design and Manufacturing becomes possible and generation | occurrence | production of the stray light resulting from Fresnel reflection can be suppressed.

  Furthermore, the lens array according to claim 10 is characterized in that in any one of claims 7 to 9, at least one of the reflection / transmission layer and the reflection layer is formed on the inclined surface by coating. It is in the point.

  According to the tenth aspect of the present invention, it is possible to easily and appropriately form the reflection / transmission layer and / or the reflection layer.

  The lens array according to claim 11 is characterized in that, in any one of claims 2 to 5 and 7 to 10, the filler is made of a light-transmitting adhesive, and the lens member is the filler. It exists in the point fixed in the said recessed part with the adhesive force of material.

  According to the eleventh aspect of the present invention, since no special means for fixing the lens member to the lens array body is required, it is possible to reduce the number of parts and further reduce the cost. Become.

  The lens array according to a twelfth aspect of the present invention is the lens array according to the eleventh aspect, wherein the filling material into the recess and / or the end surface of the lens member on the direction side perpendicular to the optical axis direction is further provided. A notch for use in removing bubbles from the filler filled in the recess is formed from the end on the filler side to the end on the third lens surface side of the end surface of the lens member. There is in point.

  According to the invention of claim 12, it is possible to appropriately perform at least one of filling with a filler and removing bubbles with a simple configuration.

  Furthermore, a lens array according to a thirteenth aspect is characterized in that in any one of the first to twelfth aspects, the first reflecting surface and the second reflecting surface are the plurality of light emitting / receiving elements. Each light is a total reflection surface composed of an inclined surface of the lens array body formed so that each light is incident at an incident angle larger than the critical angle.

  According to the eleventh aspect of the present invention, since the first and second reflecting surfaces can be configured only by the shape of the inclined surface of the lens array main body, the cost can be further reduced.

  The lens array according to a fourteenth aspect is characterized in that, in any one of the first to thirteenth aspects, the plurality of first lens surfaces in the first surface and the recesses are In the photoelectric conversion device, a relief portion is formed to allow the electronic component to be mounted in the vicinity of the plurality of light emitting / receiving elements.

  According to the invention of claim 14, on the photoelectric conversion device side, the distance of the electric circuit such as wire bonding between the electronic component and the plurality of light emitting / receiving elements can be shortened. Stable communication with reduced noise (EMI: Electro Magnetic Interference) can be realized.

  Furthermore, the optical module according to claim 15 is characterized in that the lens array according to any one of claims 1 to 14 and the photoelectric conversion device corresponding to the lens array are provided.

  According to the fifteenth aspect of the present invention, it is possible to easily and inexpensively select a usage pattern between the optical transmission / monitoring and the optical reception.

  According to the present invention, it is possible to easily and cost-effectively select a usage pattern between optical transmission / monitoring and optical reception, thereby realizing reduction in cost and improvement in convenience. it can.

1 is a schematic configuration diagram showing a lens array and an optical module for optical transmission / monitoring in a first embodiment of a lens array and an optical module according to the present invention. Front view of the lens array shown in FIG. Plan view of FIG. Left side view of FIG. Right side view of FIG. Bottom view of FIG. The bottom view of the lens member in the lens array shown in FIG. FIG. 1 is a schematic configuration diagram showing a lens array for receiving light and an optical module in the first embodiment. Schematic configuration diagram showing a lens array and an optical module for optical transmission / monitoring in a first modification of the first embodiment Schematic configuration diagram showing a lens array for receiving light and an optical module in a first modification of the first embodiment. Schematic configuration diagram showing a lens array and an optical module for optical transmission and monitoring in a second modification of the first embodiment Schematic configuration diagram showing a lens array for receiving light and an optical module in a second modification of the first embodiment The bottom view which shows one modification of a lens member as a 3rd modification of 1st Embodiment. As a third modification of the first embodiment, a bottom view showing a modification of the lens member different from FIG. As a third modification of the first embodiment, a bottom view showing a modification of the lens member that is different from FIGS. 13 and 14. Schematic configuration diagram showing a lens array and an optical module for optical transmission and monitoring in a second embodiment of the lens array and the optical module according to the present invention Schematic configuration diagram showing a lens array for receiving light and an optical module in the second embodiment Schematic configuration diagram showing a transmission / reception integrated optical module array in which an optical module for optical transmission / monitoring and an optical module for optical reception are combined as another embodiment of the lens array and optical module according to the present invention. As another embodiment of the lens array according to the present invention, a bottom view showing a configuration having both a function for optical transmission and monitoring and a function for optical reception

(First embodiment)
(Optical transmission / monitor type)
Hereinafter, a first embodiment of a lens array and an optical module including the same according to the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS.

  Here, FIG. 1 is a schematic configuration diagram showing an outline of the optical module 1 in the present embodiment together with a longitudinal sectional view of the lens array 2 for optical transmission / monitoring in the present embodiment. FIG. 2 is a front view of the lens array 2 shown in FIG. 3 is a plan view of FIG. FIG. 4 is a left side view of FIG. FIG. 5 is a right side view of FIG. Further, FIG. 6 is a bottom view of FIG.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the lens array 2 in the present embodiment is arranged between a photoelectric conversion device 3 and an optical fiber 5.

  Here, the photoelectric conversion device 3 in FIG. 1 is a photoelectric conversion device 3 for optical transmission and monitoring. That is, as shown in FIG. 1, the photoelectric conversion device 3 emits laser light La in a direction perpendicular to the surface (upward direction in FIG. 1) on the surface facing the lens array 2 in the semiconductor substrate (circuit substrate) 6. It has a plurality of light emitting elements 7 that emit (emit) light, and these light emitting elements 7 constitute the VCSEL (Vertical Cavity Surface Emitting Laser) described above. In FIG. 1, the light emitting elements 7 are aligned and formed in the direction perpendicular to the paper surface in FIG. In addition, the photoelectric conversion device 3 is a surface facing the lens array 2 in the semiconductor substrate 6, and is output to the left side in FIG. 1 with respect to each light emitting element 7 in the output of the laser light La emitted from each light emitting element 7 ( For example, it has the same number of light receiving elements 8 as the light emitting elements 7 as second light receiving elements for receiving monitor light M for monitoring intensity and light intensity). The light receiving elements 8 are aligned in the same direction as the light emitting elements 7, and the positions in the alignment direction coincide with each other between the elements 7 and 8 corresponding to each other. That is, the light receiving elements 8 are formed at the same pitch as the light emitting elements 7. The light receiving element 8 may be a photo detector. Further, as long as at least one light receiving element 8 is formed, it is not always necessary to form the same number as the light emitting elements 7, and the number of light receiving elements 8 may be smaller than that of the light emitting elements 7. Further, as shown in FIG. 1, the intensity of the monitor light M received by the light receiving element 8 between the light emitting elements 7 and the light receiving elements 8 on the surface facing the lens array 2 in the semiconductor substrate 6. An electronic component 9 such as a driver IC that also functions as a control circuit that controls the output of the laser light La emitted from the light emitting element 7 based on the amount of light is mounted. The electronic component 9 includes a wire 20 (bonding wire). ) To each light emitting element 7 and each light receiving element 8. Such a photoelectric conversion device 3 is configured such that, for example, the semiconductor substrate 6 and / or the substrate on which the semiconductor substrate 6 is mounted (the lens array 2 and the bottom plate of the housing for housing the photoelectric conversion device 3) is brought into contact with the lens array 2. In this state, the lens array 2 is arranged so as to face the lens array 2. The photoelectric conversion device 3 is configured to constitute the optical module 1 together with the lens array 2 by being attached to the lens array 2 by a known fixing means (not shown) such as a clamp spring.

  Further, the same number of the optical fibers 5 in the present embodiment as the light emitting elements 7 and the light receiving elements 8 are arranged and aligned with the light emitting elements 7 along the vertical direction in FIG. Each optical fiber 5 is, for example, a multimode optical fiber 5 having the same dimensions, and a portion on the end face 5a side is held in a multi-fiber optical connector 10 such as an MT connector described above. Yes. Such an optical fiber 5 is, for example, in a state in which the end surface on the lens array 2 side of the optical connector 10 is in contact with the lens array 2 by a known fixing means (for example, a clamp spring) (not shown). It can be mounted on.

  The lens array 2 optically couples each light emitting element 7 and the end face 5a of each optical fiber 5 in a state of being arranged between the photoelectric conversion device 3 and the optical fiber 5 as described above. ing.

  The lens array 2 will be described in more detail. As shown in FIG. 1, the lens array 2 has a translucent lens array body 4, and the lens array body 4 has a substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape. Is formed. That is, as shown in FIGS. 1 to 6, the lens array body 4 has a rough outer shape constituted by the upper end surface 4a, the lower end surface 4b, the left end surface 4c, the right end surface 4d, the front end surface 4e, and the rear end surface 4f. is doing. The upper and lower end surfaces 4a and 4b are parallel to each other, and the left and right end surfaces 4c and 4d are also parallel to each other. Further, the upper and lower end surfaces 4a and 4b and the left and right end surfaces 4c and 4d are perpendicular to each other.

  The lower end surface 4b of the lens array main body 4 is a surface (first surface) on the photoelectric conversion device 3 side to which the photoelectric conversion device 3 is attached, and the lower end surface 4b includes FIGS. 1 and 6. As shown in FIG. 6, a plurality of (12) planar circular first lens surfaces (convex lens surfaces) 11 having the same number as the light emitting elements 7 are formed. Here, as shown in FIG. 1 and FIG. 6, the lower end surface 4b has a predetermined rectangular area 4b 'in a predetermined range near the center on the right end side. 1 is formed in a recessed plane (hereinafter referred to as a lens forming surface) 4b ′ recessed upward in FIG. 1 rather than the lowermost end portion (hereinafter referred to as the lowest end surface) 4b ″. The plurality of first lens surfaces 11 are formed on the lens forming surface 4b ′ in the lower end surface 4b. However, the lens forming surface 4b ′ is formed in parallel to the lowermost end surface 4b ″. Has been. Each first lens surface 11 is formed so as to be aligned in a predetermined alignment direction (a vertical direction in FIG. 1 and a vertical direction in FIG. 6) corresponding to the alignment direction of the light emitting elements 7. Furthermore, the first lens surfaces 11 are formed to have the same dimensions as each other and are formed at the same pitch as the light emitting elements 7. Note that the first lens surfaces 11 that are adjacent to each other in the alignment direction may be formed in an adjacent state in which their peripheral ends are in contact with each other. Further, as shown in FIG. 1, the optical axis OA (1) on each first lens surface 11 is the center of the laser light La emitted from each light emitting element 7 corresponding to each first lens surface 11 respectively. It is desirable to match the axis. More preferably, the axial direction of the optical axis OA (1) on each first lens surface 11 is perpendicular to the lower end surface 4b of the lens array body 4.

  As shown in FIG. 1, each light emitting element 7 corresponding to each first lens surface 11 is attached to each first lens surface 11 in a state where the photoelectric conversion device 3 is attached to the lens array 2. The laser beam La emitted every time is incident. Each first lens surface 11 advances (passes) the incident laser light La for each light emitting element 7 into the lens array body 4. Each first lens surface 11 is formed in a surface shape (power, etc.) so as to collimate the laser light La for each incident light emitting element 7.

  On the other hand, the left end surface 4c of the lens array body 4 is a surface adjacent to the lower end surface 4b in a direction perpendicular to the alignment direction of the plurality of first lens surfaces 11 (left direction in FIG. 1). The surface (second surface) on the side of the optical transmission body to which the fiber 5 is attached. A plurality of second lens surfaces (convex lens surfaces) 12 having the same number of plane circles as the first lens surfaces 11 are formed on the left end surface 4c, as shown in FIGS. Here, as shown in FIG. 1 and FIG. 4, the left end surface 4c has a substantially rectangular planar portion 4c ′ in a predetermined range on the center side, more than the leftmost end surface 4c ″ on the peripheral side surrounding this portion 4c ′. A plurality of second lens surfaces 12 are formed on a concave indentation plane (hereinafter referred to as a lens formation surface 4c ′) recessed in the right direction in FIG. The lens forming surface 4c ′ is formed in parallel to the leftmost end surface 4c ″. The second lens surfaces 12 are formed so as to be aligned in the same direction as the alignment direction of the end surfaces 5 a of the optical fibers 5, that is, the alignment direction of the first lens surfaces 11. Further, the second lens surfaces 12 are formed to have the same dimensions as each other and are formed at the same pitch as the first lens surfaces 11. Note that the second lens surfaces 12 that are adjacent to each other in the alignment direction may be formed in an adjacent state in which their peripheral ends are in contact with each other. In addition, the optical axis OA (2) on each second lens surface 12 is preferably located coaxially with the central axis of the end surface 5a of each optical fiber 5 corresponding to each second lens surface 12. More preferably, the axial direction of the optical axis OA (2) on each second lens surface 12 is perpendicular to the left end surface 4c of the lens array body 4.

  As shown in FIG. 1, each such second lens surface 12 is incident on each first lens surface 11 corresponding to each second lens surface 12 and has an optical path inside the lens array 2. The laser light La for each light emitting element 7 that has traveled is incident. At this time, it is desirable that the central axis of the laser beam La for each light emitting element 7 coincides with the optical axis OA (2) on each second lens surface 12. Then, each second lens surface 12 converges the incident laser light La for each light emitting element 7 and emits the laser light La toward the end surface 5 a of each corresponding optical fiber 5 attached to the lens array 2.

  Thereby, each light emitting element 7 and the end surface 5 a of each optical fiber 5 are optically coupled via the first lens surface 11 and the second lens surface 12.

  Further, in the lens array body 4, the optical path of the laser light La for each light emitting element 7 between each of the first lens surfaces 11 and each of the second lens surfaces 12 (hereinafter referred to as a transmission optical path). ) Are provided.

  That is, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 3, the portion of the upper end surface 4 a (third surface) of the lens array body 4 in a predetermined range on the right end side facing the lens forming surface 4 b ′ is from the lower end surface 4 b side. It is formed in the inclined surface 14 which has an inclination | tilt angle with respect to the left end surface 4c which inclines toward the left end surface 4c side toward the upper end surface 4a side, This inclined surface 14 forms the 1st optical path for transmission. The reflecting surface 14 is used.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the laser beam La for each light emitting element 7 after being incident on each first lens surface 11 is larger than the critical angle from below in FIG. Incident at an incident angle (internal incidence). The first reflecting surface 14 totally reflects the incident laser light La for each light emitting element 7 toward the left in FIG.

  The tilt angle of the first reflecting surface 14 is preferably 45 ° counterclockwise in FIG. 1 with the left end surface 4c as a reference (0 °). The first reflecting surface 14 may be coated with a reflecting film made of Au, Ag, Al or the like.

  As shown in FIGS. 1 and 3, a concave portion 15 having a trapezoidal cross section in the downward direction is formed on the upper end surface 4 a of the lens array body 4 on the left end surface 4 c side of the first reflecting surface 14. It is recessed. The inclined surface 16 on the inner surface of the concave portion 15 is formed to have an inclination angle that is inclined to the opposite side to the left end surface 4c (that is, the right end surface 4d side) from the lower end surface 4b side to the upper end surface 4a side. The inclined surface 16 forms a second transmission optical path together with the first reflection surface 14 at a position closer to the plurality of second lens surfaces 12 than the first reflection surface 14 on the transmission optical path. The reflecting surface 16 is used.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the laser beam La for each light emitting element 7 reflected on the first reflecting surface 14 is incident on the second reflecting surface 16 from the right side in FIG. (Internal incidence). The second reflecting surface 16 totally reflects the incident laser light La for each light emitting element 7 downward in FIG.

  The tilt angle of the second reflecting surface 16 is preferably 45 ° clockwise in FIG. 1 with the left end surface 4c as a reference (0 °). The second reflecting surface 16 may also be coated with a reflecting film made of Au, Ag, Al or the like.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 1, a second concave portion 17 is formed so as to be recessed upward at a position facing the second reflecting surface 16 on the lower end surface 4 b of the lens array body 4. As shown in FIG. 1, the second concave portion 17 has a portion in a predetermined range on the opening side (the lower end surface 4b side) formed in a substantially rectangular shape with a relatively wide vertical section in FIG. A portion in a predetermined range on the bottom surface side (upper surface 4a side) is formed in a pentagonal shape (substantially trapezoidal shape) having a relatively narrow lateral width in FIG. However, the second recess 17 has the same width and formation position in the direction perpendicular to the plane of FIG. 1 in the opening side portion and the bottom side portion. As shown in FIG. 1, the most part of the bottom surface (a part of the inner surface) of the second recess 17 on the left end surface 4c side is left end surface 4c as it goes from the lower end surface 4b side to the upper end surface 4a side. This portion is formed as an inclined surface 18 disposed on the plurality of second lens surfaces 12 side with respect to the second reflecting surface 16 on the transmission optical path. . The inclination angle of the inclined surface 18 is preferably 45 ° clockwise in FIG. 1 with the left end surface 4c as a reference (0 °).

Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 1, a thin and uniform reflection / transmission layer (half mirror) 22 is formed on the inclined surface 18 of the second recess 17, and this reflection / transmission layer 22. Has an optical characteristic of reflecting incident light from the light emitting element 7 with a predetermined reflectance and transmitting it with a predetermined transmittance. The reflection / transmission layer 22 is formed by alternately laminating a single layer film made of a single metal such as Ni, Cr, or Al or a plurality of dielectrics (for example, TiO ₂ and SiO ₂ ) having different dielectric constants. The dielectric multilayer film obtained by this can be formed by coating on the inclined surface 18. For the coating, a known coating technique such as a vacuum deposition method can be used. By using such a coating, the reflection / transmission layer 22 can be formed to an extremely thin thickness of, for example, 1 μm or less.

  Here, as shown in FIG. 1, the laser light La of each light emitting element 7 incident on the inclined surface 18 from the second reflecting surface 16 side immediately enters the reflection / transmission layer 22. At this time, the incident angle of the laser light La for each light emitting element 7 with respect to the inclined surface 18 is the incident angle of the laser light La for each light emitting element 7 with respect to the first and second reflecting surfaces 14 and 16 (exceeding the critical angle). However, even in such a case, the inclined surface 18 is a laser beam La for each light emitting element 7 like the first and second reflecting surfaces 14 and 16. Is not totally reflected. The total reflection is such that light is incident on the interface (reflecting surfaces 14 and 16) between the high refractive index medium (lens array body 4) and the low refractive index medium (air) with an incident angle larger than the critical angle from the high refractive index medium side. The incident of the laser light La for each of the light emitting elements 7 on the inclined surface 18 occurs between the low refractive index medium (lens array body 4 material) and the high refractive index medium (reflective / transmissive layer 22 material). This is because the incident light enters the interface 18 from the low refractive index medium side.

  The laser light La for each light emitting element 7 incident on the reflection / transmission layer 22 in this way is reflected by the reflection / transmission layer 22 on the second lens surface 12 side with a predetermined reflectance (left direction in FIG. 1). And is transmitted to the light receiving element 8 side with a predetermined transmittance.

  Then, the laser light La of each light emitting element 7 reflected by the reflection / transmission layer 22 is incident on each second lens surface 12 as described above. That is, the reflection / transmission layer 22 forms a transmission optical path together with the first reflection surface 14 and the second reflection surface 16 by its reflection function.

  In addition to the configuration for forming such an optical path for transmission, the lens array 2 is further provided with a configuration for forming an optical path for monitor light.

  That is, as shown in FIG. 1, an optical function unit 21 having both a function of forming a transmission optical path and a function of forming an optical path of monitor light is arranged in the second recess 17. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 1, the optical function unit 21 includes the reflection / transmission layer 22 described above. Here, as described above, the reflection / transmission layer 22 splits the laser light La for each light emitting element 7 into reflected light and transmitted light. Of these, the transmitted light for each light emitting element 7 that has been split. Proceeds toward the corresponding light receiving element 8 as the monitor light M for each light emitting element 7. At this time, since the thickness of the reflection / transmission layer 22 is thin, the refraction of the monitor light M transmitted through the reflection / transmission layer 22 can be ignored (considered as straight transmission). The reflectance and transmittance of the reflection / transmission layer 22 are set to desired values according to the material, thickness, etc. of the reflection / transmission layer 22 as long as the monitor light M having a sufficient amount of light can be obtained. Can be set. For example, the reflectance of the reflection / transmission layer 22 may be 60% and the transmittance may be 20% (absorption rate 20%). The reflection / transmission layer 22 may have a reflectance of 90% and a transmittance of 10%. %.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the optical function unit 21 has a filler 23 having the same refractive index as that of the lens array body 4. This filler 23 is filled in the second concave portion 17 so as to be in contact with the reflection / transmission layer 22 in a portion having a pentagonal cross section on the bottom surface side. As shown in FIG. 1, the monitor light M for each light emitting element 7 that has passed through the reflection / transmission layer 22 enters the filler 23. At this time, since the refraction in the reflection / transmission layer 22 can be ignored and the filler 23 has the same refractive index as the lens array body 4, the monitor light M for each light emitting element 7 incident on the filler 23 is refracted. Without proceeding in the filler 23 downward. In the present embodiment, the filler 23 is made of a translucent adhesive, and is adhered to the inner surface of the reflective / transmissive layer 22 and the second recess 17 by its own adhesive force. It is stably fixed to. As such a filler 23, a thermosetting resin or an ultraviolet curable resin can be used. Here, as the filler 23 made of a translucent adhesive having the same refractive index as that of the lens array body 4, various known resin materials can be employed. For example, when the lens array body 4 is formed of Ultem (registered trademark) manufactured by SABIC as polyetherimide, the filler 23 may be formed of Lumiplus (registered trademark) manufactured by Mitsubishi Gas Chemical Company. In this case, the refractive indexes of the lens array body 4 and the filler 23 can be 1.64 for light having a wavelength of 850 nm. In addition to this, for example, when the lens array body 4 is formed by ARTON (registered trademark) manufactured by JSR as a cyclic olefin resin, the filler 23 is manufactured by TEX Co., Ltd. as a UV curable resin. You may form by A1754B. In this case, the refractive indexes of the lens array body 4 and the filler 18 can be set to 1.50 for light having a wavelength of 850 nm.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 1, the optical function unit 21 is opposed to the reflection / transmission layer 22 with a filler 23 sandwiched in a portion having a substantially rectangular longitudinal section on the opening side in the second recess 17. The lens member 24 is disposed, and the lens member 24 is stably fixed in the second recess 17 (lens array body 4) by the adhesive force of the filler 23. As shown in FIG. 1, the lens member 24 has a predetermined range portion on the center side adhered to the filler 23 on the end surface (upper end surface in FIG. 1) on the filler 23 side. The incident surface 25 of the light M is formed perpendicular to the transmission direction (downward direction in FIG. 1) of the monitor light M for each light emitting element 7 in the reflection / transmission layer 22. Further, as shown in FIG. 1, the lens member 24 has the same number of the light receiving elements 8 on the end face (the lower end face in FIG. 1) on the light receiving element 8 side (in this embodiment, the light emitting element 7 and the optical fiber 5). The third lens surface (convex lens surface) 13 has the same planar circular shape as the first lens surface 11 and the second lens surface 12. Each third lens surface 13 is formed to align in a predetermined alignment direction corresponding to the light receiving element 8, that is, in the same direction as the alignment direction of the first lens surface 11. The third lens surfaces 13 are formed to have the same dimensions as each other and are formed at the same pitch as the light receiving elements 8. Note that the third lens surfaces 13 that are adjacent to each other in the alignment direction may be formed in an adjacent state in which their peripheral ends are in contact with each other. Further, it is desirable that the optical axis OA (3) on each third lens surface 13 coincides with the central axis of the light receiving surface of each light receiving element 8 corresponding to each third lens surface 13. More preferably, the axial direction of the optical axis OA (3) on each third lens surface 13 is perpendicular to the lower end surface 4b of the lens array body 4. Further, as shown in FIG. 1, the lens member 24 has a portion outside the incident surface 25 on the end surface on the filler 23 side, and a portion having a substantially rectangular shape in the vertical section and a pentagonal shape in the vertical section. Positioning in the second recess 17 can be easily performed by contacting the horizontal step surface 17A formed by the difference in lateral width in FIG. Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 7, the lens member 24 is disposed on both end surfaces on the alignment direction side of the third lens surfaces 13 as end surfaces on the direction side orthogonal to the optical axis OA (3) direction. A pair of long notches 26 extending from the end on the filler 23 side to the end on the third lens surface 13 side are provided. These notches 26 can be used for at least one of filling the filling material 23 into the second recess 17 and removing bubbles from the filling material 23 filled in the second recess 17. When the notch 26 is used for filling the filler 23, the lens member 24 is positioned at a predetermined arrangement position (for example, a contact position on the step surface 17A) in the second recess 17. In this state, the filler 23 may be injected from the outside of the lens member 24 toward the inclined surface 18 through the gap between the second recess 17 and the notch 26.

  With respect to such a lens member 24, the monitor light M for each light emitting element 7 that has traveled through the filler 23 first enters the incident surface 25 perpendicularly as shown in FIG. Then, the vertically incident monitor light M for each light-emitting element 7 travels through the lens member 24 toward the respective light-receiving elements 8 without being refracted, and then enters each corresponding third lens surface 13. . Further, the monitor light M for each light emitting element 7 incident on each third lens surface 13 is converged by each third lens surface 13 and is applied to each light receiving element 8 corresponding to each third lens surface 13. The light is emitted respectively.

  In this way, the optical function unit 21 can form the optical path of the monitor light M for each light emitting element 7.

  Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 1, a portion 4b ′ ″ between the lens forming surface 4b ′ and the second recess 17 on the lower end surface 4b of the lens array body 4 is located above the lowermost end surface 4b ″. The part 4b ′ ″ is retracted, and is used as an escape part 4b ′ ″ for mounting the electronic component 9. That is, the escape part 4b ′ ″ is the position of the photoelectric conversion device 3 to the lens array 2. In the attached state, the photoelectric conversion device 3 faces the electronic component 9 mounted in the vicinity of each light emitting element 7 and each light receiving element 8 on the semiconductor substrate 6 with a predetermined gap (escapes) upward in FIG. The electronic component 9 is allowed to be mounted on the upper side (not in contact with the electronic component 9).

  In addition to the above configuration, the second concave portion 17 has an opening in the second concave portion 17 where the bottom surface and all of the side surfaces of the second concave portion 17 are planar when viewed from the lower end surface 4b side of the lens array body 4. It is formed in a shape that fits within the range indicated by the outer shape of the portion (lower end in FIG. 1). In other words, the second recess 17 is formed so that the projection surface in the surface normal direction of the lower end surface 4b for all the inner surfaces is within the range indicated by the outer shape of the opening. Such a shape of the second concave portion 17 is a shape that can ensure releasability from the mold. The same applies to the first recess 15 described above.

  As shown in FIGS. 1 to 4 and 6, positions on the left end surface 4 c of the lens array main body 4 and on both outer sides in the alignment direction of the second lens surface 12 with respect to the lens forming surface 4 c ′. A pair of fiber positioning convex portions 27 is formed perpendicular to the left end surface 4c. The pair of fiber positioning protrusions 27 are formed in a round pin shape (cylindrical shape) of the same size protruding from the left end surface 4c toward the optical fiber 5 side. The pair of fiber positioning convex portions 27 is a pair of rounds satisfying the dimensional accuracy according to the standard (IEC 61754-5, JIS C 5981) of the F12 type multi-core optical fiber connector formed on the optical connector 10 side. By being inserted into a boss hole (not shown), the optical fiber 5 is used for positioning when the optical fiber 5 is attached to the lens array 2.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 6, the first lens surface 11 and the third lens are on the lowermost end surface 4 b ″ of the lens array main body 4 and with respect to the second concave portion 17 and the relief portion 4 b ′ ″. A pair of device positioning through holes 28 reaching the upper end surface 4a of the lens array 4 are formed at both outer positions in the alignment direction of the surfaces 13. The pair of device positioning through holes 28 have the same dimensions. The pair of device positioning through holes 28 are inserted into a pair of round pins (not shown) arranged on the photoelectric conversion device 3 side, thereby the photoelectric conversion device. 3 is used for positioning of the photoelectric conversion device 3 when attached to the lens array 2. In Fig. 1, the dimension of the semiconductor substrate 6 in the direction perpendicular to the paper surface is the same as that of the second recess 17. The semiconductor substrate 6 is formed so as to enter the second recess 17. In such a configuration, the substrate (housing) on which the semiconductor substrate 6 is mounted. A pair of round pins are erected on the bottom plate of the lens array and inserted into the pair of device positioning through holes 28, and the substrate on which the semiconductor substrate 6 is mounted is the lowermost end surface 4b "of the lens array body 4. The photoelectric conversion device 3 may be positioned so as to be in contact with each other.

  Furthermore, the lens array 2, the photoelectric conversion device 3, and the optical connector 10 are housed in a housing (not shown), and the end surface of each optical fiber 5 opposite to the lens array 2 is an optical fiber ribbon. It is attached to a light receiving device or connector (not shown) so as to be pulled out.

  The lens member 24 may be formed with the same refractive index as the lens array body 4 and the filler 23. In this way, it is possible to suppress Fresnel reflection of the monitor light M for each light emitting element 7 at the time of incidence on the incident surface 25 of the lens member 24. In this case, it is not necessary to arrange the incident surface 25 perpendicular to the incident direction of the monitor light M. In this case, there is no problem in optical performance even if the monitor light M for each light emitting element 7 is configured to be convergent light instead of collimated light.

(Optical reception mode)
In the present embodiment, the optical function unit 21 is not disposed in the second concave portion 17 of the lens array body 4 so that a lens array for receiving light can be configured. FIG. 8 is a schematic configuration diagram of a receiving optical module 1 ′ showing a longitudinal sectional view of such a receiving lens array 2 ′ together with a photoelectric conversion device 3 ′ for receiving light.

  Here, as shown in FIG. 8, the photoelectric conversion device 3 ′ for receiving light has a light emitting element 7 instead of each light emitting element 7 in the formation position of each light emitting element 7 in the photoelectric conversion device 3 for optical transmission / monitoring. The same number of light receiving elements 30 as the elements 7 are provided. Each light receiving element 30 may be a photo detector, similarly to the light receiving element 8 for monitoring. However, the light receiving photoelectric conversion device 3 ′ does not include the light receiving element 8 for monitoring, unlike the light transmitting / monitoring.

  In such a configuration for receiving light, laser light La ′ for each light receiving element 30 to be received for each light receiving element 30 is emitted from the end face 5a of each optical fiber 5 toward the lens array 2 ′. The Although not shown, the light source of the laser light La ′ is disposed on the end face side of each optical fiber 5 opposite to the lens array 2 ′.

  The laser light La ′ for each light receiving element 30 emitted from the end face 5 a of each optical fiber 5 is incident on each corresponding second lens surface 12 and collimated or converged by each second lens surface 12. After that, it proceeds in the lens array body 4 toward the inclined surface 18 side (right direction in FIG. 8).

  Next, the laser light La ′ for each light receiving element 30 that has traveled toward the inclined surface 18 is incident (internally incident) on the inclined surface 18 at an incident angle larger than the critical angle. The laser light La ′ for each light receiving element 30 incident on the inclined surface 18 is totally reflected by the inclined surface 18 toward the second reflecting surface 16.

  Next, the laser beam La ′ for each light receiving element 30 totally reflected on the inclined surface 18 is incident (internally incident) on the second reflecting surface 16, and the second reflecting surface 16 causes the first reflecting surface to be reflected. Reflected toward 14.

  Next, the laser light La ′ for each light receiving element 30 reflected by the second reflecting surface 16 is incident (internally incident) on the first reflecting surface 14, and each first light is reflected by the first reflecting surface 14. Is reflected toward the lens surface 11.

  The laser light La ′ for each light receiving element 30 reflected by the first reflecting surface 14 is incident on each corresponding first lens surface 11 and then converged by each first lens surface 11. Are emitted toward the corresponding light receiving elements 30.

  In this way, the laser for each light receiving element 30 between each second lens surface 12 and each first lens surface 11 by the inclined surface 18, the second reflecting surface 16, and the first reflecting surface 14. An optical path of the light La ′ (receiving optical path) can be formed. This optical path for reception is the same or the same optical path as the optical path for transmission that travels back on the optical path for transmission.

(Effect of 1st Embodiment)
As described above, according to the present embodiment, by arranging the optical function unit 21 in the second concave portion 17, the lens array 2 for optical transmission with a monitor can be configured, and the second By not disposing the optical function unit 21 in the concave portion 17, the lens array 2 'for receiving light can be configured, and each first lens surface 11 and each second lens surface 12 can be used for both transmission and reception. Therefore, it is possible to easily and inexpensively select a usage form between the optical transmission / monitoring (dedicated) and the optical receiving (dedicated). More specifically, when the lens array body 4 is formed by injection molding using a mold, the lens array body 4 molded using the same mold is used for both transmission and reception. Therefore, it is not necessary to prepare separate molds for transmission and reception.

  Further, according to the present embodiment, in the reflection / transmission layer 22, the laser light La for each light emitting element 7 can be reflected to the second lens surface 12 side as transmission light, and each light emitting element 7. The transmitted monitor light M for each light-emitting element 7 is incident on the incident surface 25 of the lens member 24 without being refracted by the filler 23 to be transmitted to each third lens. The light can be emitted from the surface 13 toward each light receiving element 8. Thereby, optical transmission with a monitor can be performed appropriately with a simple configuration.

  Further, according to the present embodiment, the monitor light M for each light emitting element 7 is vertically incident on the incident surface 25 of the lens member 24, thereby suppressing refraction of the monitor light M when entering the lens member 24. Therefore, the emission direction of the monitor light M on each third lens surface 13 is optimized so as to converge toward each light receiving element 8 without imposing a burden on the surface shape of the third lens surface 13. Can do.

  Furthermore, according to this embodiment, the reflection / transmission layer 22 can be easily and appropriately formed by coating.

  Further, according to the present embodiment, since the filler 23 also serves as an adhesive, no special means for fixing the lens member 24 to the lens array body 4 is required. It is possible to reduce the cost.

  Furthermore, according to the present embodiment, the notch 26 formed in the lens member 24 can be used to appropriately perform at least one of filling with the filler 23 and removing air bubbles. The lens array 2 can be formed more simply and appropriately.

  Furthermore, since the first and second reflecting surfaces 14 and 16 can be formed only by the shape of the inclined surface of the lens array body 4, the cost can be further reduced.

  In addition, the escape portion 4b ′ ″ allows the electronic component 9 to be mounted in the vicinity of the light emitting / receiving elements 7, 8, 30. Therefore, the electronic component 9 and the light emitting / receiving elements 7, 8 are allowed to be mounted. , 30 can be shortened the distance of electrical circuits such as wire bonding, and as a result, stable communication with reduced noise can be realized.

(First modification)
Next, FIG. 9 is a schematic configuration diagram showing a lens array 32 and an optical module 33 for optical transmission / monitoring as a first modification of the lens array and the optical module in the present embodiment. FIG. 10 shows a lens array 32 ′ and an optical module 33 ′ for light reception in the present modification corresponding to the lens array 32 and the optical module 33 of FIG. 9, and the configuration of FIG. This corresponds to a configuration in which the optical function unit 21 is removed from the configuration 9.

  As shown in FIGS. 9 and 10, in this modification, the opening side (lower end side) portion of the second recess 17 expands in the lateral direction in FIGS. 9 and 10 toward the opening side. In other words (in other words, the width in FIGS. 9 and 10 is increased), the shape (tapered surface) is formed.

  According to such a configuration of the present modified example, when the coating material is coated on the inclined surface 18 as the reflection / transmission layer 22 by vacuum deposition or the like, the coating material can easily enter the second recess 17. Therefore, it is possible to realize further ease of manufacturing.

(Second modification)
Next, FIG. 11 is a schematic configuration diagram showing a lens array 34 for optical transmission and monitoring and an optical module 35 as a second modification of the lens array and optical module in the present embodiment. 12 shows a lens array 34 ′ and an optical module 35 ′ for light reception in the present modification corresponding to the lens array 34 and the optical module 35 of FIG. 11, and the configuration of FIG. 11 corresponds to a configuration obtained by removing the optical function unit 21 from the configuration of FIG.

  As shown in FIG. 11 and FIG. 12, the configuration of this modification example is such that the shape of the second recess 17 is the simplest compared to the lens arrays 2 (2 ′) and 32 (32 ′) described above. Specifically, the lateral width in FIGS. 11 and 12 is formed in a pentagonal shape with a constant vertical section from the opening side to the inclined surface 18.

  According to the present modification, the mold shape can be simplified to allow easier molding, and the area of the inclined surface 18 itself can be increased. Therefore, the reflection / transmission layer on the inclined surface 18 can be increased. The coating of 22 can also be performed easily.

(Third Modification)
In addition, various modifications can be applied to the present embodiment. For example, as shown in FIG. 13, the notches 26 may be formed at the four corners of the lens member 24. Alternatively, as shown in FIG. 14, depending on the concept, a simple planar rectangular lens member 24 having no notch 26 may be adopted, or as shown in FIGS. 15 (a) and 15 (b). Further, the end surface (lower end surface) of the lens member 24 on the third lens surface 13 side is projected downward from the top of each third lens surface 13 so as to surround each third lens surface 13. Alternatively, the convex edge 36 may be formed.

(Second Embodiment)
(Optical transmission / monitor type)
Next, a second embodiment of the lens array and the optical module according to the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. 16 and FIG. 17 with a focus on differences from the first embodiment. Note that portions having the same or similar basic configuration as the first embodiment will be described using the same reference numerals and terms.

  FIG. 16 is a schematic configuration diagram showing the optical transmission / monitoring lens array 41 and the optical module 42 in the present embodiment.

  The difference of this embodiment from the first embodiment is in the shape of the second recess 17 and the specific configuration of the optical function section.

  That is, as shown in FIG. 16, in the present embodiment, the second concave portion 17 is formed such that the bottom side portion is not in the pentagonal section as in the first embodiment but in the rectangular section. . More specifically, as shown in FIG. 16, the second concave portion 17 in the present embodiment is not formed with the inclined surface 18 on the bottom surface as in the first embodiment, and the bottom surface has a lens array. The main body 4 is formed on a surface 17a perpendicular to the left end surface 4c and parallel to the upper and lower end surfaces 4a, 4b. The surface 17a is a first optical surface 17a. The first optical surface 17a is formed so as to face the second reflecting surface 16, and is similar to the inclined surface 18 in the first embodiment than the second reflecting surface 16 on the transmission optical path. Are also arranged at positions on the second lens surface 12 side. That is, as shown in FIG. 16, on the first optical surface 17a, the laser light La for each light emitting element 7 reflected by the second reflecting surface 16 as in the first embodiment is moved upward in FIG. Normal incidence. As shown in FIG. 16, the second recess 17 in the present embodiment is such that the left inner side surface 17b at the bottom side portion is parallel to the left end surface 4c of the lens array body 4 and perpendicular to the upper and lower end surfaces 4a, 4b. The surface 17b is formed as a second optical surface 17b. The second optical surface 17b is formed so as to face each second lens surface 12 so as to be connected to the left end portion of the first optical surface 17a in FIG. 16, and on the transmission optical path. Are arranged at positions closer to the respective second lens surfaces 12 than the first optical surface 17a. That is, as shown in FIG. 16, the laser light La of each light emitting element 7 after being perpendicularly incident on the first optical surface 17a is perpendicularly incident on the second optical surface 17b from the right side in FIG. It is like that. The laser light La of each light emitting element 7 perpendicularly incident on the second optical surface 17b travels straight without being refracted in the lens array body 4 toward each second lens surface 12, and then each second lens. The light is emitted toward the corresponding end face 5 a of the optical fiber 5 at the surface 12.

  Also, as shown in FIG. 16, in this embodiment, a function of forming a transmission optical path together with the first optical surface 17a and the second optical surface 17b in the second recess 17, and an optical path of the monitor light The first optical function unit 43 having the function of forming the first and second optical functions is disposed. The first optical function unit 43 is opposed to the first optical surface 17a from the lower end surface 4b side (lower side in FIG. 16) of the lens array body 4, and each second lens surface is opposed to the second optical surface 17b. The first lens 12 is disposed opposite to the second lens surface 12 as it faces from the opposite side (right side in FIG. 16) to the upper end surface 4a from the lower end surface 4b side. The reflective / transmissive layer 22 is the same as that of the embodiment. However, the reflection / transmission layer 22 in this embodiment is not formed on the inclined surface 18 of the lens array body 4 as in the first embodiment, but together with the reflection / transmission layer 22 as shown in FIG. The lens member 24 constituting the first optical function unit 43 is formed on the inclined surface 24a by coating or the like. Like the inclined surface 18 in the first embodiment, the inclined surface 24a is inclined to the opposite side of each second lens surface 12 from the lower end surface 4b side of the lens array body 4 toward the upper end surface 4a side. Yes. Note that the lens member 24 has a plurality of third lens surfaces 13 in the same manner as the lens member 24 of the first embodiment. Further, as shown in FIG. 16, the first optical function unit 43 is a lens that is filled with no gap in the space surrounded by the first optical surface 17a, the second optical surface 17b, and the reflection / transmission layer 22. It has a filler 23 made of a translucent adhesive having the same refractive index as that of the member 24.

  Here, the laser light La of each light emitting element 7 perpendicularly incident on the first optical surface 17a as described above proceeds in the filler 23 without being refracted and is incident on the reflection / transmission layer 22. Next, the laser light La for each light emitting element 7 incident on the reflection / transmission layer 22 is reflected to the second optical surface 17b side at a predetermined reflectance in the reflection / transmission layer 22, as shown in FIG. At the same time, the light is transmitted as monitor light M for each light emitting element 7 to the lens member 24 side with a predetermined transmittance. At this time, since the thickness of the reflection / transmission layer 22 is extremely thin, as in the first embodiment, the refraction of the monitor light M for each light emitting element 7 when passing through the reflection / transmission layer 22 can be ignored. . Next, the laser light La of each light emitting element 7 reflected by the reflection / transmission layer 22 is perpendicularly incident on the second optical surface 17b as described above and proceeds in the lens array body 4 without being refracted. After that, the light is emitted toward the end surface 5a of the corresponding optical fiber 5 through each second lens surface 12. On the other hand, the monitor light M for each light emitting element 7 transmitted through the reflection / transmission layer 22 has the same refractive index as that of the filler 23 and the lens member 24, and the refraction in the reflection / transmission layer 22 can be ignored. After traveling toward each third lens surface 13 without being refracted in the lens member 24, the light is emitted toward the corresponding light receiving element 8 for monitoring on each third lens surface 13. As described above, also in this embodiment, it is possible to form the same transmission optical path and monitor light optical path as in the first embodiment.

(Optical reception mode)
In the present embodiment, a lens array for light reception can be configured by disposing the second optical function unit 43 ′ in the second recess 17 instead of the first optical function unit 43. It can be done. FIG. 17 is a schematic configuration diagram of an optical module 42 ′ for optical reception showing a longitudinal sectional view of such a lens array 41 ′ for reception together with a photoelectric conversion device 3 ′ for optical reception.

  Here, as shown in FIG. 17, the second optical function unit 43 ′ is configured so that the reflection layer 45 is replaced with the inclined surface 24 a of the lens member 24 instead of the reflection / transmission layer 22 with respect to the first optical function unit 43. It is configured by forming on top. The reflective layer 45 may be formed by coating Au, Ag, Al or the like on the inclined surface 24a. Note that the lens member 24 in the second optical function unit 43 ′ does not function optically like the lens member 24 in the first optical function unit 43, and only serves as a surface on which the reflective layer 45 is formed. However, it has an economic significance that the same lens member 24 as the first optical function unit 43 can be used.

  In such a receiving configuration, the laser beam La ′ for each light receiving element 30 to be received for each light receiving element 30 is emitted from the end face 5a of each optical fiber 5 toward the lens array 41 ′. .

  Next, the emitted laser light La ′ for each light receiving element 30 is incident on each corresponding second lens surface 12 and collimated or converged by each second lens surface 12, and then the lens array body 4. The inside proceeds toward the second optical surface 17b side (right direction in FIG. 17).

  Next, the laser light La ′ for each light receiving element 30 that has traveled toward the second optical surface 17b side is perpendicularly incident on the second optical surface 17b, and then refracts in the filler 23 without being refracted. Proceed toward the side.

  Next, the laser light La ′ for each light receiving element 30 that has traveled toward the reflective layer 45 enters the reflective layer 45 and is reflected by the reflective layer 45 toward the second reflective surface 16.

  Next, the laser light La ′ for each light receiving element 30 reflected by the reflective layer 45 travels in the filler 23 toward the second reflective surface 16 side, and then the second reflective surface 16 has a critical angle smaller than the critical angle. Incident at a large incident angle (internal incidence).

  The subsequent progression of the laser beam La ′ for each light receiving element 30 is the same as that described in the configuration for receiving light in the first embodiment.

  As described above, also in the present embodiment, a reception optical path can be formed as in the first embodiment.

  Other configurations are basically the same as those of the first embodiment.

(Effect of 2nd Embodiment)
Thus, according to the present embodiment, by arranging the first optical function unit 43 in the second recess 17, the lens array 41 for optical transmission / monitoring with a monitor can be configured, In addition, by arranging the second optical function unit 43 ′ in the second recess 17, a lens array 41 ′ for receiving light can be configured, and each first lens surface 11 and each first lens unit 41 ′ can be configured. Since the two lens surfaces 12 can be used for both transmission and reception, it is easy to select the usage mode between optical transmission / monitoring (dedicated) and optical receiving (dedicated) as in the first embodiment. This can be done at low cost. In the present embodiment, the second optical function unit 43 ′ is required for the configuration for receiving light. The second optical function unit 43 ′ is a lens member with respect to the first optical function unit 43. Since only the optical film formed on the inclined surface 24a of the 24 needs to be changed from the reflection / transmission layer 22 to the reflection layer 45, separate gold for molding the lens member 24 for optical transmission / monitoring and optical reception. There is no need to prepare a mold.

  In addition, according to the present embodiment, the laser beams La and La ′ for the respective light emitting / receiving elements 7 and 30 are vertically incident on the first and second optical surfaces 17a and 17b, so that the laser at the time of this incidence. Since the refraction of the light La can be suppressed, the linearity of the optical path between the second reflection surface 16 and each third lens surface 13 and the reflection / transmission layer 22 or the reflection layer 45 and each second lens. The linearity of the optical path between the surface 12 can be ensured. Here, if such linearity of the optical path cannot be ensured, for example, in the configuration for optical transmission and monitoring, coupling of the laser light La to the end face 5a of the optical fiber 5 and monitoring to the light receiving element 8 for monitoring are performed. In order to appropriately combine the light M, the shape of the lens surfaces 12 and 13, the angles of the optical surfaces 17 a and 17 b, the angle of the reflection / transmission layer 22, etc. must be adjusted in a complicated manner. In addition, when a manufacturing error occurs, the correction of the mold shape and the like for eliminating the error becomes complicated. Therefore, in this embodiment, by ensuring the linearity of such an optical path, it becomes possible to design and manufacture more simply than when linearity cannot be ensured. Such linearity of the optical path is such that even if the first and second optical surfaces 17a and 17b are not formed perpendicular to the incident direction of the laser beams La and La ′, the filler 23 and the lens If the member 24 is formed to have the same refractive index as that of the lens array body 4, it can be secured in the same manner. In such a case, Fresnel reflection on the first and second optical surfaces 17a and 17b can also be suppressed.

  Other effects are basically the same as those of the first embodiment. Moreover, the modification applied to 1st Embodiment is applicable suitably also in this embodiment.

  The present invention is not limited to such an embodiment, and various modifications can be made without departing from the characteristics of the present invention.

  For example, as the second optical function unit in the second embodiment, any member can be used as long as it is a member having a shape that can properly form the reflective layer 45 and can be properly disposed in the second recess 17. Members other than the member 24 may be adopted. In this case, it is necessary to prepare a mold that is separate from the first optical function unit. However, for the lens array body 4, it is possible to share the mold for optical transmission / monitoring and optical reception. it can.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 18, an optical module array of a transmission / reception integrated type can be configured by integrally arranging an optical module 1 for optical transmission / monitoring and an optical module 1 ′ for optical reception. Good. In FIG. 18, the lens arrays 2, 2 ′, the photoelectric conversion devices 3, 3 ′, and the optical connector 10 are accommodated in a rectangular casing 48, and the casing 48 accommodates the optical connector 10. An optical fiber ribbon 50 made of an extended portion of each optical fiber 5 is drawn. In FIG. 18, the optical module 1 for optical transmission / monitoring and the optical module 1 ′ for optical reception are aligned with the bottom plates 48 a on which the semiconductor substrate 6 is mounted in the casing 48 facing each other. It is arranged in the state of. Such a configuration may of course be applied to the optical modules 33 (33 ′) and 35 (35 ′) of the respective modifications of the first embodiment and the optical module 42 (42 ′) of the second embodiment. It is.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 19, in the first embodiment, the optical transmission / monitor lens member 24 and the third lens surface 13 are arranged in the longitudinal direction of the second concave portion 17 (vertical direction in FIG. 19). You may form (arrange | position) over the range of a part. In the figure, four third lens surfaces 13 are formed counting from the upper end side, but these are the four third lens surfaces 13 located in the right vicinity of each third lens surface 13 in the figure. 1 corresponding to one lens surface 11. On the other hand, in the range where the lens member 24 is not formed (arranged) in the second recess 17, the inclined surface 18 is exposed. According to such a configuration, optical transmission with a monitor using only a part (four) of the first lens surface 11 and a part of the other lens surface 11 (for example, the lower lens in FIG. It is possible to simultaneously perform optical reception using only four) counting from the surface 11. In the second embodiment, for example, the lens member 24 in which the reflection / transmission layer 22 is formed is arranged over a partial range in the longitudinal direction of the second recess 17 in the second embodiment. This can also be realized by disposing the lens member 24 on which the reflective layer 45 is formed over the remaining range in the longitudinal direction.

  Furthermore, the present invention can be effectively applied to an optical transmission body other than the optical fiber 5 such as an optical waveguide.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Optical module 2 Lens array 3 Photoelectric conversion apparatus 4 Lens array main body 5 Optical fiber 7 Light emitting element 8 Light receiving element 11 1st lens surface 12 2nd lens surface 14 1st reflective surface 16 2nd reflective surface 17 2nd Concave portion 18 inclined surface 21 optical function portion

Claims (15)

Arranged between a photoelectric conversion device in which a plurality of light emitting elements or light receiving elements are aligned and an optical transmission body, the plurality of light emitting / receiving elements and an end face of the optical transmission body can be optically coupled. A lens array,
The lens array main body is formed on the first surface on the photoelectric conversion device side so as to be aligned in a predetermined alignment direction corresponding to the plurality of light emitting / receiving elements, and light is emitted for each of the plurality of light emitting / receiving elements. A plurality of first lens surfaces through which light or received light respectively passes;
The second surface of the lens array body adjacent to the first surface in the direction perpendicular to the alignment direction of the plurality of first lens surfaces is arranged on the second surface on the light transmission body side of the plurality of first lens surfaces. It is formed so as to be aligned along the alignment direction, and the light for each of the plurality of light emitting / receiving elements is emitted from the lens array main body side toward the end surface of the optical transmission body or from the end surface of the optical transmission body A plurality of second lens surfaces that respectively pass through or before passing through the plurality of first lens surfaces, as incident light to the lens array body side of
Formed on the third surface of the lens array body facing the first surface so as to incline to the second surface side from the first surface side toward the third surface side; A first reflecting surface that forms an optical path of light for each of the plurality of light emitting / receiving elements between the plurality of first lens surfaces and the plurality of second lens surfaces;
The third surface is positioned closer to the second surface than the first reflecting surface, and is located on the opposite side of the second surface from the first surface side toward the third surface side. A second reflecting surface that is formed to be inclined and forms the optical path together with the first reflecting surface at a position closer to the plurality of second lens surfaces than the first reflecting surface on the optical path;
A recess formed as a recess in the first surface facing the second reflecting surface;
The concave portion forms a part of the inner surface and is inclined so as to incline toward the opposite side of the second surface from the first surface side toward the third surface side. An inclined surface disposed at a position closer to the plurality of second lens surfaces than the two reflecting surfaces,
As the photoelectric conversion device, the plurality of light emitting elements are aligned and at least one second light receiving element that receives monitor light for monitoring light emitted from at least one of the plurality of light emitting elements. In the case of using the one formed with, the function of forming an optical path of light for each of the plurality of light emitting elements together with the first reflective surface and the second reflective surface in the recess, and the optical path of the monitor light As an optical function unit having a function of forming the light, the light for each of the plurality of light emitting elements incident on the inclined surface from the second reflecting surface side and the light directed to the plurality of second lens surfaces and the monitor light In the state where an optical function unit that divides the light into the second light receiving element side including the light and emits the monitor light toward the second light receiving element is disposed, Used in the optical transmission to the optical transmission body side with the monitor,
When using the photoelectric conversion device in which the plurality of light receiving elements are aligned and formed, the inclined surface is formed with the first reflecting surface and the optical surface in a state where the optical function unit is not disposed in the recess. A lens that functions as a total reflection surface that forms an optical path of light for each of the plurality of light receiving elements together with a second reflection surface, and is used for light reception from the optical transmission body side by the photoelectric conversion device. array. The optical function unit is
The light of each of the plurality of light emitting elements formed on the inclined surface and incident on the inclined surface is reflected to the second lens surface side with a predetermined reflectance and the second with a predetermined transmittance. A reflection / transmission layer that transmits the light to the light receiving element side, and transmits at least one of the light of each of the plurality of light emitting elements as the monitor light,
A filler having the same refractive index as that of the lens array body, which is filled in the concave portion so as to be in contact with the reflection / transmission layer and advances the monitor light toward the second light receiving element;
At least the incident surface on which the monitor light is incident and the monitor light incident on the incident surface are emitted toward the second light receiving element. The lens array according to claim 1, further comprising: a lens member having one third lens surface. The lens array according to claim 2, wherein the incident surface of the lens member is formed perpendicular to a transmission direction of the monitor light in the reflection / transmission layer. The lens array according to claim 2, wherein the lens member is formed to have the same refractive index as that of the lens array body. The reflective / transmissive layer is formed on the inclined surface by a coating;
In order to facilitate the coating on the inclined surface, the portion of the concave portion on the opening side in the predetermined range is formed in a shape that expands toward the opening side. The lens array according to any one of claims 2 to 4. Arranged between a photoelectric conversion device in which a plurality of light emitting elements or light receiving elements are aligned and an optical transmission body, the plurality of light emitting / receiving elements and an end face of the optical transmission body can be optically coupled. A lens array,
The lens array main body is formed on the first surface on the photoelectric conversion device side so as to be aligned in a predetermined alignment direction corresponding to the plurality of light emitting / receiving elements, and light is emitted for each of the plurality of light emitting / receiving elements. A plurality of first lens surfaces through which light or received light respectively passes;
The second surface of the lens array body adjacent to the first surface in the direction perpendicular to the alignment direction of the plurality of first lens surfaces is arranged on the second surface on the light transmission body side of the plurality of first lens surfaces. It is formed so as to be aligned along the alignment direction, and the light for each of the plurality of light emitting / receiving elements is emitted from the lens array main body side toward the end surface of the optical transmission body or from the end surface of the optical transmission body A plurality of second lens surfaces that respectively pass through or before passing through the plurality of first lens surfaces, as incident light to the lens array body side of
Formed on the third surface of the lens array body facing the first surface so as to incline to the second surface side from the first surface side toward the third surface side; A first reflecting surface that forms an optical path of light for each of the plurality of light emitting / receiving elements between the plurality of first lens surfaces and the plurality of second lens surfaces;
The third surface is positioned closer to the second surface than the first reflecting surface, and is located on the opposite side of the second surface from the first surface side toward the third surface side. A second reflecting surface that is formed to be inclined and forms the optical path together with the first reflecting surface at a position closer to the plurality of second lens surfaces than the first reflecting surface on the optical path;
A recess formed as a recess in the first surface facing the second reflecting surface;
The concave portion forms a part of the inner surface and is opposed to the second reflecting surface, and is disposed at a position on the plurality of second lens surfaces with respect to the second reflecting surface on the optical path. A first optical surface,
The first optical surface on the optical path is formed so as to form a part of the inner surface of the recess and to be opposed to the plurality of second lens surfaces so as to be connected to the first optical surface. A second optical surface disposed at a position closer to the plurality of second lens surfaces than
As the photoelectric conversion device, the plurality of light emitting elements are aligned and at least one second light receiving element that receives monitor light for monitoring light emitted from at least one of the plurality of light emitting elements. In the case of using the one formed with, the function of forming an optical path of light for each of the plurality of light emitting elements together with the first reflective surface and the second reflective surface in the recess, and the optical path of the monitor light As an optical function unit having a function of forming the light, the light for each of the plurality of light emitting elements incident on the first optical surface from the second reflection surface side is directed to the plurality of second lens surfaces. In a state where a first optical function unit that divides the light into the second light receiving element side including the monitor light and emits the monitor light toward the second light receiving element is disposed, Photoelectric conversion Used in the optical transmission to the optical transmission body side with the monitor by location,
In the case where the photoelectric conversion device in which the plurality of light receiving elements are aligned is used, the light for each of the plurality of light receiving elements is provided in the recess along with the first reflection surface and the second reflection surface. As an optical function unit having a function of forming an optical path, light from each of the plurality of light receiving elements incident on the second optical surface from the plurality of second lens surface sides is directed toward the second reflecting surface. A lens array that is used for light reception from the optical transmission body side by the photoelectric conversion device in a state in which a second optical function unit to be reflected is arranged. The first optical function unit includes:
The first optical surface is opposed from the first surface side, the second optical surface is opposed from the opposite side of the plurality of second lens surfaces, and the first surface side is opposed to the first optical surface. 3 is arranged in a state of being inclined to the opposite side to the second surface as it goes to the surface side of 3, and the light for each of the plurality of light emitting elements incident on the first optical surface is transmitted with a predetermined reflectance. The light is reflected to the plurality of second lens surfaces and transmitted to the second light receiving element side with a predetermined transmittance. At that time, at least one of the light for each of the plurality of light emitting elements is used as the monitor light. A reflective / transmissive layer to transmit;
The reflection / transmission layer is formed, an inclined surface on which the monitor light transmitted therethrough is incident, and at least one third light emitting the monitor light incident on the inclined surface toward the second light receiving element. A lens member having a lens surface;
The lens member filled in the space surrounded by the first optical surface, the second optical surface and the reflection / transmission layer, and a filler having the same refractive index,
The second optical function unit includes:
The lens member;
The filler;
The lens array according to claim 6, further comprising: a reflective layer formed in place of the reflective / transmissive layer on the inclined surface of the lens member. The lens array according to claim 7, wherein the first optical surface and the second optical surface are formed perpendicular to an incident direction of light for each of the plurality of light emitting / receiving elements. . The lens array according to claim 7 or 8, wherein the filler is formed to have the same refractive index as that of the lens array body. The lens array according to any one of claims 7 to 9, wherein at least one of the reflection / transmission layer and the reflection layer is formed on the inclined surface by a coating. The filler is made of a translucent adhesive,
The lens array according to any one of claims 2 to 5 and 7 to 10, wherein the lens member is fixed in the recess by an adhesive force of the filler. On the end surface of the lens member on the direction side perpendicular to the optical axis direction, there is a notch for use in filling the filler into the recess and / or removing bubbles from the filler filled in the recess. 12. The lens array according to claim 11, wherein the lens array is formed from an end portion on the filler side in the end surface of the lens member to an end portion on the third lens surface side. The first reflecting surface and the second reflecting surface are formed of inclined surfaces of the lens array body formed so that light for each of the plurality of light emitting / receiving elements is incident at an incident angle larger than a critical angle. It is a total reflection surface. The lens array of any one of Claims 1-12 characterized by these. An escape portion for allowing electronic components to be mounted at positions near the plurality of light emitting / receiving elements in the photoelectric conversion device between the plurality of first lens surfaces and the concave portion on the first surface. The lens array according to claim 1, wherein the lens array is formed. The lens array according to any one of claims 1 to 14,
An optical module comprising the photoelectric conversion device corresponding to the lens array.

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