TW201719211A - Packaging body of optical waveguide having more-than-one core patterns and a cladding layer for embedding the core pattern - Google Patents

Abstract

This invention provides a packaging body of an optical waveguide, which is formed by packaging the optical waveguide 20 by utilizing a packaging member 40. The optical waveguide 20 has more-than-one core patterns 21 and a cladding layer 22 to embedded in the core pattern 21; moreover, the optical waveguide 20 is of a substantially columnar shape having a first main surface 35 and a second main surface 36 which are substantially opposite with each other in a Z direction as well as a side surface connecting the first main surface 35 and the second main surface 36 in a substantially vertical direction; the optical waveguide 20 has a side light output-input portion 23 at least a part of the side surface, and the side light output-input portion 23 causes light to be incident on the core pattern 21 or causes light after being transmitted through the core pattern 20 to emit; the optical waveguide 20 is packaged in the packaging member 40 in a manner that the side light output-input portion 23 is not in contact with the packaging member 40, and the packaging member 40 is used for packaging the optical waveguide 20.

Description

Optical waveguide package

The present invention relates to a package for an optical waveguide.

With the increase of information capacity, the development of optical connection technology has continued to progress. This optical connection technology is not only in the communication field such as trunk lines and access systems, but also in the information processing of routers and servers, and personal computers in the livelihood machines. Optical signals are also used on mobile phones. Compared with an optical fiber, an optical waveguide having a high degree of freedom in wiring and a high density can be used as an optical transmission path, and an optical waveguide made of a polymer material is excellent in processability and economy.

As an optical waveguide, first, an optical waveguide is proposed which, after hardening a substrate to form a lower cladding layer, forms a core pattern on the lower cladding layer, and then builds an upper cladding layer on the lower cladding layer and the core pattern (for example, Refer to Patent Document 1).

When such an optical waveguide is arranged in plural to form a sheet shape, after the optical waveguide is formed, it is necessary to perform laser processing, a dicing saw, and a router to perform cutting, or use a die. And a metal mold for cutting, by which the substrate and the optical waveguide are cut Uniform. The singulated optical waveguide is packaged in a packaging member and transported to a position where it is needed.

[Previous Technical Literature] (Patent Literature)

Patent Document 1: Japanese Laid-Open Patent Publication No. 2006-011210

However, when the optical waveguide is transported, the package member for packaging the optical waveguide may come into contact with the optical waveguide, and when it comes into contact, there is a fear that damage occurs in the optical waveguide. When the breakage is provided in the light output input portion of the optical waveguide, there is a problem that the light guide property or the like is lowered, and the performance such as the accuracy of the acceptance test after the opening is lowered.

Accordingly, an object of the present invention is to provide a package for an optical waveguide which can suppress breakage of an optical waveguide and carry out conveyance while maintaining the performance of the optical waveguide.

As a result of intensive studies, the inventors have found that the above problems can be solved by the configuration shown below, and the present invention has been completed. That is, the present invention is as follows.

[1] A package of an optical waveguide, which is obtained by packaging an optical waveguide by a packaging member having one or more core patterns and a cladding layer embedding the core pattern; and the optical waveguide is an approximately column a first main surface and a second main surface which are approximately opposite in the Z direction, and a side surface connecting the first main surface and the second main surface in an approximately vertical direction; the light The waveguide has at least a part of the side surface having a side light output input portion for causing light to enter the core pattern or for emitting light transmitted through the core pattern; the optical waveguide is outputted by the side light output The portion is packaged in a packaging member that is not in contact with the packaging member for packaging the aforementioned optical waveguide.

[2] A package of an optical waveguide, which is obtained by packaging an optical waveguide using a packaging member having one or more core patterns and a cladding layer embedding the core pattern; and the optical waveguide is an approximately column a first main surface and a second main surface that are approximately opposite in the Z direction, and a side surface that connects the first main surface and the second main surface in a substantially vertical direction; at least a part of the side surface can be used as The positioning guide plane for positioning is used with an outer frame; the optical waveguide is packaged in the packaging member such that the positioning reference surface is not in contact with the packaging member, and the packaging member is used to package the optical waveguide.

[3] A package of an optical waveguide, which is obtained by packaging an optical waveguide using a packaging member having one or more core patterns and a cladding layer embedding the core pattern; and the optical waveguide is an approximately column a first main surface and a second main surface which are approximately opposite in the Z direction, and a side surface connecting the first main surface and the second main surface in a substantially vertical direction; at least a side surface of the optical waveguide a part of the side light output input unit that causes light to enter the core pattern or emit light that has passed through the core pattern; and the optical waveguide is detachably covered by the side light output input unit The agent is sealed in a package member for packaging the aforementioned optical waveguide.

[4] A package of an optical waveguide, which is obtained by packaging an optical waveguide using a packaging member having one or more core patterns and a cladding layer embedding the core pattern; and the optical waveguide is an approximately column a first main surface and a second main surface that are approximately opposite in the Z direction, and a side surface that connects the first main surface and the second main surface in a substantially vertical direction; at least a part of the side surface can be used as The positioning frame is used for positioning with an outer frame; the optical waveguide is packaged in a packaging member such that the positioning reference surface is sealed by a peelable coating agent for packaging the optical waveguide.

[5] The optical waveguide package according to any one of [1], wherein the optical waveguide is enclosed in a space surrounded by the packaging member to prevent foreign matter from the outside. Intrusion.

[6] The optical waveguide package according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the optical waveguide uses the first main surface and/or the second main surface, and/or The side surface other than the side surface of the side light output input portion is fixed and packaged in the aforementioned packaging member.

[7] The optical waveguide package according to [4], wherein the optical waveguide is fixed and packaged in the packaging member by a side surface other than the positioning reference surface.

[8] The optical waveguide package according to any one of [1], wherein the optical waveguide is a polymer optical waveguide, and the optical waveguide is the side light output input portion by physical An optical waveguide formed by cutting the process.

[9] The optical waveguide package according to [4], wherein the optical waveguide is a polymer optical waveguide, and the optical waveguide is formed by physical cutting processing of the positioning reference surface. Optical waveguide.

[10] The optical waveguide package according to any one of [1], wherein the optical waveguide includes a main surface light output input unit on the first main surface or the second main surface, The main surface light output input unit emits light or emits light that has passed through the core pattern.

[11] The optical waveguide package according to any one of [1] to [10] wherein a plurality of the optical waveguides are packaged.

[12] The package of an optical waveguide according to [11], wherein the plurality of optical waveguides are arranged side by side at an arbitrary pitch on an approximate straight line in the X direction or the Y direction.

According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a package for an optical waveguide which can suppress breakage of an optical waveguide and carry out conveyance while maintaining the performance of the optical waveguide.

20‧‧‧ Optical Waveguide

20A‧‧‧ optical waveguide

20B‧‧‧ optical waveguide

20C‧‧‧ optical waveguide

21‧‧‧ core pattern

22‧‧‧Cladding

23‧‧‧Side light output input

24‧‧‧Mirror

25‧‧‧Main surface light output input section

31‧‧‧ side

32‧‧‧ side

33‧‧‧ side

34‧‧‧ side

35‧‧‧ first main face

36‧‧‧Second main face

37‧‧‧ recess

40‧‧‧Packaging components

41‧‧‧Loading Department

42‧‧‧ Non-contact department

43‧‧‧Packing cover

44‧‧‧ Pressing department

45‧‧‧Packing cover

46‧‧‧ convex (non-contact maintenance department)

50‧‧‧ adhesive layer

60‧‧‧Cladding agent

A-A‧‧‧ hatching

Fig. 1 is a view for explaining a package of an optical waveguide according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 2 is a view for explaining an optical waveguide in an embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 3 is a view for explaining a package of an optical waveguide in the first embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 4 is a view for explaining a package of an optical waveguide in a second other embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 5 is a view for explaining a package of an optical waveguide in a third other embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 6 is a view for explaining a package of an optical waveguide in a fourth other embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 7 is a view for explaining a package of an optical waveguide in a fifth other embodiment of the present invention.

[Package of optical waveguide]

The package of the optical waveguide according to the embodiment of the present invention is a package of the optical waveguide 20, as shown in Figs. 1(a) and 1(b), and the optical waveguide 20 is embedded in the cladding. There are one or more core patterns 21. When the optical waveguide 20 is packaged by the packaging member 40, the side light output input portion 23 of the optical waveguide 20 and/or the positioning reference surface for positioning with the outer frame of the optical waveguide are not in contact with the packaging member 40. The way to wrap.

The term "not in contact with" in the present embodiment means a side surface on which the side light output input portion 23 is formed, and/or a positioning reference surface formed on the side surface, and does not contact all the members that are transported together with the optical waveguide. (packaging member). The optical waveguide is formed with a surface (side surface or main surface) other than the side surface of the side light output input portion, and may be in contact with the packaging member 40. Further, the optical waveguide may have a surface (side surface or main surface) other than the positioning reference surface, and may be in contact with the packaging member 40 for positioning with the outer frame of the optical waveguide.

This embodiment has an effect particularly in the case where the side surface light output input portion is provided on the side surface and/or the positioning reference surface is provided on the side surface, and the side surface is the outer peripheral side surface of the optical waveguide.

Hereinafter, an optical waveguide packaged in a package of an optical waveguide according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to Fig. 2 . Fig. 2 is a perspective view of an optical waveguide in an embodiment of the present invention.

As shown in FIG. 2, the optical waveguide 20 has a side surface 31, and a part of the side surface 31 has a side light output input portion 23 at one end portion in the X direction. In the case of the optical waveguide 20 of Fig. 2, in addition to the side surface 31 of the side light output input portion 23, three side surfaces 32, 33, and 34 are provided. Further, the optical waveguide 20 has a first main surface 35 on one side in the Z direction which is approximately perpendicular to the X direction and the Y direction, and a second main surface 36 on the other side.

Preferably, the optical waveguide 20 is provided with a light output input portion at a plurality of selected from the first main surface 35 and the second main surface 36, and the side surfaces 31, 32, 33, 34 which are substantially perpendicular to the main surfaces; The light output input unit causes light to enter or emit light that has passed through the core pattern 21. In addition, when the first main surface 35, the second main surface 36, and the side surfaces 31, 32, 33, and 34 which are substantially perpendicular to the main surfaces have the light output input portion, the output is not required for the output of the light. A flat surface (or curved surface) in a range that has an adverse effect can be used. When the first main surface 35, the second main surface 36, and the side surfaces 31, 32, 33, and 34 have portions that are fitted to the outer frame such as the connector, there is no problem in the fitting. A flat surface (or curved surface) in the range of influence can be used. Further, the first main surface 35, the second main surface 36, and the side surface 31, 32, 33, and 34, as long as they are tilted or bent within the range that can be measured during inspection.

The optical waveguide 20 shown in Fig. 2 has a straight cubic shape, and the opposite side faces of the optical waveguide are formed in parallel, but may be formed into an appropriate curved or slit shape.

The optical waveguide 20 has one or more core patterns 21 and a cladding layer 22 in which the core patterns 21 are buried.

The core pattern 21 is made of a transparent resin having a higher refractive index than the cladding layer 22, and the optical signal is carried in the core pattern 21. The thickness of the core pattern 21 in the Z direction is not particularly limited, but is usually 10 μm or more and 100 μm or less.

The cladding layer 22 is composed of a resin having a lower refractive index than the core pattern 21. Thereby, it is possible to suppress the leakage of the optical signal from the core pattern 21 so that the light incident on the interface between the core pattern 21 and the cladding layer 22 is reflected.

A first side light output input portion is formed on the first side surface (side surface 31) of the optical waveguide 20. The end surface of the core pattern 21 is exposed on the side surface 31, and the exposed portion of the core pattern 21 serves as a side light output input portion of the optical waveguide 20. twenty three. Further, a mirror 24 is provided on the core pattern 21 in the vicinity of the side surface 32 of the optical waveguide 20 facing the first side surface (side surface 31). Further, a light output input portion is provided on the first main surface 35 of the optical waveguide 20, and the light output input portion causes light to be incident on the mirror 24 or emits light reflected by the mirror 24 to serve as a main body of the optical waveguide 20. The surface light is input to the input unit 25.

In addition, the optical waveguide 20 may be an optical waveguide of an additional mirror having mirrors 24 at two places on the optical axis of the core pattern 21 to allow light to enter the first main surface 35 and to pass light from the first main surface 35. Shoot out. Further, the optical waveguide 20 may have a second side light output input portion on a side surface other than the first side surface (side surface 31). In other words, the optical waveguide 20 may have one or more side light output input portions and/or a positioning reference surface on the side surface.

In the side light output input portion of the optical waveguide 20 and the positioning reference surface on the side surface, if the packaging member or the like is brought into contact during transportation, breakage, foreign matter adhesion, and the like are likely to occur. Furthermore, the side surface has a smaller area with respect to the main surface, and it is difficult to perform inspection in the normal direction of the autonomous surface. Therefore, the main point is that the optical waveguide is packaged in the packaging member such that the side light output input portion and the positioning reference surface on the side surface are not in contact with the packaging member, and the possibility of breakage and foreign matter adhesion can be reduced.

The optical waveguide 20 packaged by the package of the optical waveguide according to the embodiment of the present invention is preferably a polymer optical waveguide formed of a polymer material, and the optical waveguide is processed by physical cutting. The optical waveguide having the side surface 31 and/or the side surface 33 and/or the side surface 34 is formed, and the side surface 31 has a side light output input portion 23, and the side surface 33 and/or the side surface 34 are positioned as an outer frame. Position the datum plane. Here, the physical cutting processing refers to a cutting process using a laser processing, a cutter, and a router, and a cutting process using a die and a metal mold.

Conventionally, when a low-waist and easily charged optical waveguide of a polymer optical waveguide is packaged, there is a problem that inconvenience due to static electricity is likely to occur. However, the light of one embodiment of the present invention The package of the waveguide is less susceptible to static electricity, and has good operability when packaging the polymer optical waveguide, and becomes a package capable of efficiently packaging the polymer optical waveguide.

When the polymer optical waveguide is formed by physical cutting processing, the interface between the cladding layer and the core pattern and the interface between the cladding layers are exposed on the side surface of the optical waveguide, and the side surface has more than the main surface. The tendency to break easily. Therefore, in the characteristics of the optical waveguide in the present embodiment, it is important that the important side surface (side light output input portion and/or positioning reference surface on the side surface) is not in contact with the packaging member.

Further, when the polymer optical waveguide is formed by physical cutting processing, when the cut surface is the side surface, the cut surface is generally rougher than when the cut surface is the main surface. As described above, since the polymer optical waveguide is likely to generate static electricity, foreign matter tends to adhere to the cut surface or the like, and further, it is difficult to remove foreign matter. Therefore, in the characteristics of the present embodiment, it is important that the important side surface (side light output input portion and positioning reference surface on the side surface) is not in contact with the packaging member.

In the case where the optical waveguide and the member added to the optical waveguide (for example, a substrate as a base for forming an optical waveguide) are all made of a polymer resin, the characteristics of the optical waveguide are important to focus on The sides are not packaged in contact with the packaging member.

Hereinafter, a packaging member used in a package of an optical waveguide according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 and 3.

a packaging member 40 having: a mounting portion 41 for mounting the optical waveguide 20; and a non-contact portion 42 configured to make the optical waveguide The side light output input portion 23 of the 20 is not in contact with the packaging member 40. The non-contact portion 42 is a portion of the side light output input portion 23 provided on the optical waveguide 20 and/or the positioning reference surfaces 33, 34 on the side surfaces are not in contact with the package member 40.

As described in the first embodiment, the first main surface 35 and the second main surface 36 are preferably such that the side light output input unit 23 and/or the side positioning reference surfaces 33 and 34 are not in contact with the packaging member 40. Configured in the packaging component. Further, as described in the second embodiment, it is preferable to provide a space in the packaging member, and to arrange the side light output input portion 23 and/or the positioning reference surfaces 33 and 34 on the side surface in the space. When the package is packaged as described in the first embodiment, the optical waveguide 20 can be reduced in transport by adhering or holding the first main surface 35 and/or the second main surface 36 of the optical waveguide 20 to the packaging member 40. Warping in the middle. In the case of packaging as described in the second embodiment, for example, when the first main surface 35 or the second main surface 36 is used as the positioning reference surface, the first main surface 35 or the first main surface 35 may be used. The two main faces 36 are disposed in the space.

Further, when the main surface light output input portion is provided on the first main surface 35 and/or the second main surface 36 as shown in the second embodiment, the main surface light output input portion 25 is preferably not in contact with the packaging member.

As a material of the packaging member 40, for example, polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA), polyolefin (PO), polycarbonate (PC), polyimine, acrylic acid Ester, polyurethane acryl, oligoester acryl, epoxy acryl, oxime acryl, acrylate acrylate, polyester acryl, etc.

The placing portion 41 is provided to be adjacent to the first main surface 35 or the second main surface 36 to mount the optical waveguide 20.

As a method of placing the optical waveguide 20 on the mounting portion 41, a pressing method of pressing the optical waveguide 20 against the mounting portion 41 is exemplified. Further, as another method of placing the optical waveguide 20 on the placing portion 41, a bonding method in which the optical waveguide 20 is adhered to the placing portion 41 is exemplified. The method of placing the optical waveguide 20 on the mounting portion 41 is not limited to these methods, and other methods may be employed as long as the optical waveguide 20 can be fixed to the mounting portion 41.

As a method of placing the optical waveguide 20 on the mounting portion 41, when the optical waveguide 20 is pressed against the mounting portion 41, as shown in FIG. 3(a), it is preferable to use a pressing portion. The package lid portion 43 of 44. As shown in FIG. 3(b), the package lid portion 43 is disposed such that the optical waveguide 20 is pressed against the placing portion 41 by the pressing portion 44. At this time, the package lid portion 43 is disposed such that the introduction portion of the optical waveguide 20 of the package member 40 is the opening portion. The packaging member 40 includes a package lid portion 43, and the package lid portion 43 preferably has a shape that can seal the opening portion of the packaging member 40, so that the optical waveguide 20 can be enclosed in a space surrounded by the packaging member 40 for Prevent intrusion of foreign matter from the outside.

The pressing portion 44 preferably has elasticity from the viewpoint of preventing damage of the optical waveguide 20. From the above viewpoints, the elastic modulus of the pressing portion 44 is preferably in the range of 500 MPa or more and 20 MPa or less, more preferably 1 GPa or more and 15 GPa or less, and further preferably 1 GPa or more and 10 GPa or less.

Further, in the optical waveguide structure and/or the package member structure as shown in Fig. 5, the side light output input portion and the positioning reference surface on the side surface can be made unnecessary by the pressure applied by the pressing portion 44. When the physical contact is not made with the packaging member, it is not necessary to apply the pressure, and the optical waveguide may be held in the storage space. However, in particular, when it is held by only the first main surface and the second main surface, it is possible to suppress the movement of the optical waveguide during transport and to suppress the deformation of the optical waveguide caused by the pressure. The optical waveguide is preferably held at a pressure of 0.1 N or more and 5 N or less, more preferably 0.5 N or more and 5 N or less, and most preferably 0.5 N or more and 2 N or less.

As a method of attaching the optical waveguide 20 to the mounting portion 41, when the optical waveguide 20 is adhered to the mounting portion 41, as shown in Fig. 4(a), it is preferably placed. A peelable adhesive layer 50 is used between the portion 41 and the optical waveguide 20. The adhesive layer 50 may be disposed on either of the optical waveguide 20 and the mounting portion 41, and may be applied separately when it is not disposed on either of the optical waveguide 20 and the mounting portion 41.

The adhesive strength of the adhesive layer 50 is preferably in a range of 0.01 N/cm or more and 10 N/cm or less from the viewpoint of not peeling off during conveyance after packaging and peeling off at the time of opening. More preferably, it is a range of 0.01 N/cm or more and 5 N/cm or less, More preferably, it is a range of 0.01 N/cm or more and 1 N/cm or less.

As shown in Fig. 4(b), it is preferable that the opening of the package member 40 is covered by the package lid portion 45 such as a sealable film body to wrap the optical waveguide 20 in the package member 40. The packaging member 40 includes a package cover 45, and covering the opening portion of the packaging member 40 by the packaging cover portion 45, the optical waveguide 20 can be enclosed in a space surrounded by the packaging member 40, for preventing invasion of foreign matter from the outside, and capable of The occurrence of foreign matter adhesion and breakage on the optical waveguide 20 is reduced.

As a material of the package lid portion 45, for example, polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA), polyolefin (PO), polycarbonate (PC), polyimine, Acrylate, urethane acryl, oligoester acryl, epoxy acryl, oxime acryl, acrylate acrylate, polyester acryl, etc.

For example, as shown in FIGS. 1 , 3 , and 4 , the non-contact portion 42 is a space such as a groove provided in the package member 40 . The non-contact portion 42 can have various shapes as long as the side light output input portion 23 of the optical waveguide 20 is not in contact with the packaging member 40. Further, for example, in the packaging member 40 shown in Figs. 1, 3, and 4, it is more preferable that the side faces 32, 33, and 34 which are the positioning reference faces are not in contact with the packaging member 40. The depth of this space is preferably in consideration of warpage of the optical waveguide 20. When the first main surface 35 and/or the second main surface 36 of the optical waveguide 20 have a light output input portion and a part of the positioning reference surface, it is preferable that the light output input portion and the positioning reference surface are not associated with the packaging member 40. contact.

In the package of the optical waveguide according to the embodiment of the present invention, at least a part of the side faces 33, 34, and 35 can be used as a positioning reference surface for positioning with an external frame; and the positioning reference of the side faces 33, 34, and 35 can be used. The face is preferably packaged in the package member 40 in a manner that is not in contact with the package member 40. Positioning the reference surface so as not to be in contact with the packaging member 40 The package is packaged in the package member 40, whereby damage due to the contact of the positioning reference surface to the package member 40 can be prevented at the time of conveyance, and the positioning accuracy can be maintained. The optical waveguide in this case includes an optical waveguide having a main surface light output input portion only on the main surface, in addition to the optical waveguide having the side light output input portion.

As shown in Fig. 5, in the package of the optical waveguide according to the embodiment of the present invention, the concave portion 37 is provided in a part of the side surfaces 33 and 34, and the packaging member 40 is provided with a convex portion that can be fitted into the concave portion 37 ( Non-contact maintaining unit) 46. At the time of packaging, by fitting the above-described concave portion 37 and the convex portion 46, the movement of the optical waveguide 20 in the X direction and the Y direction can be restricted. Therefore, it is possible to suppress the side surface light output input portion 23 of the optical waveguide 20 on the right side in FIG. 5 and the side surfaces 32, 33, 34 that function as the positioning reference surface to contact the packaging member 40. The convex portion (non-contact maintaining portion) 46 can prevent the side light output input portion 23 and the positioning reference from being blocked by the side surface light output input portion 23 and the side surfaces 32, 33, 34 serving as the positioning reference surface contacting the packaging member 40. The sides 32, 33, and 34 of the face are damaged.

The convex portion (non-contact maintaining portion) 46 may have a shape that can restrict the movement of the optical waveguide 20 in the X direction and the Y direction, and may be any other than the side light output input portion and/or the side positioning reference surface. It can be used on the side. As shown in Fig. 5, it is preferable that the convex portion (non-contact maintaining portion) 46 is restrained on the side surfaces of two or more places, and it is more preferable to restrain the side surfaces of three or more places.

As shown in Fig. 6, the optical waveguide 20 packaged in the package of the optical waveguide according to the embodiment of the present invention is preferably detachable. The coating agent 60 seals at least the side light output input portion 23 of the side surface 31 or the side surface 32 and/or the positioning reference surface used for positioning with the outer frame. By sealing the side light output input unit 23 by the coating agent 60, it is possible to prevent the side light output input unit 23 from coming into contact with the packaging member 40, and it is possible to prevent the side light output input unit 23 from being damaged.

The coating agent 60 is preferably a material which can be removed in a subsequent step, and more preferably a liquid coating agent 60. As the coating agent 60, for example, water, an aqueous solution, an alcohol, various other solvents, and the like of the optical waveguide 20 can be flooded. These coating agents 60 can be taken out of the optical waveguide 20 after drying after packaging. From the above point of view, the coating agent 60 must be a material which does not adversely affect the optical waveguide 20.

Further, even if only the optical waveguide 20 is floated on the coating agent 60, it is possible to prevent the optical waveguide 20 from being strongly impinged on the damage of the optical waveguide 20 caused by the packaging member, and direct adhesion of foreign matter or the like to the optical waveguide 20. Further, as described above, when the optical waveguide 20 is used in conjunction with the packaging member 40, and the packaging member 40 is used to fix the optical waveguide 20, it is preferable that the optical waveguide 20 is not in contact with the packaging member 40 and no foreign matter adheres.

As shown in Fig. 7, in the package of the optical waveguide according to the embodiment of the present invention, it is preferable to package the optical waveguides 20A to 20C in a plurality of rows in the X direction and/or the Y direction. A plurality of optical waveguides 20A to 20C may be packaged by arranging a plurality of optical waveguides 20A to 20C in parallel in each of the X direction and/or the Y direction.

A plurality of optical waveguides 20A to 20C may be arranged in the X direction and/or the Y direction, and a plurality of optical waveguides 20A to 20C may be used in advance. Arranged side by side in the X direction and/or the Y direction, the optical waveguides 20A to 20C are easily picked up after the package is unsealed.

The plurality of optical waveguides 20A to 20C may be arranged at an arbitrary pitch on an approximate straight line in the parallel direction of the first main surface and/or the second main surface. In other words, it is preferably arranged side by side at an arbitrary pitch on an approximate straight line in the X direction and/or the Y direction, and may be arranged side by side in a straight line, a checkerboard shape, a staggered shape or the like. The arbitrary pitches of the plurality of optical waveguides 20A to 20C on the approximate straight line in the X direction or the Y direction mean the distance between the centers of the adjacent optical waveguides 20A to 20C in the X direction or the Y direction. Thereby, after the inspection of one optical waveguide 20 is completed, if the aggregate of the optical waveguide is advanced by one pitch in the X direction or the Y direction, the next optical waveguide can be inspected, and the optical waveguide 20 can be efficiently implemented. Check. Further, for the same reason as described above, it is possible to sequentially pick up the optical waveguide as long as one pitch is advanced. The approximate straight line refers to a straight line arrangement in a range that does not hinder the optical waveguide and the pickup.

As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the package of the present invention is obtained by, for example, packaging the optical waveguide 20 by the packaging member 40.

The packaging member 40 preferably has a function of preventing the optical waveguide 20 from being wet. As the packaging member 40, for example, a vinyl bag, an optical waveguide package, a cardboard box, or the like is exemplified. In the packaging member 40, a dehumidifying agent and a moisturizing agent may be appropriately contained.

[variation]

The optical waveguide, the optical waveguide assembly, the package, and the optical waveguide manufacturing body according to the embodiment of the present invention described above can be changed, for example, as follows.

[Variation 1]

In the embodiment of the present invention, the number of the optical waveguides 20A to 20C is three, but it may be two or four or more. In addition, the number of the core patterns 21 included in one of the optical waveguides 20A to 20C is three, but it may be one, two, or four or more.

[Variation 2]

As shown in Fig. 4(a), as a method of placing the optical waveguide 20 on the mounting portion 41, when the peelable adhesive layer 50 is used between the mounting portion 41 and the optical waveguide 20, the adhesive layer 50 may be used. The adhesive layer 50 is provided on the entire surface of the placing portion 41. However, the adhesive layer 50 may be provided on a part of the mounting portion 41. It is preferable that the adhesive layer 50 is provided in a part of the mounting portion 41, whereby the optical waveguide 20 can be easily peeled off after the opening.

The embodiments and modifications described above are merely examples, and the present invention is not limited to the contents of the embodiments and modifications. Further, the embodiments and modifications described above can be combined with each other without departing from the scope of the invention.

[Examples]

Hereinafter, the present invention will be described in further detail by way of examples. In addition, the invention is not limited to the embodiments.

[Example 1] (Production of an assembly of optical waveguides)

A polyimine film ("UPILEX-RN" (model) manufactured by Ube Nitto Kasei Co., Ltd., having a thickness of 25 μm) was cut into a size of 100 μm × 100 μm to serve as a substrate, and a refractive index of 1.536 was formed on the substrate. And the thickness is a 15 μm lower cladding layer.

Next, a resin layer for forming a core layer (having a thickness of 45 μm) was laminated on the lower cladding layer, and then a core pattern having a width of 45 μm × a height of 45 μm × a length of 9 cm was placed at a pitch of 250 μm by exposure and development. 12 channels (one optical waveguide has a core pattern of 12 channels), the core pattern of the 12 channels is one set as one optical waveguide, and five optical waveguides are arranged at intervals of 7 mm .

Next, an upper cladding layer is formed on the side of the core pattern forming surface so as to cover the main surface and the top surface of the core pattern, thereby forming an optical waveguide sheet. The thickness of the upper cladding layer after the formation was 30 μm from the top surface of the core pattern.

Using a cutting machine ("DAC552" (model) manufactured by DISCO Co., Ltd.), from the upper cladding layer side of the obtained optical waveguide sheet, the core pattern was placed at a position 1 cm inside on both end faces of the core pattern. The optical waveguide sheets are cut in the orthogonal direction. The optical path conversion mirror having an inclined surface of 45° was formed so as to form an inclined surface of 45° at a position 1 cm inside the end surface of one of the core patterns of the optical waveguide sheet. An end surface perpendicular to the planar direction of the optical waveguide sheet was formed at a position 1 cm inside the other end. This vertical end surface is formed to have a side surface of the side light output input portion. In addition, the length of the core pattern used for light transmission was 7 cm.

Next, a PET film ("panaprotect ET-50k-B" (model) manufactured by PANAC Co., Ltd.) is attached to the substrate (second main surface) side, and the PET film has an adhesive layer for bonding to the package. Member A (holding the substrate).

Next, in the side-by-side direction of each optical waveguide (the core pattern of one optical waveguide having 12 channels), the respective optical waveguides are used as the center, and both sides of the respective optical waveguides are cut using the above-described cutting machine until the package member A is packaged from the upper portion. After the cladding layer is exposed, two side faces perpendicular to the side surface having the side light output input portion are formed, and an assembly of optical waveguides having five optical waveguides is formed. Each of the five optical waveguides has 12 channels. Core pattern. Further, the design value of the distance between the two side faces of one optical waveguide is 2.998 mm (allowable value ± 0.002 mm). Among the two side faces perpendicular to the side surface having the side light output input portion, a range of 1 cm from the side light output input portion side is used as the positioning reference surface.

(check 1)

The visual inspection of the aggregate of the obtained optical waveguides was performed using a metal microscope (magnification: 50 times). The inspection of the optical waveguide can be performed every time one pitch is advanced, and the inspection can be easily performed.

(package)

(COSMOSHINE A1517 (model) manufactured by Toyobo Co., Ltd., thickness: 16 μm) is made into a package member B (protective film) of an appropriate size, and the non-treated surface of the package member B of the appropriate size can be obtained from The assembly side of the optical waveguide covers the package member A to wrap the assembly of the optical waveguide in the package member A, the package member B, via The adhesive provided on the packaging member A is attached to the portion of the packaging member A where there is no optical waveguide. At this time, the optical waveguide is packaged by the packaging member A and the packaging member such that the positioning reference surface and the side light output input portion (the side surface having the side light output input portion) are not in contact with the packaging member A and the packaging member B. B is formed in the enclosed space.

Further, the packaging member A, the packaging member B, and the assembly of the optical waveguides enclosed in the packaging member A and the packaging member B are all loaded into the packaging member C (A4 size envelope), and the packaging member C is further The package member E (cassette) is loaded together with the package member D (buffer material) to form a package.

(transfer)

The package member E in which the optical waveguide is packaged is transported.

(check 2)

After the package of the optical waveguide is unsealed and the packaging member (protective film) B is peeled off, since all the optical waveguides are attached to the packaging member A, the determination of the surface and the back surface of the optical waveguide can be easily performed. As in the above, when the visual inspection of the optical waveguide is performed, the inspection of the optical waveguide can be performed every time the pitch is advanced, and the inspection can be easily performed. No foreign matter adhered or damaged on the positioning reference surface on the side.

(construction)

The optical waveguides are peeled off one by one from the package member A, and the positioning reference surface of the optical waveguide is brought into contact with the optical waveguide fitting portion having a width of 3 mm which the outer frame has, and can be satisfactorily performed at the time of assembly. Positioning. Light transmission can also be performed well via the side light output input unit provided on the side give away. The warpage obtained by peeling is also small, and the operation is easy.

[Embodiment 2]

The optical waveguide obtained in the first embodiment has the first main surface facing the mounting portion, the side light output input portion facing the non-contact portion, and the side surface opposite to the non-contact portion of the placing portion (in the Y direction) The gap between the upper extending side and the optical waveguide is about 0.5 mm, and is placed on the recesses (the placing portion and the non-contact portion) of the continuous five places of the packaging member (PET). The five recesses (mounting portion and non-contact portion) of the packaging member (PET) have a pitch of 10 mm in the Y direction, and the size of the mounting portion is long (X) 56 mm × width (Y). ) 3.1 mm × depth (Z) 1 mm, and the size of the non-contact portion is long (X) 18 mm × width (Y) 6 mm × depth (Z) 5 mm (in the Z direction, the depth of the non-contact portion is greater than the mounting portion The depth is more than 4 mm, and in the Y direction, the width of the non-contact portion is also larger than the width of the mounting portion so that the positioning reference surface does not contact the packaging member).

Next, the optical waveguide (pressing pressure is 0.5 N) is pressed by a packaging cover portion (PET resin) having a pressing convex portion to form a package, and the packaging cover portion (PET resin) is among the second main faces of the optical waveguide. The pressing convex portion is provided in the range of 5 to 56 mm from the side of the mirror side. In the Z direction, the gap between the optical waveguide on the non-contact side of the package lid and the package lid portion was 4 mm. Further, the package is placed in a sealed container (packaging member) to be packaged.

In the obtained package, the side positioning reference surface and the side light output input portion are not in contact with the packaging member and the package lid portion. Enter one Step, the first main surface and the second main surface in the range of 10 mm from the light output input portion provided on the second main surface and from the side light output input portion side are not in contact with the packaging member (in Embodiments 2 and 3) In the fourth aspect, the two side surfaces perpendicular to the side surface having the side light output input portion are used as the positioning reference surface in the range of 1 cm on the side light output input portion side.

After that, after performing the same transfer, inspection, and assembly as in the first embodiment, after the transfer is performed and the optical waveguide is inspected after the transfer, the operation of the optical waveguide is somewhat difficult due to static electricity, and some optical waveguides are warped. In the state in which the package lid portion is removed (the state in which the optical waveguide is placed on the placing portion), the inspection is not hindered, and the inspection of the optical waveguide can be performed every time a pitch is advanced. Further, on the positioning reference surface of the side surface, foreign matter adhesion and damage were not generated, and good assembly was possible, and no foreign matter adhered or damaged occurred in the side light output input portion, and the transmission of light was not hindered. On the positioning reference planes of the first main surface and the second main surface, foreign matter adhesion and damage are not generated, and good assembly is possible, and no foreign matter adheres or breaks in the main surface light output input portion without hindering. The transmission of light.

[Example 3]

The packaging was carried out in the same manner as in Example 2 except that pure water (coating agent) was placed in the space of the non-contact portion and sealed in the container.

The positioning reference surface and the light output input portion of the obtained package are not in contact with the packaging member and the package lid portion.

Thereafter, the same conveyance as in the first embodiment was carried out, and after the opening, the pure water was blown by air blow, and when the inspection 2 and the assembly were performed, foreign matter adhesion and damage did not occur on the positioning reference surface of the side surface. and Good construction is possible, and no foreign matter adheres or breaks in the side light output input portion, and the light is not hindered from being transmitted. On the positioning reference planes of the first main surface and the second main surface, foreign matter adhesion and damage are not generated, and good assembly is possible, and no foreign matter adheres or breaks in the main surface light output input portion without hindering. The transmission of light.

[Example 4]

A recess of length (X) 0.1 mm × width (Y) of 0.1 mm is provided at two places on the opposite side faces of the position at the position of 10 mm from the mirror side of the optical waveguide, and the core pattern of 10 channels (CH) is taken as 1 Further, in the package member having the mounting portion, the convex portion is provided at two positions at a position of 10.1 mm from the side opposite to the non-contact portion, and the convex portion can be embedded in the concave portion in the X direction. When the packaging was carried out, the concave portions and the convex portions were fitted, and the packaging was carried out in the same manner as in the second embodiment. Further, a gap of 0.5 mm is formed between the placing portion and the package lid portion so that the used package lid portion does not press against the first main surface and the second main surface.

The positioning reference surface and the light output input portion of the obtained package are not in contact with the packaging member and the package lid portion.

After that, after performing the same transfer, inspection, and assembly as in the first embodiment, after the transfer is performed and the optical waveguide is inspected after the transfer, the operation of the optical waveguide is somewhat difficult due to static electricity, and some optical waveguides are warped. In the state in which the package lid portion is removed (the state in which the optical waveguide is placed on the placing portion), the inspection is not hindered, and the inspection of the optical waveguide can be performed every time a pitch is advanced. Moreover, on the positioning reference surface of the side surface, no foreign matter adheres and is damaged, and good assembly is possible, and the side light output is performed. In the input portion, foreign matter adhesion and damage did not occur, and the transmission of light was not hindered. On the positioning reference planes of the first main surface and the second main surface, foreign matter adhesion and damage are not generated, and good assembly is possible, and no foreign matter adheres or breaks in the main surface light output input portion without hindering. The transmission of light.

[Comparative Example 1] (Production and evaluation of optical waveguide)

The five (strip) optical waveguides obtained by singulating the assembly of the optical waveguides in the first embodiment are respectively packaged in five SUS304 (stainless steel having a width of 3.2 mm × a length of 7.2 mm × a height of 3.2 mm). In the box, and in the same manner as described above, it is packaged and transported in a cushioning material and a cardboard box.

When the optical waveguide is opened after the transfer and the optical waveguide is inspected, static electricity causes difficulty in the operation of the optical waveguide, and warpage of the optical waveguide is large, making inspection time consuming.

Further, damage occurs in the positioning reference surface and the light output input portion of the optical waveguide. The optical waveguide in which a burr is generated due to breakage cannot be attached to the outer casing in the same manner as in the first embodiment.

The optical waveguide whose optical output is damaged is not able to input and output light well.

[result]

From the comparison of the above Examples 1 to 4 with Comparative Example 1, it is understood that the inspection of the optical waveguide can be efficiently performed in accordance with the present invention.

20‧‧‧ Optical Waveguide

21‧‧‧ core pattern

23‧‧‧Side light output input

25‧‧‧Main surface light output input section

31‧‧‧ side

32‧‧‧ side

33‧‧‧ side

34‧‧‧ side

35‧‧‧ first main face

36‧‧‧Second main face

40‧‧‧Packaging components

41‧‧‧Loading Department

42‧‧‧ Non-contact department

A-A‧‧‧ hatching

Claims (12)

A package for an optical waveguide, which is obtained by packaging an optical waveguide with a package member having one or more core patterns and a cladding layer embedding the core pattern; and the optical waveguide is approximately columnar and has a first main surface and a second main surface that are approximately opposite in the Z direction, and a side surface that connects the first main surface and the second main surface in a substantially vertical direction; the optical waveguide has at least a portion of the side surface a side light output input unit that allows light to enter the core pattern or emit light that has passed through the core pattern; the optical waveguide is packaged such that the side light output input unit does not contact the packaging member In the packaging member, the packaging member is used to package the aforementioned optical waveguide. A package for an optical waveguide, which is obtained by packaging an optical waveguide with a package member having one or more core patterns and a cladding layer embedding the core pattern; and the optical waveguide is approximately columnar and has a first main surface and a second main surface which are approximately opposite in the Z direction, and a side surface connecting the first main surface and the second main surface in a substantially vertical direction; at least a part of the side surface can be external The frame body is used for positioning a reference plane for positioning; the optical waveguide is such that the positioning reference plane does not contact the packaging member The package is packaged in a package member for packaging the aforementioned optical waveguide. A package for an optical waveguide, which is obtained by packaging an optical waveguide with a package member having one or more core patterns and a cladding layer embedding the core pattern; and the optical waveguide is approximately columnar and has a first main surface and a second main surface which are approximately opposite in the Z direction, and a side surface connecting the first main surface and the second main surface in a substantially vertical direction; at least a part of a side surface of the optical waveguide a side light output input unit that causes light to enter the core pattern or emit light that has passed through the core pattern; and the optical waveguide is sealed by the peelable coating agent by the side light output input unit The package is packaged in a package member for packaging the aforementioned optical waveguide. A package for an optical waveguide, which is obtained by packaging an optical waveguide with a package member having one or more core patterns and a cladding layer embedding the core pattern; and the optical waveguide is approximately columnar and has a first main surface and a second main surface which are approximately opposite in the Z direction, and a side surface connecting the first main surface and the second main surface in a substantially vertical direction; at least a part of the side surface can be external The frame is used for positioning a reference plane for positioning; the optical waveguide is sealed by the peelable coating agent with the positioning reference surface The method is packaged in a packaging member for packaging the aforementioned optical waveguide. The optical waveguide package according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the optical waveguide is enclosed in a space surrounded by the packaging member for preventing entry of foreign matter from the outside. The optical waveguide package according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the optical waveguide uses the first main surface and/or the second main surface, and/or has the side light output input unit The side other than the side is fixed and packaged in the aforementioned packaging member. The optical waveguide package according to claim 2 or 4, wherein the optical waveguide is fixed and packaged in the packaging member by a side surface other than the positioning reference surface. The optical waveguide package according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the optical waveguide is a polymer optical waveguide, and the optical waveguide is formed by physical cutting of the side light output input portion. An optical waveguide formed. The optical waveguide package according to claim 2 or 4, wherein the optical waveguide is a polymer optical waveguide, and the optical waveguide is an optical waveguide formed by physically cutting the positioning reference surface. The optical waveguide package according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the optical waveguide includes a main surface light output input unit on the first main surface or the second main surface, and the main surface light output Input section makes light into Shooting or emitting light that has passed through the core pattern. The package of an optical waveguide according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein a plurality of the optical waveguides are packaged. The package of the optical waveguide according to claim 11, wherein the plurality of optical waveguides are arranged side by side at an arbitrary pitch on an approximate straight line in the X direction or the Y direction.