JP2019152804A - Optical connector - Google Patents

Abstract

To provide an optical connector capable of appropriately transmitting light, transmitted through a plurality of cores, respectively to another plurality of cores.SOLUTION: An optical connector 1 connected in a predetermined connection direction includes: a case 10; a waveguide substrate 20, in which a plurality of waveguides are formed in the substrate having light permeability, at least one ends of the plurality of waveguides are arranged in the case 10, and other ends of the plurality of waveguides are optically exposed from a surface 11 on the side of the connection direction of the case 10; and a multi-core fiber 30 in which one end has a plurality of cores arranged in the case 10 and the cores are derived from a surface 12 other than the surface on the side of the connection direction of the case 10. The one ends of the waveguides of the waveguide substrate 20 optically bind respectively to the cores of the multi-core fiber 30.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

  The present invention relates to an optical connector, and more particularly to an optical connector capable of optically connecting a waveguide and an optical fiber.

  An optical fiber used in a widely used optical fiber communication system has a structure in which an outer periphery of one core is surrounded by a clad, and information is transmitted by propagation of an optical signal in the core. . In recent years, with the spread of optical fiber communication systems, the amount of information transmitted has increased dramatically.

  In order to realize an increase in transmission capacity of such an optical fiber communication system, a plurality of signals are transmitted by light propagating through each core using a multi-core fiber in which the outer circumferences of the plurality of cores are surrounded by one clad. It has been known. A fan-in / fan-out device that optically couples each core of a multi-core fiber and each core of a plurality of single-core fibers is known as a device for entering and exiting light from the multi-core fiber. It has been.

  Patent Document 1 below describes one form of a fan-in / fan-out device. This fan-in / fan-out device is called a fiber bundle type, and a plurality of bundled single core fibers are connected to a multi-core fiber. By this connection, the core of each single-core fiber and each core of the multi-core fiber are optically coupled.

  Patent Document 2 below describes another form of fan-in / fan-out device. This fan-in / fan-out device is called a spatial optical type, and each single-core fiber core and each multi-core fiber core are optically coupled through a space. In this space, a condensing optical system for condensing light is arranged.

JP 2016-212447 A Japanese Patent Laying-Open No. 2015-210339

  However, in the fan-in / fan-out device described above, a plurality of optical fibers and multi-core fibers are accurately positioned and fixed to each other. Therefore, there is a need to appropriately optically couple a plurality of optical fiber cores and a multi-core fiber core using an optical connector. However, there are cases where multiple optical fibers are aligned in a row and fixed in a tape shape, etc., where the arrangement of the cores of the multiple optical fibers and the arrangement of the cores of the multi-core fiber do not match, The distance between the cores of the fiber may not match the distance between the cores of the multicore fiber. In some cases, the mode field diameter of light propagating through the core of the optical fiber does not match the mode field diameter of light propagating through the core of the multicore fiber. Further, the orientation of the cores of the plurality of optical fibers may not match the orientation of the cores of the multicore fiber.

  Also, even when connecting multiple optical fiber cores and multiple optical fiber cores, or when connecting multiple core fibers, the core arrangement, the distance between the cores, and the light mode as described above. There are cases where at least one of the field diameter and the core orientation does not match.

  Therefore, an optical connector capable of appropriately propagating each light propagating through a plurality of cores of an optical fiber member such as a plurality of optical fibers and a multi-core fiber to a plurality of cores such as a plurality of other optical fibers and multi-core fibers is required. It has been.

  Accordingly, one embodiment of the present invention is an optical connector connected in a predetermined connection direction, in which a plurality of waveguides are formed in a case and a light-transmitting substrate, and at least one end of the plurality of waveguides is the above-described A waveguide substrate disposed in the case, the other end of the plurality of waveguides being optically exposed from the surface of the case on the connection direction side, and a plurality of cores having one end disposed in the case. An optical fiber member derived from a surface of the case other than the connection direction side, and one end of each of the waveguides of the waveguide substrate and each of the cores of the optical fiber members. It is characterized by optical coupling.

  Since the waveguide formed in the light-transmitting substrate can be formed in a three-dimensional pattern, the plurality of waveguides of the waveguide substrate are arranged on one end side and the other end side, and are adjacent to each other. The distance, the cross-sectional area of the waveguide, and the orientation may be different from each other. Here, if the cross-sectional area of the waveguide is different between the one end side and the other end side, the mode field diameter of the light propagating through the waveguide is different between the one end side and the other end side. Therefore, according to the optical connector of the present invention, the other end of the plurality of waveguides optically exposed from the surface of the waveguide substrate on the connection direction side is connected to the other optical connector to which the optical connector of the present invention is connected. Can be matched to the conditions of the light input / output ends of the plurality of lights. For example, the arrangement of the other ends of the plurality of waveguides in the waveguide substrate of the optical connector of the present invention, the distance between adjacent waveguides at the other ends of the plurality of waveguides, and the other end of the plurality of waveguides are propagated. The mode field diameter of the light, the orientation of the other ends of the plurality of waveguides, etc., the arrangement of the light input / output ends of the other optical connectors, the distance between the light input / output ends of the adjacent optical connectors, etc. The mode field diameter of the light propagating through the light input / output ends of the plurality of lights in the optical connector, the direction of the light input / output ends of the plurality of lights in the other optical connectors, and the like can be adjusted. For this reason, according to the optical connector of the present invention, each core of the optical fiber member can be optically coupled to a plurality of light incident / exit ends in another optical connector connected to the optical connector of the present invention. it can. If a plurality of cores such as a plurality of optical fibers and multi-core fibers are connected to the light input / output ends of the plurality of lights in the other optical connectors, the respective lights propagating through the plurality of cores of the optical fiber member of the present invention are transmitted. It can be appropriately propagated to a plurality of cores such as other plurality of optical fibers and multi-core fibers. In other words, a plurality of optical fiber cores and a multi-core fiber core are optically appropriately combined, a plurality of optical fiber cores and a plurality of optical fiber cores are optically appropriately combined, a multi-core fiber These cores can be optically coupled appropriately. In addition, since the core of the optical fiber member is derived from a surface other than the connection direction side of the case, when the other optical connector to which the connector of the present invention is connected includes a member having a waveguide, the optical connector of the present invention The core of the optical fiber member and the waveguide of another optical connector can be appropriately optically coupled.

  In addition, since one end of the core of the optical fiber member is disposed in the case, another optical connector connected to the optical connector of the present invention does not contact one end of the core of the optical fiber member, and the optical fiber member It is possible to suppress stress or the like from being applied to one end of the core. In addition, since one end of the plurality of waveguides is disposed in the case, it is possible to suppress stress from the outside of the case from being applied to one end of the waveguide.

  In the following description, when simply referred to as coupling, it may mean optical coupling.

  Moreover, it is preferable that at least one of the cores is led out from a through hole formed on a surface other than the connection direction side of the case.

  By being configured in this manner, alignment between the core of the optical fiber member and the waveguide of the waveguide substrate can be facilitated as compared with the case where the core is derived from other than the through hole of the case.

  The distance between the waveguides adjacent to each other in the waveguide substrate is preferably different between one end side and the other end side of the waveguide.

  By being configured in this way, the distance between the plurality of cores of the optical fiber member can be matched with the distance between the light input and output ends of the plurality of lights in another optical connector to which the optical connector of the present invention is connected.

  In addition, the arrangement of the plurality of waveguides of the waveguide substrate is preferably different between one end side and the other end side of the waveguide.

  By being configured in this manner, the arrangement of the plurality of cores of the optical fiber member in the optical connector of the present invention and the arrangement of the light input / output ends of the plurality of lights in the other optical connector connected to the optical connector of the present invention Even if they are different, light can be appropriately propagated between the plurality of cores of the optical fiber member of the present invention and the light input / output ends of the plurality of lights in the other optical connectors.

  The cross-sectional area of at least one waveguide of the waveguide substrate is preferably different between one end side and the other end side of the waveguide.

  With this configuration, the mode field diameter of light propagating through the waveguide can be made different between the one end side and the other end side. Therefore, the mode field diameter of light propagating through the plurality of cores of the optical fiber member in the optical connector of the present invention and the light propagating through the light input / output ends of the other optical connectors to which the optical connector of the present invention is connected. Even when the mode field diameters of the optical connectors of the present invention are different from each other, light can be appropriately propagated between the plurality of cores of the optical fiber member in the optical connector of the present invention and the light input / output ends of the plurality of lights in other optical connectors.

  Moreover, it is preferable that a light transmissive resin is filled between one end of the plurality of waveguides of the waveguide substrate and one end of the plurality of cores of the optical fiber member.

  By adopting such a configuration, each of the waveguides of the waveguide substrate and each of the optical fiber members can be connected without crimping one end of each of the cores of the optical fiber member to one end of each of the waveguides of the waveguide substrate. Can be combined with other cores. In particular, when the optical fiber member is a multi-core fiber and one end of the multi-core fiber has a curved surface, the core disposed other than the center of the cladding is farther from the waveguide substrate than the center of the cladding. Therefore, it is difficult to press the core disposed outside the center of the clad to the waveguide of the waveguide substrate. For this reason, the core of a multi-core fiber and the waveguide of a waveguide board | substrate can be combined appropriately by being filled with optically transparent resin as mentioned above.

  Further, one end and the other end of each of the waveguides of the waveguide substrate face in directions that are not parallel to each other, the surface on the connection direction side of the case, and the surface from which the optical fiber member of the case is led out May be non-parallel.

  In this case, the propagation direction of the light incident on the optical connector is changed in each waveguide of the waveguide substrate. With this configuration, the direction of light emitted from the optical connector and light incident on the optical connector can be changed with respect to the extending direction of the plurality of cores of the optical fiber member. For example, the extending direction of the plurality of optical fibers can be made perpendicular to the light incident on the optical connector and the light emitted from the optical connector.

  The optical fiber member preferably includes a plurality of optical fibers.

  In this case, the cores of the plurality of optical fibers of the optical connector of the present invention and the light incident / exit ends of the other optical connectors connected to the optical connector of the present invention can be combined.

  The plurality of optical fibers may be bundled together in at least a part of the longitudinal direction.

  The distance between the waveguides adjacent to each other on the waveguide substrate is preferably narrower on the other end side than the one end side of the waveguide of the waveguide substrate.

  As described above, generally, the distance between the cores when a plurality of optical fibers are arranged is larger than the distance between the cores of the multicore fiber. Therefore, such a configuration is suitable for coupling a plurality of optical fiber cores to a plurality of cores of a multi-core fiber of another optical connector.

  The optical fiber member preferably includes at least one multi-core fiber.

  In this case, a plurality of cores of the multi-core fiber of the optical connector of the present invention and a plurality of light incident / exit ends of other optical connectors connected to the optical connector of the present invention can be combined.

  When the optical fiber member includes at least one multi-core fiber, the distance between the waveguides adjacent to each other on the waveguide substrate is the other end side than the one end side of the waveguide on the waveguide substrate. Is preferably larger.

  Generally, the distance between cores when a plurality of optical fibers are arranged is larger than the distance between cores of a multicore fiber. Therefore, such a configuration is suitable for coupling a plurality of cores of a multi-core fiber to a plurality of cores of an optical fiber.

  The optical system further includes a plurality of optical fibers having one end disposed in the case and the other end protruding from the surface of the case on the connection direction side to the outside of the case, in addition to each of the waveguides of the waveguide substrate. Preferably, the end is optically coupled to one end of each of the optical fiber cores, and is optically exposed from the connection direction side surface of the case via the optical fiber core.

  Since the optical fiber is generally arranged with the core at the center, the other ends of the plurality of optical fibers are formed in a convex shape, so that the core can be structured most protruding from the case. Therefore, the other end of each optical fiber core of the optical connector is crimped to a plurality of light input / output ends such as a plurality of optical fiber cores of other optical connectors, and each of the optical connectors according to the present invention described above. These optical fiber cores can be coupled to a plurality of light input / output ends of other optical connectors. Thus, the optical exposure is not only when the other end of the waveguide is exposed from the case through the space, but also when the other end of the waveguide is exposed from the case through the light-transmitting member. Including.

  In this case, it is preferable that a light-transmitting resin is filled between the other end of each of the waveguides of the waveguide substrate and one end of the core of each of the optical fibers.

  By filling the light-transmitting resin in this manner, the respective waveguides of the waveguide substrate and the respective optical fibers are not crimped to the respective waveguides of the waveguide substrate. The core can be appropriately coupled.

  The other end of the plurality of waveguides of the waveguide substrate is preferably disposed in the case.

  In this case, it is possible to suppress external stress from being applied to the other end of the waveguide.

  In this case, the other ends of the plurality of waveguides of the waveguide substrate may be exposed from openings formed in the connection direction side surface of the case.

  With this configuration, it is possible to suppress an increase in the number of light coupling points other than the coupling portion between one end of each waveguide of the waveguide substrate and one end of each core of the optical fiber member in the case. The increase in loss can be suppressed. In such a configuration, the light input / output ends of the other optical connectors are inserted into the case of the optical connector of the present invention, and the other ends of the plurality of waveguides of the waveguide substrate and the other optical connectors are inserted. The light incident / exit end may be coupled. Or the some waveguide of a waveguide board | substrate and the incident / exit end of another optical connector may be couple | bonded through space.

  Alternatively, it is preferable that the other ends of the plurality of waveguides of the waveguide substrate protrude from the surface of the case on the connection direction side to the outside of the case.

  By configuring in this way, the other end of the plurality of waveguides of the waveguide substrate protruding to the outside of the case is pressure-bonded to the plurality of light input / output ends of the other optical connectors, and the optical connector of the present invention described above. Each of the waveguides may be coupled to a plurality of light input / output ends of another optical connector. In addition, in the case, it is possible to suppress an increase in the number of light coupling points other than a coupling portion between one end of each waveguide of the waveguide substrate and one end of each core of the optical fiber member, and increase light loss. Can be suppressed.

  Moreover, it is preferable that the other end of at least one waveguide of the waveguide substrate has a collimating structure for collimating light emitted from the other end of the waveguide. Alternatively, in this case, it is preferable that the other end of at least one of the waveguides of the waveguide substrate has a mode field diameter expanding structure that expands a mode field diameter of emitted light.

  Such a configuration is suitable for a case where light is emitted from the other end of the waveguide of the waveguide substrate to the space and light is incident from the light incident end of another optical connector.

  As described above, according to the present invention, there is provided an optical connector capable of appropriately propagating each light propagating through a plurality of optical fiber cores and a multi-core fiber core to other cores.

It is a disassembled perspective view which shows the optical connector in 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a top view of the optical connector of FIG. It is sectional drawing perpendicular | vertical to the longitudinal direction of the optical fiber of FIG. It is sectional drawing perpendicular | vertical to the longitudinal direction of the multi-core fiber of FIG. It is a figure which shows the waveguide board | substrate of FIG. It is a disassembled perspective view which shows the optical connector in 2nd Embodiment of this invention by the method similar to FIG. It is a top view which shows the optical connector of FIG. 6 by the method similar to FIG. It is a disassembled perspective view which shows the optical connector in 3rd Embodiment of this invention by the method similar to FIG. It is a top view which shows the optical connector of FIG. 8 by the method similar to FIG. It is sectional drawing perpendicular | vertical to the longitudinal direction of the optical fiber tape of FIG. It is a figure which shows the waveguide board | substrate of FIG. It is a disassembled perspective view which shows the optical connector in 4th Embodiment of this invention by the method similar to FIG. It is a top view which shows the optical connector of FIG. 12 by the method similar to FIG. It is a figure which shows the waveguide board | substrate of FIG. It is a top view which shows the optical connector in 5th Embodiment of this invention by the method similar to FIG. It is a figure which shows the example by which the other end of the waveguide of a waveguide board | substrate is made into the collimating structure which collimates the light radiate | emitted from the other end of a waveguide. It is a figure which shows the 1st example by which the other end of the waveguide of a waveguide board | substrate is made into the mode field diameter expansion structure which expands the mode field diameter of the light radiate | emitted from the other end of a waveguide. It is a figure which shows the 2nd example by which the other end of the waveguide of a waveguide board | substrate is made into the mode field diameter expansion structure which expands the mode field diameter of the light radiate | emitted from the other end of a waveguide. It is a disassembled perspective view which shows the optical connector in 6th Embodiment of this invention by the method similar to FIG. It is sectional drawing along the extension direction of the multi-core fiber of the optical connector of FIG. It is a figure which shows the waveguide board | substrate of FIG. It is a figure which shows the example from which the cross-sectional area of the waveguide 21 differs in an end and an other end.

  DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of an optical device according to the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. In addition, embodiment illustrated below is for making an understanding of this invention easy, and is not for limiting and interpreting this invention. The present invention can be modified and improved from the following embodiments without departing from the spirit of the present invention.

(First embodiment)
FIG. 1 is an exploded perspective view showing the optical connector in the first embodiment, and FIG. 2 is a plan view of the optical connector of FIG. However, in FIG. 2, the description of some members shown in FIG. 1 is omitted. As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the optical connector 1 of the present embodiment has a case 10, a waveguide substrate 20, a multi-core fiber 30 as an optical fiber member, and a plurality of optical fibers 40 as main components. Prepare.

  The case 10 has a substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape, and has a surface 11 and a surface 12 opposite to the surface 11. In the optical connector 1 of the present embodiment, the surface 11 side is the connection direction. Therefore, when the optical connector 1 is connected to another optical connector or the like, the surface 11 side is directed to the other optical connector or the like, and the optical connector 1 is connected to the other optical connector or the like from the surface 11 side. Further, the case 10 has a pair of guide pin holes 19 penetrating the surface 11 and the surface 12. When a guide pin (not shown) is inserted into the guide pin hole 19 and connected to another optical connector, the optical connector 1 and the other optical connector are positioned by the guide pin.

  In the case 10, a recess 10 </ b> D is formed on a surface 13 that is substantially perpendicular to the surfaces 11 and 12. The recess 10D has a substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape. The case 10 is formed with a plurality of through holes extending in parallel from the surface 11 to the recess 10D, and the optical fiber 40 is inserted through these through holes. Therefore, the plurality of optical fibers 40 inserted through the plurality of through holes are parallel to each other. Each optical fiber 40 has one end located in the recess 10 </ b> D and the other end slightly protruding from the surface 11. Thus, one end of each optical fiber 40 is disposed in the case 10 and the other end is exposed to the outside of the case 10 from the surface 11 on the connection direction side of the case 10. The protruding amount by which the optical fiber 40 protrudes from the surface 11 is, for example, 2 μm to 10 μm.

  FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the optical fiber of FIG. As shown in FIG. 3, the optical fiber 40 of the present embodiment has a core 41 disposed at the center and a shape in which a clad 42 surrounds the outer peripheral surface of the core 41. Each optical fiber 40 has the same configuration, and the core 41 has a diameter of, for example, 6 μm to 10 μm, and the cladding 42 has a diameter of, for example, 79 μm to 150 μm. Moreover, the refractive index of each core 41 is higher than the refractive index of the clad 42, and the relative refractive index difference between the core 41 and the clad 42 is, for example, 0.3% to 1.0%. The outer peripheral surface of the clad 42 of each optical fiber 40 may be covered with a protective layer.

  As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, a through hole 12 </ b> H that leads from the surface 12 to the recess 10 </ b> D is formed in the case 10. A cylindrical boot 39 is inserted through the through-hole 12 </ b> H together with the multi-core fiber 30. Specifically, in a state where the multi-core fiber 30 is inserted into the through hole of the boot 39, the boot 39 is inserted into the through-hole 12H together with the multi-core fiber 30, and one end of the multi-core fiber 30 is positioned in the recess 10D. Thus, the multi-core fiber 30 has one end disposed in the case 10 and the other end led out from the surface 12 other than the connection direction side of the case 10. A cover (not shown) that protects the multicore fiber 30 led out of the case 10 may be provided on the case 10.

  4 is a cross-sectional view perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the multi-core fiber 30 of FIG. As shown in FIG. 4, the multi-core fiber 30 of this embodiment includes a plurality of cores 31, a clad 32 that surrounds the outer peripheral surfaces of the cores 31 without gaps, and a protection that includes a resin that covers the outer peripheral surface of the clad 32. And a layer 33. In the present embodiment, a case where the number of cores 31 is four will be described.

  In the multi-core fiber 30 of the present embodiment, the respective cores 31 are arranged at equal intervals apart from each other by a predetermined distance. Specifically, a plurality of cores 31 are arranged in 2 × 2. Therefore, when the multi-core fiber 30 is viewed in cross section as shown in FIG. 3, the cores 31 are arranged side by side in the vertical direction and the horizontal direction. The diameter of each core 31 is, for example, 6 μm to 10 μm similarly to the diameter of the core 41 of the optical fiber 40, and the diameter of the clad 32 is, for example, 124 μm to 250 μm. Further, the refractive index of each core 31 is higher than the refractive index of the clad 32, and the relative refractive index difference of each core 31 with respect to the clad 32 is, for example, the relative refractive index difference of the core 41 with respect to the clad 42 of the optical fiber 40. In the same manner as described above, it is set to 0.3% to 1.0%.

  The core 31 is made of silica glass to which a dopant having a high refractive index, such as germanium, is added. In this case, the cladding 32 has a low refractive index, for example, pure silica glass to which no dopant is added or fluorine. It consists of silica glass to which a dopant is added. Alternatively, the core 31 may be made of pure silica glass to which no dopant is added, and the cladding 32 may be made of silica glass to which a dopant having a low refractive index such as fluorine is added.

  In the example of FIG. 4, an example in which no other member is disposed between each core 31 and the clad 32 is shown. However, a trench layer having a refractive index lower than the refractive index of the clad 32 may be disposed between each core 31 and the clad 32.

  The waveguide substrate 20 is disposed in the recess 10D of the case 10 where one end of the plurality of optical fibers 40 and one end of the multi-core fiber 30 are disposed. Specifically, the waveguide substrate 20 is disposed between one end of each of the plurality of optical fibers 40 and one end of the multicore fiber 30 in the recess 10 </ b> D. In the present embodiment, the light-transmitting resin 50 is filled in the space in the recess 10D in a state where the waveguide substrate 20 is disposed. In the present embodiment, a slight gap is formed between one end of each of the plurality of optical fibers 40 and the waveguide substrate 20, and a slight gap is also formed between the one end of the multi-core fiber 30 and the waveguide substrate 20. Is formed. Accordingly, the light-transmitting resin 50 is filled between one end of each of the plurality of optical fibers 40 and the waveguide substrate 20 and between one end of the multi-core fiber 30 and the waveguide substrate 20. Examples of such a resin 50 include an acrylic resin, an epoxy resin, and a silicone resin having light transmittance. In FIG. 1, the resin 50 is not shown.

  As described above, the waveguide substrate 20 is disposed in the recess 10D, and the lid 10L is covered with the recess 10D in a state where the light-transmitting resin 50 is filled, and the recess 10D is sealed. . In FIG. 2, the description of the lid 10L is omitted.

  FIG. 5 is a diagram showing the waveguide substrate 20 of FIG. As shown in FIG. 5, the waveguide substrate 20 of the present embodiment has a substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape. The waveguide substrate 20 is made of a light transmissive material. A plurality of waveguides 21 are formed in the waveguide substrate 20, and the periphery of the waveguide 21 is a cladding 22. Such waveguides formed in the light-transmitting substrate are formed in a three-dimensional pattern, and the plurality of waveguides 21 of the waveguide substrate 20 are arranged on one end side and the other end side, and are mutually connected. At least one of a distance between adjacent waveguides, a cross-sectional area of the waveguides, and an orientation may be different from each other. In the present embodiment, the refractive index of each waveguide 21 is substantially constant in the longitudinal direction. In addition, one end of each waveguide 21 is arranged in the same manner as the arrangement of each core 31 of the multicore fiber 30. Therefore, in the present embodiment, the plurality of waveguides 21 are arranged 2 × 2 at one end. In FIG. 2, in order to avoid complication of the drawing, the waveguides 21 are simplified and described so as to be arranged in a plane. The other end of the waveguide 21 is arranged in the same manner as the arrangement of one end of each optical fiber 40. Accordingly, the other ends of the plurality of waveguides 21 are linearly arranged at the same interval as the interval between the cores 41 of the respective optical fibers 40. For this reason, the distance between the adjacent waveguides 21 of the waveguide substrate 20 of the present embodiment is wider on the other end side than the one end side of the waveguide 21 of the waveguide substrate 20. The arrangement of the waveguide substrate 20 is different between one end side and the other end side of the waveguide 21 of the waveguide substrate 20.

  In the present embodiment, as described above, the diameter of the core 41 of the optical fiber 40 and the diameter of the core 31 of the multi-core fiber 30 are substantially the same, and the relative refractive index of the core 41 with respect to the clad 42 of the optical fiber 40. The difference and the relative refractive index difference of the core 31 with respect to the clad 32 of the multi-core fiber 30 are substantially the same. Therefore, the mode field diameter of light propagating through the core 41 of the optical fiber 40 and the mode field diameter of light propagating through the core 31 of the multi-core fiber 30 are approximately the same size. As described above, since the refractive index of each waveguide 21 is substantially constant in the longitudinal direction, each waveguide 21 in the waveguide substrate 20 of the present embodiment has substantially the same disconnection at one end side and the other end side. The mode field diameter of light propagating through the waveguide 21 is approximately the same on one end side and the other end side.

  Such a waveguide 21 can be formed by irradiating a light-transmitting substrate with a femtosecond laser. Specifically, a femtosecond laser is focused on a portion of the light-transmitting substrate where the waveguide 21 is formed, and the atomic structure of the portion is changed as compared with the surrounding portions. Then, the part where the atomic structure has changed has a higher refractive index than other parts. Then, by moving the condensing position of the femtosecond laser along the part where the waveguide 21 is formed, the waveguide 21 having a refractive index higher than that of the surrounding part is formed, and the surrounding part becomes the clad 22. . Examples of such a light-transmitting substrate material include silica glass and transparent resin. The silica glass may be pure silica glass to which no dopant is added, but may be phosphate glass or borate glass. Examples of the transparent resin include resins such as acrylic resin, fluorinated polyimide, epoxy, and polysilane. Examples of the femtosecond laser used to form the waveguide include a laser having a wavelength of 800 nm, a pulse width of 120 fs to 250 fs, and a repetition frequency of 200 kHz.

  The multi-core fiber 30 is inserted into the case 10 as described above, and the multi-core fiber 30 is adjusted so that one end of each core 31 of the multi-core fiber 30 and one end of each waveguide 21 of the waveguide substrate 20 face each other. I am hearted. Accordingly, one end of each of the waveguides 21 arranged in the same arrangement as the arrangement of the plurality of cores 31 of the multicore fiber 30 faces the respective cores 31 of the multicore fiber 30 on a one-to-one basis. Further, the waveguide substrate 20 is arranged so that the other ends of the respective waveguides 21 arranged in the same arrangement as the cores 41 of the plurality of optical fibers 40 are opposed to the cores 41 of the respective optical fibers 40 on a one-to-one basis. The

  As described above, light is transmitted between one end of each waveguide 21 and each core 31 of the multicore fiber 30 and between the other end of each waveguide 21 and the core 41 of each optical fiber 40. A permeable resin 50 is filled. Therefore, one end of each waveguide 21 of the waveguide substrate 20 and one end of each core 31 of the multi-core fiber 30 are optically coupled, and the other end of each waveguide 21 of the waveguide substrate 20 is respectively The optical fiber 40 is optically coupled to one end of the core 41 of the optical fiber 40.

  Since the waveguide 21 of the waveguide substrate 20 is generally formed as described above, the non-refractive index difference of the waveguide 21 with respect to portions other than the waveguide 21 is adjusted by changing the intensity of the femtosecond laser. Is possible. Therefore, the relative refractive index difference of the core 41 with respect to the cladding 42 of the optical fiber 40 and the relative refractive index difference of the core 31 with respect to the cladding 32 of the multi-core fiber 30 can be made equal.

  Further, when there is a difference in refractive index between the waveguide 21 of the waveguide substrate 20 and the core 31 of the multi-core fiber 30, the refractive index of the light-transmitting resin 50 is the refractive index of the waveguide 21 and the refractive index of the core 31. It is preferable that it is between. When there is a difference in refractive index between the waveguide 21 of the waveguide substrate 20 and the core 41 of the optical fiber 40, the refractive index of the light-transmitting resin 50 is equal to the refractive index of the waveguide 21 and the refractive index of the core 41. It is preferable that it is between. For this reason, the resin filled between the waveguide 21 of the waveguide substrate 20 and the core 31 of the multi-core fiber 30 and the gap between the waveguide 21 of the waveguide substrate 20 and the core 41 of the optical fiber 40 are filled. Resins having different refractive indexes from the resin may be used. By selecting the refractive index of the resin 50 in this way, light reflection at the boundary between the resin 50 and the core 31 of the multi-core fiber 30 or the core 41 of the optical fiber 40 and the waveguide 21 of the waveguide substrate 20 is reduced. I can do it.

  Next, light propagation of the optical connector 1 will be described.

  Light propagating through each core 31 of the multi-core fiber 30 is emitted from one end of each core 31 to the resin 50. As described above, since one end of each core 31 and one end of each waveguide 21 of the waveguide substrate 20 face each other in a one-to-one relationship, the light emitted from each core 31 to the resin 50 faces the core 31. The light enters the waveguide 21 from one end of the waveguide 21. The light incident on the waveguide 21 propagates through the three-dimensionally formed waveguide 21 and exits from the other end of the waveguide 21 to the resin 50. Since one end of the core 41 of each optical fiber 40 and the other end of each waveguide 21 of the waveguide substrate 20 face each other in a one-to-one manner as described above, the light emitted from each waveguide 21 to the resin 50 is The light enters the core 41 from one end of the core 41 facing the waveguide 21. The light incident on the core 41 propagates through the core 41 and enters the light incident end of another optical connector connected to the optical connector 1 from the other end of the core 41.

  Further, light incident on the core 41 of each optical fiber 40 from the light emitting end of the other optical connector connected to the optical connector 1 is emitted to the resin 50 from one end of the core 41 of each optical fiber 40, The light enters the waveguide 21 from the other end of each waveguide 21 of the waveguide substrate 20. Light incident on each waveguide 21 propagates through the waveguide 21 and exits from one end of each waveguide 21 to the resin 50. Then, the light emitted from each waveguide 21 enters each core 31 of the multicore fiber 30.

  In this way, light is incident and emitted by the optical connector 1.

  As described above, the optical connector 1 of the present embodiment is an optical connector that is connected in a predetermined connection direction, in which a plurality of waveguides 21 are formed in a case 10 and a light-transmitting substrate, and at least One end of the plurality of waveguides 21 is disposed in the case 10, the other end of the plurality of waveguides 21 is optically exposed from the surface 11 on the connection direction side of the case 10, and one end is in the case. A multi-core fiber 30 having a plurality of cores 31 arranged, the core 31 being led out from a surface 12 other than the connection direction side of the case 10. Then, one end of each waveguide 21 of the waveguide substrate 20 and each core 31 of the multicore fiber 30 are optically coupled.

  According to such an optical connector 1 of this embodiment, the other ends of the plurality of waveguides 21 that are optically exposed from the surface 11 of the waveguide substrate 20 on the connection direction side of the case 10 are connected to the optical connector 1 of the present invention. Can be matched to the conditions of the light input / output ends of a plurality of lights in other optical connectors to which are connected. For example, the arrangement of the other ends of the plurality of waveguides 21 in the waveguide substrate 20 of the optical connector 1 of the present embodiment, the distance between the adjacent waveguides 21 at the other end of the plurality of waveguides 21, and the plurality of waveguides The mode field diameter of the light propagating through the other end of 21 and the direction of the other end of the plurality of waveguides 21 are determined based on the arrangement of the light input / output ends of the other optical connectors and the adjacent light in the other optical connectors. The distance between the light input / output ends, the mode field diameter of the light propagating through the light input / output ends of the other optical connectors, the direction of the light input / output ends of the other optical connectors, and the like. In the present embodiment, by forming the waveguide 21 as described above, the arrangement of the cores 41 of the plurality of optical fibers 40, the distance between the cores 41 adjacent to each other, and the mode of light propagating through the plurality of cores 41 The field diameter, the orientation of the plurality of cores 41, etc., the arrangement of the light input / output ends of the plurality of lights in the other optical connector, the distance between the light input / output ends of the adjacent light in the other optical connectors, It is possible to match the mode field diameter of light propagating through the light input / output end and the directions of the light input / output ends of a plurality of lights in other optical connectors. For this reason, according to the optical connector 1 of the present embodiment, each core 31 of the multi-core fiber 30 that is an optical fiber member is allowed to enter a plurality of lights in other optical connectors connected to the optical connector 1 of the present embodiment. It can be optically coupled to the exit end. If a plurality of cores such as a plurality of optical fibers and a multi-core fiber are connected to the light input / output ends of the plurality of lights in the other optical connectors, each of them propagates through the plurality of cores 31 of the multi-core fiber 30 of the present embodiment. Light can be appropriately propagated to a plurality of cores such as other plurality of optical fibers and multi-core fibers. In addition, since one end of the core 31 of the multicore fiber 30 is disposed in the case 10, another optical connector connected to the optical connector 1 of the present invention does not contact one end of the core 31 of the multicore fiber 30, It is possible to prevent stress from being applied to one end of the core 31 of the multi-core fiber 30. In addition, since one end of the plurality of waveguides 21 is disposed in the case 10, it is possible to suppress stress from the outside of the case 10 being applied to one end of the waveguide 21.

  In the optical connector 1 of the present embodiment, at least one of the cores 31 is led out from the through hole 12H formed in the surface 12 other than the connection direction side of the case 10. Accordingly, since the through hole 12H plays a role of guiding the core 31 with respect to the waveguide 21 of the waveguide substrate 20, the multi-core fiber 30 is compared with the case where the core 31 is led out from other than the through hole 12H of the case 10. Alignment between the core 31 and the waveguide 21 of the waveguide substrate 20 can be facilitated. Further, the outer diameter of the through hole 12H is preferably set to the same size as the outer diameter of the clad 32, the protective layer 33 or the boot 39. In this case, the through hole 12H having the same size as the outer diameter of the clad 32, the protective layer 33 or the boot 39 can easily guide the clad 32, the protective layer 33 or the boot 39, so that the core 31 is further guided. It becomes easy. For this reason, alignment of the core 31 of the multi-core fiber 30 and the waveguide 21 of the waveguide substrate 20 can be further facilitated.

  Further, the distance between the waveguides 21 adjacent to each other in the waveguide substrate 20 of the present embodiment is different between one end side and the other end side of the waveguide 21, specifically, the waveguide substrate 20 is adjacent to each other. The distance between the waveguides 21 is greater on the other end side than on one end side of the waveguide 21 of the waveguide substrate 20. In general, the distance between the cores when a plurality of optical fibers are arranged is larger than the distance between the cores 31 of the multicore fiber 30. Therefore, the optical connector 1 having such a configuration is suitable for coupling the plurality of cores 31 of the multi-core fiber 30 to the cores of the plurality of optical fibers.

  Further, the arrangement of the plurality of waveguides 21 of the waveguide substrate 20 of the present embodiment is different between the one end side and the other end side of the waveguide 21. Therefore, the arrangement of the plurality of cores 31 of the multi-core fiber 30 in the optical connector 1 of the present embodiment is different from the arrangement of the light input / output ends of the other optical connectors connected to the optical connector 1 of the present embodiment. Even in this case, light can be appropriately propagated by the plurality of cores 31 of the multi-core fiber 30 of the present embodiment and the light input / output ends of the plurality of lights in other optical connectors.

  Further, a light transmissive resin 50 is filled between one end of the plurality of waveguides 21 of the waveguide substrate 20 of the present embodiment and one end of the plurality of cores 31 of the multicore fiber 30. Therefore, each of the waveguides 21 of the waveguide substrate 20 and each of the cores 31 of the multicore fiber 30 are not crimped to one end of each of the waveguides 21 of the waveguide substrate 20. And can be combined. Further, when one end of the multi-core fiber 30 has a curved surface, the core 31 disposed other than the center of the clad 32 is farther from the waveguide substrate 20 than the center of the clad 32. Therefore, it is difficult to press the core 31 disposed outside the center of the clad 32 to the waveguide 21 of the waveguide substrate 20. For this reason, the core 31 of the multi-core fiber 30 and the waveguide 21 of the waveguide substrate 20 can be appropriately coupled by being filled with the light transmissive resin 50 as described above.

  Further, the optical connector 1 of the present embodiment is provided with a plurality of optical fibers 40 having one end disposed in the case 10 and the other end protruding from the surface on the connection direction side of the case 10 to the outside of the case 10. The other end of each waveguide 21 of the waveguide substrate 20 is optically coupled to one end of the core 41 of each optical fiber 40, and is connected to the connection direction side of the case 10 via the core 41 of the optical fiber 40. Optically exposed from the surface. Since the optical fiber 40 is arranged with the core 41 at the center, when the other ends of the plurality of optical fibers 40 are formed in a convex shape, the core 41 can be structured to protrude most from the case 10. Therefore, the other end of the core 41 of each optical fiber 40 of the optical connector 1 is pressure-bonded to a plurality of light input / output ends of other optical connectors, and the optical fibers 40 of the optical connector 1 of the present embodiment are connected. The core 41 may be coupled to a plurality of light incident / exit ends in another optical connector.

  Further, in the optical connector 1 of the present embodiment, a light transmissive resin 50 is filled between the other end of each waveguide 21 of the waveguide substrate 20 and one end of the core 41 of each optical fiber 40. Yes. For this reason, even if the core 41 of each optical fiber 40 is not crimped | bonded to each waveguide 21 of the waveguide board | substrate 20, each waveguide 21 of the waveguide board | substrate 20 and the core 41 of each optical fiber 40 are appropriate. Can be combined.

  Moreover, in the optical connector 1 of this embodiment, since the other ends of the plurality of waveguides 21 are disposed in the case 10, it is possible to suppress stress from the outside of the case 10 being applied to the other ends of the waveguides 21. be able to.

(Second Embodiment)
Next, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described. In addition, about the component which is the same as that of 1st Embodiment, or an equivalent component, the overlapping description is abbreviate | omitted except the case where it attaches | subjects the same referential mark and demonstrates especially.

  6 is an exploded perspective view showing the optical connector in the present embodiment in the same manner as in FIG. 1, and FIG. 7 is a plan view showing the optical connector in FIG. 6 in the same manner as in FIG. As shown in FIGS. 6 and 7, the optical connector 1 of this embodiment is mainly different from the optical connector 1 of the first embodiment in that it does not include a plurality of optical fibers 40.

  The surface on which the other end of each waveguide 21 of the waveguide substrate 20 of the present embodiment is formed protrudes to the outside of the case 10 from an opening 11 </ b> H formed on the surface 11 on the connection direction side of the case 10. Accordingly, the other end of each waveguide 21 also protrudes from the case 11 through the opening 11 </ b> H formed in the surface 11 of the case 10. Thus, the other end of each waveguide 21 is optically exposed from the surface 11 on the connection direction side of the case 10.

  According to the optical connector 1 of the present embodiment, the other ends of the plurality of waveguides 21 of the waveguide substrate 20 protruding to the outside of the case 10 are crimped to the light incident / exit ends of the other optical connectors, A plurality of waveguides 21 and a plurality of light incident / exit ends of other optical connectors can be coupled. Therefore, the core 31 of each multi-core fiber 30 of the optical connector 1 can be coupled to a plurality of light incident / exit ends of other optical connectors. Compared with the optical connector 1 of the first embodiment, the optical coupling 1 is not limited to the coupling portion between one end of each waveguide 21 of the waveguide substrate 20 and one end of each core 31 of the multicore fiber in the case 10. An increase in the number of locations can be suppressed. Therefore, according to the optical connector 1 of the present embodiment, an increase in light loss can be suppressed.

  Moreover, in the optical connector 1 of this embodiment, since the end of the some waveguide 21 is arrange | positioned in the case 10, it can suppress that the stress from the outside of the case 10 is applied to the end of the waveguide 21. FIG. it can.

  In the optical connector 1 of the present embodiment, at least one of the cores 31 is led out from the through hole 12H formed in the surface 12 other than the connection direction side of the case 10. Accordingly, since the through hole 12H plays a role of guiding the core 31 with respect to the waveguide 21 of the waveguide substrate 20, the multi-core fiber 30 is compared with the case where the core 31 is led out from other than the through hole 12H of the case 10. Alignment between the core 31 and the waveguide 21 of the waveguide substrate 20 can be facilitated. Further, the outer diameter of the through hole 12H is preferably set to the same size as the outer diameter of the clad 32, the protective layer 33 or the boot 39. In this case, the through hole 12H having the same size as the outer diameter of the clad 32, the protective layer 33 or the boot 39 can easily guide the clad 32, the protective layer 33 or the boot 39, so that the core 31 is further guided. It becomes easy. For this reason, alignment of the core 31 of the multi-core fiber 30 and the waveguide 21 of the waveguide substrate 20 can be further facilitated.

(Third embodiment)
Next, a third embodiment of the present invention will be described. In addition, about the component which is the same as that of 1st Embodiment, or an equivalent component, the overlapping description is abbreviate | omitted except the case where it attaches | subjects the same referential mark and demonstrates especially.

  FIG. 8 is an exploded perspective view showing the optical connector in the present embodiment in the same manner as in FIG. 1, and FIG. 9 is a plan view showing the optical connector in FIG. 8 in the same manner as in FIG. As shown in FIGS. 8 and 9, the optical connector 1 of the first embodiment includes a multi-core fiber 30 as an optical fiber member, whereas the optical connector 1 of the present embodiment has an optical fiber tape 6 as an optical fiber member. Is different from the optical connector 1 of the first embodiment in that the plurality of optical fibers 40 in the first embodiment are not provided.

  FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the optical fiber tape 6 of FIG. As shown in FIG. 10, the optical fiber tape 6 includes a plurality of optical fibers 60. Each optical fiber 60 is configured such that a core 61 is disposed at the center, the outer peripheral surface of the core 61 is surrounded by a clad 62, and the outer peripheral surface of the clad 62 is covered by a protective layer 63. Each optical fiber 60 has the same configuration, and the core 61 has a diameter of 6 μm to 10 μm, for example, and the clad 62 has a diameter of 79 μm to 150 μm, for example. Moreover, the refractive index of each core 61 is higher than the refractive index of the clad 62, and the relative refractive index difference between the core 61 and the clad 62 is, for example, 0.3% to 1.0%. Further, the optical fibers 60 are arranged in parallel and covered with an integrated resin 65 to be integrated. Since the optical fibers 60 are thus arranged in parallel, in the optical fiber tape 6 of this embodiment, the ends of the cores 61 of the optical fibers 60 are aligned in a straight line.

  The case 10 is formed with the same number of through holes 12H as the number of optical fibers 60 extending from the surface 12 to the recess 10D. Further, in the vicinity of one end of the optical fiber tape 6, the integrated resin 65 and the protective layer 63 are peeled off, and the clad 62 is exposed. The portions of the optical fibers 60 where the clad 62 is exposed are inserted into the cylindrical boots 69 and inserted into the through holes 12H together with the boots 69, respectively. Thus, one end of each optical fiber 60 of the optical fiber tape 6 is disposed in the case 10, and the other end side is led out from the surface 12 other than the connection direction side of the case 10. A cover (not shown) for protecting the optical fiber tape 6 led out of the case 10 may be provided on the case 10.

  FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating the waveguide substrate of FIG. As shown in FIG. 11, one end of each waveguide 21 of the waveguide substrate 20 of the present embodiment is arranged in the same manner as the arrangement of the cores 61 of the plurality of optical fibers 60. Therefore, in this embodiment, the plurality of waveguides 21 are arranged in a straight line at one end. Further, the other ends of the respective waveguides 21 of the waveguide substrate 20 of the present embodiment are arranged 2 × 2 like the one ends of the respective waveguides 21 of the waveguide substrate of the first embodiment. However, since this is an example, the other ends of the respective waveguides 21 of the waveguide substrate 20 are arranged in a straight line at a distance smaller than the distance between the waveguides 21 at one end of the waveguide 21, for example. May be.

  In such a waveguide substrate 20, one end of each waveguide 21 arranged in the same arrangement as the arrangement of the cores 61 of the respective optical fibers 60 is opposed to the respective cores 61 of the respective optical fibers 60 on a one-to-one basis. It is disposed in the recess 10 </ b> D of the case 10. The surface on which the other end of each waveguide 21 of the waveguide substrate 20 is formed protrudes to the outside of the case 10 from an opening 11H formed in the surface 11 on the connection direction side of the case 10. Accordingly, the other end of each waveguide 21 also protrudes from the case 11 through the opening 11 </ b> H formed in the surface 11 of the case 10. Thus, the other end of each waveguide 21 is optically exposed from the surface 11 on the connection direction side of the case 10.

  In the optical connector 1 of the present embodiment, the optical fiber member includes a plurality of optical fibers. For this reason, the core 61 of the some optical fiber 60 of the optical connector 1 of this embodiment and the light incident / exit end of the some optical connector connected to the optical connector of this invention can be combined.

  In the optical connector 1 of the present embodiment, the plurality of optical fibers 60 are bundled with each other in at least a part in the longitudinal direction, and the optical fiber member including the plurality of optical fibers 60 is the optical fiber tape 6. Therefore, the optical fiber 60 is prevented from being scattered outside the case 10. However, the optical fibers 60 do not have to be bundled together.

  Further, in the optical connector 1 of the present embodiment, the distance between the waveguides 21 adjacent to each other of the waveguide substrate 20 is formed narrower on the other end side than the one end side of the waveguide 21 of the waveguide substrate 20. Yes. Generally, the distance between cores when a plurality of optical fibers are arranged is larger than the distance between cores of a multicore fiber. Therefore, the optical connector 1 having the configuration as in the present embodiment is suitable for coupling the cores 61 of the plurality of optical fibers 60 to the plurality of cores of the multi-core fiber of another optical connector.

  Moreover, in the optical connector 1 of this embodiment, since the end of the some waveguide 21 is arrange | positioned in the case 10, it can suppress that the stress from the outside of the case 10 is applied to the end of the waveguide 21. FIG. it can.

  Further, in the optical connector 1 of the present embodiment, at least one of the cores 61 is led out from the through hole 12H formed in the surface 12 other than the connection direction side of the case 10. Accordingly, since the through hole 12H plays a role of guiding the core 61 with respect to the waveguide 21 of the waveguide substrate 20, the optical fiber 60 is compared with the case where the core 61 is led out from other than the through hole 12H of the case 10. Alignment between the core 61 and the waveguide 21 of the waveguide substrate 20 can be facilitated. The outer diameter of the through-hole 12H is preferably set to the same size as the outer diameter of the clad 62, the protective layer 63 or the boot 69. In this case, the through hole 12H having the same size as the outer diameter of the clad 62, the protective layer 63, or the boot 69 can easily guide the clad 62, the protective layer 63, or the boot 69, so that the core 61 is further guided. It becomes easy. For this reason, alignment between the core 61 of the optical fiber 60 and the waveguide 21 of the waveguide substrate 20 can be further facilitated.

(Fourth embodiment)
Next, a fourth embodiment of the present invention will be described. In addition, about the component same or equivalent to 2nd Embodiment, the overlapping description is abbreviate | omitted except the case where it attaches | subjects the same referential mark and demonstrates in particular.

  12 is an exploded perspective view showing the optical connector in the present embodiment in the same manner as in FIG. 6, and FIG. 13 is a plan view showing the optical connector in FIG. 12 in the same manner as in FIG. As shown in FIGS. 12 and 13, the optical connector 1 of the second embodiment includes one multi-core fiber 30 as an optical fiber member, whereas the optical connector 1 of the present embodiment is a set of optical fiber members. The main difference from the optical connector 1 of the second embodiment is that the multi-core fiber 30 is provided.

  Since the optical connector 1 of this embodiment includes a set of multi-core fibers 30, a set of through-holes 12H that lead from the surface 12 to the recess 10D is formed. Each multi-core fiber 30 is inserted in the through hole of the boot 39 through the through hole of the boot 39 and the vicinity of one end side where the clad 32 is exposed is inserted into the through hole 12H. Thus, one end of each multi-core fiber 30 is arranged in the case 10, and the other end side of each multi-core fiber 30 is led out from the surface 12 other than the connection direction side of the case 10. Note that a cover (not shown) that protects each multi-core fiber 30 led out of the case 10 may be provided on the case 10.

  FIG. 14 is a view showing the waveguide substrate 20 of FIG. As shown in FIG. 14, as described above, in the present embodiment, a set of multi-core fibers 30 are inserted into the case 10. Therefore, in the waveguide substrate 20 of the present embodiment, a plurality of waveguides 21 are formed as many as the number of cores 31 of the set of multi-core fibers 30. Specifically, one end of a part of the waveguides 21 is formed at a position facing one end of each of the cores 31 of one multicore fiber 30, and one end of the other part of the waveguides 21 is the other multicore. It is formed at a position facing one end of each core 31 of the fiber 30. Therefore, one end of some of the waveguides 21 and one end of the other part of the waveguides 21 are formed at positions of 2 × 2, respectively. Furthermore, in the present embodiment, the other ends of some of the waveguides 21 are formed at positions that are linearly parallel, and the other ends of the other partial waveguides 21 are also formed at positions that are linearly parallel. The other end of the other waveguide 21 and the other end of the other part of the waveguide 21 are formed at positions aligned in a direction perpendicular to the linearly parallel direction. In addition, arrangement | positioning of the other end of this waveguide 21 is an example, for example, the other end of some waveguides 21 and the other end of other one part waveguides 21 are each of said each waveguide 21 each. It may be formed at a position of 2 × 2 at a distance different from the distance between the waveguides at one end.

  The other end of each waveguide 21 arranged in this way is exposed from the surface 11 of the case 10 in the same manner as each waveguide 21 of the waveguide substrate 20 of the second embodiment.

  Since the optical connector 1 of the present embodiment is configured so that the optical fiber member includes a set of multi-core fibers 30, more cores 31 can be connected to other optical connectors than the optical connector 1 of the second embodiment. Can be coupled to the light incident / exit end.

  Moreover, in the optical connector 1 of this embodiment, since the end of the some waveguide 21 is arrange | positioned in the case 10, it can suppress that the stress from the outside of the case 10 is applied to the end of the waveguide 21. FIG. it can.

  In the optical connector 1 of the present embodiment, at least one of the cores 31 is led out from the through hole 12H formed in the surface 12 other than the connection direction side of the case 10. Accordingly, since the through hole 12H plays a role of guiding the core 31 with respect to the waveguide 21 of the waveguide substrate 20, the multi-core fiber 30 is compared with the case where the core 31 is led out from other than the through hole 12H of the case 10. Alignment between the core 31 and the waveguide 21 of the waveguide substrate 20 can be facilitated. Further, the outer diameter of the through hole 12H is preferably set to the same size as the outer diameter of the clad 32, the protective layer 33 or the boot 39. In this case, the through hole 12H having the same size as the outer diameter of the clad 32, the protective layer 33 or the boot 39 can easily guide the clad 32, the protective layer 33 or the boot 39, so that the core 31 is further guided. It becomes easy. For this reason, alignment of the core 31 of the multi-core fiber 30 and the waveguide 21 of the waveguide substrate 20 can be further facilitated.

  In the present embodiment, a set of multi-core fibers 30 is shown as an example, but the ends of three or more multi-core fibers 30 are inserted into the case 10 and coupled to the respective cores 31 of the respective multi-core fibers 30. The waveguide 21 to be formed may be formed on the waveguide substrate 20.

(Fifth embodiment)
Next, a fifth embodiment of the present invention will be described. In addition, about the component same or equivalent to 2nd Embodiment, the overlapping description is abbreviate | omitted except the case where it attaches | subjects the same referential mark and demonstrates in particular.

  FIG. 15 is a plan view showing the optical connector in the present embodiment in the same manner as in FIG. In the optical connector 1 of the second embodiment, the surface on which the other end of each waveguide 21 of the waveguide substrate 20 is formed is from the opening 11H formed in the surface 11 on the connection direction side of the case 10 to the outside of the case 10. Protruded. On the other hand, in the optical connector 1 of the present embodiment, the surface on which the other end of each waveguide 21 of the waveguide substrate 20 is formed is located in the case 10. Therefore, in the present embodiment, the other ends of the plurality of waveguides 21 of the waveguide substrate 20 are disposed in the case 10 and exposed from the openings 11H formed in the surface 11 on the connection direction side of the case 10. Thus, the other end of each waveguide 21 is optically exposed from the surface 11 on the connection direction side of the case 10. Therefore, in order to couple the other ends of the plurality of waveguides 21 of the waveguide substrate 20 to the light incident / exit ends of the other connectors, the light incident / exit ends of the other connectors are connected to the inside of the case 10 from the openings 11H. And may be crimped to the other end of each of the plurality of waveguides 21. Or what is necessary is just to couple | bond the other end of each of the some waveguide 21 of the waveguide board | substrate 20, and the incident / exit end of the other optical connector located outside the case 10 via space. In this case, when light is emitted from the other end of each waveguide 21 of the waveguide substrate 20, it is preferable that the light emitted from at least one waveguide 21 is collimated. Alternatively, in this case, when light is emitted from the other end of each waveguide 21 of the waveguide substrate 20, it is preferable that the mode field diameter of the light emitted from at least one waveguide 21 is enlarged. Thus, the numerical aperture (NA) can be reduced by increasing the mode field diameter of light. Moreover, in the optical connector 1 of this embodiment, since the other ends of the plurality of waveguides 21 are disposed in the case 10, it is possible to suppress stress from the outside of the case 10 being applied to the other ends of the waveguides 21. be able to.

  FIG. 16 is a diagram illustrating an example in which the other end of the waveguide 21 of the waveguide substrate 20 has a collimating structure for collimating light emitted from the other end of the waveguide. As shown in FIG. 16, in this example, the other end of the waveguide 21 is formed in a convex lens shape. Thus, the other end is formed in a convex lens shape, so that the light emitted from the other end of the waveguide 21 can be collimated. That is, in this example, the other end of the waveguide 21 having a convex lens shape has a collimating structure that collimates light emitted from the other end of the waveguide 21. Such a convex lens shape can be formed by, for example, etching when the waveguide substrate 20 is made of silica glass, and can be formed by molding, for example, when the waveguide substrate 20 is made of resin.

  FIG. 17 is a diagram illustrating a first example in which the other end of the waveguide 21 of the waveguide substrate 20 has a mode field diameter increasing structure that increases the mode field diameter of light emitted from the other end of the waveguide. . As shown in FIG. 17, in this example, the cross-sectional area of the other end of the waveguide 21 is tapered. When this cross-sectional area is reduced to a certain area, the light confinement becomes weak, and the light spreads beyond the diameter of the waveguide 21 and propagates through the waveguide substrate 20 as indicated by the dotted line. The light having an expanded diameter propagates through the waveguide substrate 20 while the mode field diameter is increased, and is emitted from the waveguide substrate 20. The emitted light is light having a small numerical aperture. That is, in this example, a mode in which the diameter of the cross section of the waveguide 21 is tapered to make it smaller than the mode field diameter of the light increases the mode field diameter of the light emitted from the other end of the waveguide 21. The field diameter is enlarged.

  FIG. 18 is a diagram illustrating a second example in which the other end of the waveguide 21 of the waveguide substrate 20 has a mode field diameter increasing structure that increases the mode field diameter of light emitted from the other end of the waveguide. . As shown in FIG. 18, in this example, the other end of the waveguide 21 is formed in a step-like manner along the longitudinal direction. Furthermore, in this example, the cross-sectional area of the other end of the waveguide 21 is tapered. As described above, the other end of the waveguide 21 is formed in a stepped shape in a stepped manner along the longitudinal direction, so that the average refractive index difference with respect to the cladding 22 of the waveguide 21 is apparently reduced. In this way, the other end of the waveguide 21 is formed in a step-like shape along the longitudinal direction, and the cross-sectional area of the other end of the waveguide 21 is tapered to reduce the confinement of light. When the decrease is reduced to a certain area, the mode field diameter of the light is expanded, and the light spreads beyond the diameter of the waveguide 21 and propagates through the waveguide substrate 20 as indicated by a dotted line. The light having an expanded diameter propagates through the waveguide substrate 20 while being expanded in the mode field diameter as in the example of FIG. The emitted light is light having a small numerical aperture. In other words, in the present example, the other end that is formed in a stepped stone shape along the longitudinal direction of the waveguide 21 and whose cross-sectional diameter is smaller than the mode field diameter of the light is emitted from the other end of the waveguide 21. The mode field diameter is enlarged to increase the mode field diameter of light. By adopting such a structure, the mode field diameter of the light that is emitted from the waveguide 21 as described above is enlarged without reducing the cross-sectional area of the other end of the waveguide 21 as much as the example of FIG. In addition, the numerical aperture can be reduced.

  In the example of FIG. 16, the mode field diameter of light emitted from the other end of the waveguide 21 may be increased by adjusting the shape of the curved surface of the convex lens. If the mode field diameter is increased, the structure is slightly deviated from the collimated light, but the connection loss can be reduced in the range where the divergence angle is small. In this case, the other end of the waveguide 21 can be understood as a mode field diameter expanding structure.

  According to the optical connector 1 of the present embodiment, in the case 10, in addition to a joint portion between one end of each waveguide 21 of the waveguide substrate 20 and one end of each core 31 of the multicore fiber 30 that is an optical fiber member. Therefore, it is possible to suppress an increase in the number of light coupling points and to suppress an increase in light loss.

  Moreover, in the optical connector 1 of this embodiment, since the end of the some waveguide 21 is arrange | positioned in the case 10, it can suppress that the stress from the outside of the case 10 is applied to the end of the waveguide 21. FIG. it can.

  In the optical connector 1 of the present embodiment, at least one of the cores 31 is led out from the through hole 12H formed in the surface 12 other than the connection direction side of the case 10. Accordingly, since the through hole 12H plays a role of guiding the core 31 with respect to the waveguide 21 of the waveguide substrate 20, the multi-core fiber 30 is compared with the case where the core 31 is led out from other than the through hole 12H of the case 10. Alignment between the core 31 and the waveguide 21 of the waveguide substrate 20 can be facilitated. Further, the outer diameter of the through hole 12H is preferably set to the same size as the outer diameter of the clad 32, the protective layer 33 or the boot 39. In this case, the through hole 12H having the same size as the outer diameter of the clad 32, the protective layer 33 or the boot 39 can easily guide the clad 32, the protective layer 33 or the boot 39, so that the core 31 is further guided. It becomes easy. For this reason, alignment of the core 31 of the multi-core fiber 30 and the waveguide 21 of the waveguide substrate 20 can be further facilitated.

  When the other end of at least one waveguide 21 of the waveguide substrate 20 has a collimating structure that collimates light emitted from the other end of the waveguide 21, the other end of the waveguide 21 of the waveguide substrate 20 is used. It is suitable for the case where light is emitted from the light into the space and light is incident from the light incident end of another optical connector.

(Sixth embodiment)
Next, a sixth embodiment of the present invention will be described. In addition, about the component same or equivalent to 2nd Embodiment, the overlapping description is abbreviate | omitted except the case where it attaches | subjects the same referential mark and demonstrates in particular.

  19 is an exploded perspective view showing the optical connector in the present embodiment in the same manner as in FIG. 6, and FIG. 20 is a cross-sectional view of the optical connector of FIG. 19 along the extending direction of the multicore fiber. However, in order to avoid complication of the figure, hatching is omitted in FIG. As shown in FIGS. 19 and 20, the optical connector 1 of the present embodiment does not include the lid body 10 </ b> L, and the concave portion 10 </ b> D of the case 10 opens at the surface 13, and is guided from the opening 13 </ b> H formed on the surface 13. The waveguide substrate 20 is exposed.

  FIG. 21 is a diagram showing the waveguide substrate of FIG. As shown in FIGS. 19 to 21, in the optical connector 1 of this embodiment, one end and the other end of each waveguide 21 of the waveguide substrate 20 are formed on non-parallel surfaces. For this reason, one end and the other end of each waveguide 21 face in a non-parallel direction. Specifically, one end and the other end of each waveguide 21 of the waveguide substrate 20 are formed on surfaces perpendicular to each other. One end and the other end of each waveguide 21 may be perpendicular to each other (90 degrees), but one end and the other end of the waveguide 21 may be slightly shifted from each other. For example, when a plurality of grating couplers are connected to the optical connector 1 and light is input / output, the angle is preferably from 75 degrees to 88 degrees. In this case, the other end of the waveguide 21 forms 75 to 88 degrees with respect to the surface on which the other end of the waveguide substrate 20 is formed. Thus, one end and the other end of each waveguide 21 are formed in directions that are not parallel to each other. Therefore, in this embodiment, the surface 13 is a surface on the connection direction side of the optical connector 1. Thus, the other end of each waveguide 21 is optically exposed from the surface 13 on the connection direction side of the case 10. Therefore, in this embodiment, the surface 13 on the connection direction side of the case 10 and the surface 12 from which the multi-core fiber 30 as the optical fiber member of the case 10 is led out are nonparallel.

  In the optical connector 1 of this embodiment, one end and the other end of each waveguide 21 of the waveguide substrate 20 face in a non-parallel direction, the surface 13 on the connection direction side of the case 10, and the optical fiber of the case 10. The surface 12 from which the multi-core fiber 30 as a member is derived is non-parallel. Therefore, the propagation direction of the light incident on the optical connector 1 is changed in each waveguide 21 of the waveguide substrate 20. With this configuration, the direction of light emitted from the optical connector 1 or light incident on the optical connector can be changed with respect to the extending direction of the plurality of cores 31 of the multicore fiber 30. In the present embodiment, the extending direction of the multi-core fiber 30 is set to a direction perpendicular to the light incident on the optical connector 1 and the light emitted from the optical connector 1, or from 75 degrees to 88 degrees as described above. it can.

  Moreover, in the optical connector 1 of this embodiment, since the end of the some waveguide 21 is arrange | positioned in the case 10, it can suppress that the stress from the outside of the case 10 is applied to the end of the waveguide 21. FIG. it can.

  In the optical connector 1 of the present embodiment, at least one of the cores 31 is led out from the through hole 12H formed in the surface 12 other than the connection direction side of the case 10. Accordingly, since the through hole 12H plays a role of guiding the core 31 with respect to the waveguide 21 of the waveguide substrate 20, the multi-core fiber 30 is compared with the case where the core 31 is led out from other than the through hole 12H of the case 10. Alignment between the core 31 and the waveguide 21 of the waveguide substrate 20 can be facilitated. Further, the outer diameter of the through hole 12H is preferably set to the same size as the outer diameter of the clad 32, the protective layer 33 or the boot 39. In this case, the through hole 12H having the same size as the outer diameter of the clad 32, the protective layer 33 or the boot 39 can easily guide the clad 32, the protective layer 33 or the boot 39, so that the core 31 is further guided. It becomes easy. For this reason, alignment of the core 31 of the multi-core fiber 30 and the waveguide 21 of the waveguide substrate 20 can be further facilitated.

  As mentioned above, although the said embodiment was demonstrated to the example about this invention, this invention is not limited to these.

  For example, the number of waveguides 21 of the waveguide substrate 20 may be different from that in the above embodiment. Further, the number of optical fibers 60 and the number of multi-core fibers 30 used in the optical fiber member may be different from those in the above embodiment.

  In the examples of FIGS. 17 and 18, the cross-sectional area of the waveguide 21 of the waveguide substrate 20 is reduced to such an extent that light is confined in the waveguide 21. However, as shown in FIG. The cross-sectional area of 21 may be different between one end and the other end within the range of confining light. As described above, since the cross-sectional areas of the waveguides 21 are different, the mode field diameter of the light propagating through the waveguide 21 can be made different between the one end and the other end.

  In the above embodiment, the distance between the waveguides 21 of the waveguide substrate 20 is different between the one end and the other end. However, the distance between the waveguides 21 may be the same at one end and the other end.

  In the third embodiment, the fourth embodiment, and the sixth embodiment, the waveguide 21 of the waveguide substrate 20 may be disposed in the case 10. In this case, the other end of the waveguide 21 may have a collimating structure for collimating light emitted from the other end of the waveguide 21 as shown in FIGS. 16 to 18, or a mode field for expanding the mode field diameter. The numerical aperture of the emitted light may be reduced by using a diameter expansion structure. Alternatively, as in the first embodiment, one end of an optical fiber core whose other end protrudes from the case 10 may be coupled to the other end of the waveguide 21. For example, in the third embodiment, the case 10 One end of the core of the multi-core fiber protruding from the other end may be coupled to the other end of the waveguide 21.

  In the above embodiment, the multicore fiber 30 is inserted into the through hole of the boot 39 and the multicore fiber 30 is inserted into the through hole 12H together with the boot 39, or each optical fiber 60 is inserted into the boot 69. The example in which the optical fiber 60 is inserted through the through hole 12H together with the boot 69 is shown. However, the boots 39 and 69 are not essential. For example, the diameter of the through-hole 12H is set to be approximately equal to the outer diameter of the clad 32 of the multicore fiber 30 or the outer diameter of the clad 62 of the optical fiber 60, and the multicore fiber 30 or the optical fiber 60 from which the protective layer 33 or the protective layer 63 is peeled off. May be inserted directly into the through hole 12H and fixed. Alternatively, the diameter of the through hole 12H is set to be approximately equal to the outer diameter of the protective layer 33 of the multi-core fiber 30 and the outer diameter of the protective layer 63 of the optical fiber 60, and the multi-core fiber 30 and the optical fiber 60 having the protective layer 33 and the protective layer 63 May be inserted directly into the through hole 12H and fixed.

  ADVANTAGE OF THE INVENTION According to this invention, the optical connector which can propagate each light which propagates a several core appropriately to another several core is provided, and can be utilized in industries, such as optical communication.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Optical connector 6 ... Optical fiber tape (optical fiber member)
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 ... Case 10D ... Recess 20 ... Waveguide substrate 21 ... Waveguide 30 ... Multi-core fiber (optical fiber member)
31 ... Core 40 ... Optical fiber 50 ... Resin 60 ... Optical fiber

Claims (19)

An optical connector connected in a predetermined connection direction,
Case and
A plurality of waveguides are formed in a light-transmitting substrate, at least one end of each of the plurality of waveguides is disposed in the case, and the other end of the plurality of waveguides is from a surface of the case on the connection direction side. An optically exposed waveguide substrate;
One end has a plurality of cores arranged in the case, and the core is derived from a surface other than the connection direction side of the case, and an optical fiber member,
With
An optical connector, wherein one end of each of the waveguides of the waveguide substrate is optically coupled to each of the cores of the optical fiber member. The optical connector according to claim 1, wherein at least one of the cores is led out from a through hole formed in a surface other than the connection direction side of the case. The optical connector according to claim 1, wherein a distance between the waveguides adjacent to each other in the waveguide substrate is different between one end side and the other end side of the waveguide. 4. The optical connector according to claim 1, wherein an arrangement of the plurality of waveguides of the waveguide substrate is different between one end side and the other end side of the waveguide. 5. 5. The optical connector according to claim 1, wherein a cross-sectional area of at least one of the waveguides of the waveguide substrate is different between one end side and the other end side of the waveguide. . 6. A light transmissive resin is filled between one end of the plurality of waveguides of the waveguide substrate and one end of the plurality of cores of the optical fiber member. The optical connector according to claim 1. The one end and the other end of each of the waveguides of the waveguide substrate are oriented in a non-parallel direction,
The optical connector according to claim 1, wherein a surface of the case on the connection direction side and a surface of the case from which the optical fiber member is led out are nonparallel. The optical connector according to claim 1, wherein the optical fiber member includes a plurality of optical fibers. The optical connector according to claim 8, wherein the plurality of optical fibers are bundled together in at least a part in a longitudinal direction. 10. The light according to claim 8, wherein the distance between the waveguides adjacent to each other on the waveguide substrate is narrower on the other end side than on one end side of the waveguide on the waveguide substrate. connector. The optical connector according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the optical fiber member includes at least one multi-core fiber. The optical connector according to claim 11, wherein the distance between the waveguides adjacent to each other on the waveguide substrate is larger on the other end side than on one end side of the waveguide of the waveguide substrate. A plurality of optical fibers each having one end disposed in the case and the other end protruding from the surface of the case on the connection direction side to the outside of the case;
The other end of each of the waveguides of the waveguide substrate is optically coupled to one end of the core of the optical fiber, and from the surface of the case on the connection direction side through the core of the optical fiber. The optical connector according to claim 12, wherein the optical connector is optically exposed. 14. The light according to claim 13, wherein a light-transmitting resin is filled between the other end of each of the waveguides of the waveguide substrate and one end of the core of each of the optical fibers. connector. The optical connector according to claim 1, wherein the other ends of the plurality of waveguides of the waveguide substrate are disposed in the case. The optical connector according to claim 15, wherein the other end of the plurality of waveguides of the waveguide substrate is exposed from an opening formed in a surface of the case on the connection direction side. The other end of the plurality of waveguides of the waveguide substrate protrudes from the surface on the connection direction side of the case to the outside of the case. Optical connector. 18. The optical connector according to claim 16, wherein the other end of at least one waveguide of the waveguide substrate has a collimating structure for collimating light emitted from the other end of the waveguide. The other end of the at least one waveguide of the waveguide substrate has a mode field diameter expanding structure that expands a mode field diameter of light emitted from the other end of the waveguide. 17. The optical connector according to 17.

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