WO2016103612A1

WO2016103612A1 - Lens holding component, lens holder, optical module, and method for manufacturing lens holder

Info

Publication number: WO2016103612A1
Application number: PCT/JP2015/006180
Authority: WO
Inventors: 太郎金子
Original assignee: 日本電気株式会社
Priority date: 2014-12-22
Filing date: 2015-12-11
Publication date: 2016-06-30

Abstract

Provided is a lens holding component that allows for easy and accurate angle alignment when combined with an array lens. The lens holding component according to the present invention is provided with a counter-surface facing a first surface of the array lens, the first surface having a plurality of convex lenses arranged thereon. The counter-surface has a plurality of counter-positions facing each of the plurality of convex lenses, and the counter positions include recesses for positioning the convex lenses therein.

Description

Lens holding member, lens holder, optical module, and method for manufacturing lens holder

The present invention relates to a lens holding member, a lens holder, an optical module, and a method for manufacturing a lens holder, and in particular, a lens holding member for holding an array lens, a lens holder using the lens holding member, an optical module, and a lens holder. Regarding the method.

In recent years, with the increase in speed and capacity of optical communication systems, optical communication systems have been developed from trunk systems such as wavelength division multiplexing (D-WDM) to FTTH (Fiber To The Home). It has been adopted in a wide range of subscribers. Accordingly, a compact and low-cost optical transmission / reception / optical functional module is required.

As one method for reducing the size of optical transmission / reception / optical functional modules, integration of components can be mentioned. Optical components such as lenses and optical fibers can be integrated at a high density by forming an array, and thus are applied to many small optical modules. An optical component in which a plurality of optical fibers are integrated is disclosed in, for example, Patent Documents 1-4.

On the other hand, an array lens formed by arranging a plurality of lenses in parallel can be applied to an optical component. Here, in order to manufacture an array lens at a low price, a method of cutting out as many lenses as required on the entire wafer surface by an etching process is widely used as a method for manufacturing an array lens.

A dicing saw is generally used for cutting out the lens, but chipping or sagging occurs on the cut surface of the dicing saw. When the lens thickness is thin, it is difficult to hold the lens with the cut surface as a reference and to fix the lens by itself using the cut surface. For this reason, the lens is held and fixed by sticking the plane portion of the plano-convex lens to a plate material having a highly accurate reference surface. However, when an optical element having a high numerical aperture (NA) is coupled to a lens, it is not possible to attach the planar part of the lens to the plate because the distance between the planar part of the lens and the optical element needs to be shortened. . Accordingly, a lens holder has been devised in which the position is determined with reference to the convex surface of the lens and the lens cut surface is bonded and fixed.

JP 2012-128233 A JP 2004-085873 A JP 2002-116363 A Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 07-075950

However, in the case of a lens having a plurality of channels, since it is necessary to optically couple the optical component and the plurality of channels simultaneously, it is necessary to align the relative angles of the lens and the optical component. When the lens holder described above is used, if the combination angle between the lens and the lens holding structure is not uniform, the angle of the lens holder needs to be adjusted. When angle adjustment is performed with an optical component having a plurality of channels, a channel that causes positional deviation occurs. For this reason, it is necessary to repeatedly adjust the angle of the optical component and the position of the channel, which makes it very difficult to adjust and fix the lens.

The present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and a lens holding member capable of easily and accurately aligning the combination angle with the array lens, a lens holder using the lens holding member, an optical module, and It aims at providing the manufacturing method of a lens holder.

In order to achieve the above object, a lens holding member according to the present invention is a lens holding member provided with a facing surface facing the first surface of an array lens in which a plurality of convex lenses are arranged on a first surface. A concave portion in which the convex lens is positioned is formed at a plurality of facing positions on the facing surface that respectively face the plurality of convex lenses.

In order to achieve the above object, a lens holder according to the present invention includes an array lens in which a plurality of convex lenses are arranged on a first surface, and the lens holding member, and the array lens includes the first lens. The lens is held by the lens holding member in a state where the surface and the facing surface are in pressure contact with each other.

To achieve the above object, an optical module according to the present invention includes a first optical component and a second optical component that input and output an optical signal, and the first optical component and the second optical component. The lens holder is disposed, and the first optical component and the second optical component are optically coupled via the lens holder.

In order to achieve the above object, a method for manufacturing a lens holder according to the present invention is a method for manufacturing a lens holder including an array lens in which a plurality of convex lenses are arranged on a first surface, on a facing surface of a lens holding member. Forming a concave portion in which the convex lens is positioned at a plurality of facing positions respectively opposed to the plurality of convex lenses, and positioning the convex lens inside the concave portion so that the first surface is the facing surface. A method of manufacturing a lens holder, wherein the array lens is bonded and fixed to the lens holding member in a pressure contact state and in the pressure contact state.

According to the above-described aspect of the present invention, the combination angle with the array lens can be easily aligned with high accuracy.

1 is a perspective view of a lens holding member 10 according to a first embodiment. It is a side view when the lens holding member 10 and the array lens 20 which concern on 1st Embodiment are combined. It is a perspective view of lens holding member 10B concerning a 1st embodiment. It is a perspective view of lens holding member 10C concerning a 1st embodiment. It is a perspective view of lens holding member 10D concerning a 1st embodiment. It is a side view of the lens holder 100 which concerns on 2nd Embodiment. It is a front view of the lens holder 100 which concerns on 2nd Embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows the manufacturing process of the lens holder 100 which concerns on 2nd Embodiment. It is a side view of lens holder 100B concerning the modification of a 2nd embodiment. It is a front view of lens holder 100B concerning a modification of a 2nd embodiment. It is a side view of lens holder 100C concerning a 3rd embodiment. It is a front view of lens holder 100C concerning a 3rd embodiment. It is a side view of lens holder 100D concerning a 3rd embodiment. It is a front view of lens holder 100D concerning a 3rd embodiment. It is a side view of lens holder 100E concerning a modification of a 3rd embodiment. It is a front view of lens holder 100E concerning a modification of a 3rd embodiment. It is a front view of lens holder 100F concerning another modification of a 3rd embodiment. It is a side view of the optical module 500 which concerns on 4th Embodiment. It is a side view of the optical component 1000 which concerns on 5th Embodiment.

<First Embodiment>
A first embodiment of the present invention will be described. FIG. 1A is a perspective view of a lens holding structure according to this embodiment. The lens holding member 10 of FIG. 1A includes a facing surface 10a that faces the first surface of the array lens in which a plurality of convex lenses are arranged on the first surface. In the present embodiment, the plurality of convex lenses are arranged in a lattice pattern on the first surface. Concave portions 11 in which the convex lenses of the array lens are positioned are respectively formed at a plurality of opposing positions of the opposing surface 10a facing the convex lenses.

FIG. 1B shows a side view when the lens holding member 10 is combined with an array lens. In FIG. 1B, a plurality of convex lenses 21 are formed on the first surface 20 a of the array lens 20. The plurality of convex lenses 21 of the array lens 20 are respectively positioned inside the plurality of concave portions 11 formed on the facing surface 10 a of the lens holding member 10. The array lens 20 is pressed and fixed to the facing surface 10 a of the lens holding member 10 in a state where the convex lens 21 is positioned inside the concave portion 11.

In this case, the array lens 20 can be held by the lens holding member 10 while maintaining a desired optical axis, and the combination angle of the array lens 20 and the lens holding member 10 can be easily and accurately aligned. .

Here, on the facing surface 10 a of the lens holding member 10,

grooves

12 and 13 that pass through the plurality of facing positions may be formed instead of forming the recesses 11 at each of the plurality of facing positions facing the convex lens 21. it can. 2A and 2B are perspective views of the lens holding members 10B and 10C in this case. The lens holding members 10B and 10C shown in FIGS. 2A and 2B are pressed and fixed to the array lens 20 in a state where the convex lens 21 is positioned inside the

grooves

12 and 13. Also in this case, the array lens 20 can be held by the lens holding members 10B and 10C while maintaining the desired optical axis, and the combination angle between the array lens 20 and the lens holding members 10B and 10C can be easily and highly accurately. Can be aligned.

When the plurality of convex lenses 21 of the array lens 20 are divided into a first convex lens group in which light is input / output and a second convex lens group in which light is not input / output, at least one of the

lens holding members

10, 10B, 10C. The first region facing the first convex lens group is formed of a transparent member. On the other hand, the second region facing the second convex lens group of the

lens holding members

10, 10 </ b> B, and 10 </ b> C is not necessarily formed of a transparent member. In addition, instead of forming a region facing the first convex lens group through which light is input and output with a transparent member, a hole can be formed in a region facing the first convex lens group. FIG. 2C shows a perspective view of the lens holding member 10D in this case.

In the lens holding member 10D of FIG. 2C, a hole 14 is formed in a region facing the first convex lens group that inputs and outputs light. Thereby, the light input to and output from the first convex lens group is not attenuated by passing through the lens holding member 10D.

The lens holding member 10D shown in FIG. 2C has the array lens 20 and the lens holding member 10D fixed in pressure contact with the second convex lens group that does not input / output light from the array lens 20 positioned inside the concave portion 11, respectively. Is done. Thereby, the array lens 20 is held by the lens holding member 10D while maintaining a desired optical axis. Accordingly, the combination angle between the array lens 20 and the lens holding member 10D can be easily and accurately aligned.

Here, when the plurality of convex lenses 21 of the array lens 20 are divided into a first convex lens group that inputs and outputs light and a second convex lens group that does not input and output light, the second convex lens group of the array lens 20 Is preferably bonded and fixed as follows. In this case, it is desirable that the second convex lens group of the array lens 20 is bonded and fixed to the second regions of the

lens holding members

10, 10B, 10C, and 10D. Thereby, the handleability of the array lens 20 and the

lens holding members

10, 10B, 10C, and 10D is improved.

<Second Embodiment>
A second embodiment will be described. FIG. 3A shows a side view of the lens holder 100 according to the present embodiment. FIG. 3B shows a front view of the lens holder 100. As shown in FIGS. 3A and 3B, the lens holder 100 includes a plano-convex array lens 200 and a lens holding structure 300.

The plano-convex array lens 200 is formed by forming a plurality of convex portions on one surface of a transparent member. Here, the convex portion is referred to as a plano-convex lens 210. The plano-convex lens 210 is formed on the transparent substrate so that the optical axis directions are aligned. In the present embodiment, the plano-convex array lens 200 is formed by forming 12 plano-convex lenses 210 in a 3 × 4 grid on one surface of a transparent member.

The plano-convex array lens 200 formed as described above is fixed to the lens holding structure 300 with an adhesive 410. Here, an ultraviolet curable adhesive can be applied to the adhesive 410. Hereinafter, when the plano-convex array lens 200 is fixed to the lens holding structure 300, the row direction of the plano-convex lenses 210 arranged in a lattice shape is the “X direction”, the column direction is the “Z direction”, and the convex surface is directed to the plane. The direction is defined as “Y direction”.

The lens holding structure 300 includes a first holding member 310 and a second holding member 320, and holds the plano-convex array lens 200 at a desired angle.

The first holding member 310 is a plate-like member that supports the plano-convex array lens 200 and the second holding member 320, and the plano-convex array lens 200 and the second holding member 320 are fixed to the upper surface 310 a of the first holding member 310. The

The second holding member 320 is a plate-like member having a flat surface 320 c that is pressed against the plano-convex array lens 200 and a lower surface 320 b that is fixed to the upper surface 310 a of the first holding member 310. The second holding member 320 is formed of a transparent member, and constitutes an optical path for inputting / outputting light to / from the plano-convex array lens 200. It should be noted that it is desirable to reduce the transmission loss by applying optical polishing, non-reflective coating, or the like to the portion that becomes the optical path in the second holding member 320. In the second holding member 320, a region where light is not input / output is not necessarily formed of a transparent member.

In the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 3B, a plurality of grooves are formed in the flat surface 320c of the second holding member 320 at substantially the same interval as the diameter of the plano-convex lens 210. Specifically, on the flat surface 320 c of the second holding member 320, three grooves 321 to 323 are formed in the same number as the number of rows (three rows) of the plano-convex lens 210 constituting the plano-convex array lens 200. The grooves 321 to 323 are formed by subjecting the flat surface 320c of the second holding member 320 to mechanical processing such as dicing or chemical processing such as etching. The plano-convex array lens 200 is pressed against the first holding member 310 in a state where the convex portion of the plano-convex lens 210 is fitted in the grooves 321 to 323 formed in the plane 320c, and the lens holding structure is formed at a desired angle. Positioned within the body 300.

A procedure for forming the lens holder 100 according to the present embodiment using the plano-convex array lens 200 and the lens holding structure 300 will be described with reference to FIG.

First, grooves 321 to 323 are formed on the flat surface 320c of the second holding member 320 formed of a transparent member (S101). In the present embodiment, the same number of grooves 321 to 323 as the number of rows of plano-convex lenses are formed on the plane 320c of the second holding member 320 by machining at substantially the same interval as the diameter of the plano-convex lenses. The flat surface 320c of the holding member 320 was optically polished.

Next, the lower surface 320b of the second holding member 320 is fixed to the upper surface 310a of the first holding member 310 (S102). The second holding member 320 is fixed to the end portion of the upper surface 310 a so that the flat surface 320 c is located inside the upper surface 310 a of the first holding member 310. The first holding member 310 and the second holding member 320 can be integrally formed into an L shape by a transparent member, and then the grooves 321 to 323 can be formed.

Then, the convex portions of the plano-convex lens 210 of the plano-convex array lens 200 are fitted into the grooves 321 to 323 formed in the flat surface 320c of the second holding member 320 (S103), and the plano-convex array lens 20 is inserted into the second holding member 320. Press contact (S104). Thereby, the relative angle between the plano-convex array lens 200 and the lens holding structure 300 is uniquely determined.

In a state where the plano-convex array lens 200 is pressed against the second holding member 320, an ultraviolet curable adhesive 410 is poured between the upper surface 310a of the first holding member 310 and the lower surface 200b of the plano-convex array lens 200. Then, the adhesive 410 is cured by irradiating ultraviolet rays, and the plano-convex array lens 200 is bonded and fixed to the first holding member 310 (S105). The lens holder 100 according to the present embodiment is formed by holding the planoconvex array lens 200 on the lens holding structure 300.

In the lens holder 100 formed as described above, the plano-convex array lens 200 is fixed to the lens holding structure 300 as follows. The plano-convex array lens 200 is a lens in which the convex portions of the plurality of plano-convex lenses 210 of the plano-convex array lens 200 are fitted into and closely contacted with grooves 321 to 323 formed in the flat surface 320c of the second holding member 320. It is fixed to the holding structure 300. In this case, the plano-convex array lens 200 can be held by the lens holding structure 300 while maintaining a desired optical axis, and the combination angle between the plano-convex array lens 200 and the lens holding structure 300 can be easily increased. Can be aligned with accuracy.

<Modification of Second Embodiment>
A modification of the second embodiment will be described. In the second embodiment, only the lower surface 200b of the plano-convex array lens 200 is bonded and fixed to the lens holding structure 300. However, in this modification, the upper surface 200a of the plano-convex array lens 200 is further bonded to the lens holding structure 300B. Fix it. Hereinafter, a description will be given focusing on differences from the second embodiment.

FIG. 5A shows a side view of a lens holder 100B according to this modification. FIG. 5B shows a front view of the lens holder 100B. 5A and 5B, the lens holder 100B is constituted by a plano-convex array lens 200 and a lens holding structure 300B. The lens holding structure 300B includes a first holding member 310B, a second holding member 320B, and a third holding member 330B.

The plano-convex array lens 200 has an upper surface 200a fixed to the third holding member 330B and a lower surface 200b fixed to the first holding member 310B.

In the lens holding structure 300B, the lower surface 320bB of the second holding member 320B is fixed to the end of the first holding member 310B, and the upper surface 320aB of the second holding member 320B is fixed to the end of the third holding member 330B. Is formed into a U-shape.

When the lens holder 100B is formed by the plano-convex array lens 200 and the lens holding structure 300B, the convex portion of the plano-convex lens 210 is fitted into the groove 321B-323B formed on the flat surface 320cB of the second holding member 320B. Then, the plano-convex array lens 200 is pressed against the second holding member 320B. In this state, an ultraviolet curable adhesive 410 is applied between the lower surface 200b of the plano-convex array lens 200 and the upper surface 310aB of the first holding member 310B. Further, an ultraviolet curable adhesive 420 is applied between the upper surface 200a of the plano-convex array lens 200 and the lower surface 330bB of the third holding member 330B. The

adhesives

410 and 420 are simultaneously irradiated with ultraviolet rays to cure the

adhesives

410 and 420, and the plano-convex array lens 200 is bonded and fixed to the lens holding structure 300B.

The lens holder 100B formed as described above adheres and fixes the upper surface 200a and the lower surface 200b of the plano-convex array lens 200 to the third holding member 330B and the first holding member 310B, respectively. In the lens holder 100B formed as described above, the adhesive strength between the plano-convex array lens 200 and the lens holding structure 300B is increased. Thereby, the handleability of the lens holder 100B is improved. Further, the third holding member 330B and the first holding member 310B can be grasped with tweezers or the like when the optical module is assembled.

Also, the

adhesives

410 and 420 are cured by simultaneously irradiating the ultraviolet

curable adhesives

410 and 420 applied to the upper surface 200a and the lower surface 200b of the plano-convex array lens 200 with ultraviolet rays to cure the

adhesives

410 and 420. The shrinkage stress generated when the

Here, not only the upper surface 200a and the lower surface 200b of the plano-convex array lens 200 are fixed to the lens holding structure 300B, but more surfaces of the plano-convex array lens 200 are fixed to the lens holding structure 300B. You can also

<Third Embodiment>
A third embodiment will be described. FIG. 6A shows a side view of the lens holder 100C according to the present embodiment. FIG. 6B shows a front view of the lens holder 100C. 6A and 6B, the lens holder 100C is constituted by a plano-convex array lens 200 and a lens holding structure 300C.

The planoconvex array lens 200 is configured similarly to the planoconvex array lens 200 of FIG. 3 described in the second embodiment. That is, the plano-convex array lens 200 includes twelve plano-convex lenses 210 arranged in a 3 × 4 grid. Here, as in the second embodiment, when the plano-convex array lens 200 is fixed to the lens holding structure 300C, the row direction of the plano-convex lenses 210 arranged in a lattice shape is the “X direction”, and the column direction is The “Z direction” and the direction from the convex surface to the plane are defined as “Y direction”.

In the second embodiment, three grooves 321 to 323 extending in the X direction are formed on the flat surface 320c of the second holding member 320. On the other hand, in this embodiment, a groove extending in the X direction and a groove extending in the Y direction are formed on the plane 320cC of the second holding member 320C. That is, on the plane 320cC of the second holding member 320C, three grooves 321C-323C extending in the X direction as many as the number of rows (three rows) of the plano-convex lens 210, and in the Y direction as many as the number of columns (four columns). Four extending grooves 324C-327C were formed. Here, the grooves 324C-327C are arranged at substantially the same interval as the diameter of the plano-convex lens 210.

Then, the convex portion of the plano-convex lens 210 is fitted into the concave portion formed by the intersection of the grooves 321C-323C and the grooves 324C-327C. In the lens holder 100C according to the present embodiment, the plano-convex array lens 200 is fixed to the lens holding structure 300C in a state where the convex part of the plano-convex lens 210 is fitted and pressed into the concave part of the flat surface 320cC of the second holding member 320C. ,It is formed.

In the lens holder 100C formed as described above, the grooves 321C-323C extending in the X direction and the grooves 324C-327C extending in the Y direction are formed, whereby the plano-convex lens 210 of the plane 320cC of the second holding member 320C is formed. A concave portion was formed at a position facing the convex portion. The plano-convex array lens 200 is fixed to the lens holding structure 300C in a state where the convex part of the plano-convex lens 210 is fitted in the concave part, so that the plano-convex array lens 200 is maintained with the desired optical axis maintained. It can be held at 300C. Therefore, the combination angle of the plurality of plano-convex lenses 210 and the lens holding structure 300C can be easily and accurately aligned, and the adjustment of the optical coupling is facilitated and the limitation on the adjustment is eased.

In addition, instead of forming a recess by forming a groove extending in the X direction and a groove extending in the Y direction on the plane of the second holding member, it faces the projections of a plurality of plano-convex lenses on the plane of the second holding member. The recesses can be formed independently at the positions. FIG. 7A shows a side view of the lens holder 100D in this case. FIG. 7B shows a front view of the lens holder 100D.

In the lens holder 100D of FIGS. 7A and 7B, a plurality of concave portions 321′-3212 ′ are formed independently in the second holding member 320D, and the convex portions of the plano-convex lens 210 are formed in the concave portions 321′-3212 ′. Are inserted. In this state, the plano-convex array lens 200 is pressed and fixed to the lens holding structure 300D, and is held by the lens holding structure 300D at a desired angle and position. This facilitates adjustment of the optical coupling and relaxes restrictions on adjustment.

In the lens holder 100D according to the present embodiment, it is desirable to form the recesses 321'-3212 'on the plane 320cD of the second holding member 320D by etching using a photomask. By etching using a photomask, the position where the recesses 321'-3212 'are formed can be controlled with high accuracy. Therefore, the lens holder 100D in FIGS. 7A and 7B is particularly effective when the position of each plano-convex lens 210 needs to be controlled with high accuracy. In addition, the manufacturing method of a recessed part is not restricted to an etching, It can also form by machining, such as a drill.

<Modification of Third Embodiment>
A modification of the third embodiment will be described. FIG. 8A shows a side view of a lens holder 100E according to this modification. FIG. 8B shows a front view of the lens holder 100E. The lens holder 100E according to the present embodiment is mainly different from the lens holder 100C of FIGS. 6A and 6B described in the third embodiment in that the second holding member 320E includes a hole H. Hereinafter, a description will be given focusing on differences from the lens holder 100C of FIGS. 6A and 6B described in the third embodiment.

The lens holder 100E according to this modification includes the planoconvex array lens 200 and the lens holding structure 300E. The plano-convex array lens 200 is configured in the same manner as the plano-convex array lens 200 of FIGS. 6A and 6B described in the third embodiment.

The lens holding structure 300E includes a first holding member 310E and a second holding member 320E. The first holding member 310E is configured similarly to the first holding member 310C of FIGS. 6A and 6B described in the third embodiment. The second holding member 320E is formed by removing the groove 322C from the second holding member 320C of FIGS. 6A and 6B described in the third embodiment, and further forming a hole H in the central region of the plane 320cC. Is done.

In this modification, as shown in FIG. 8B, a plane 320cE of a region facing the lower part of the plano-convex lens 210 arranged in the upper stage, the plano-convex lens 210 arranged in the middle stage, and the upper part of the plano-convex lens 210 arranged in the lower stage. Excise. Then, a square hole H is formed in the second holding member 320E. Thereby, it is possible to avoid the light incident on the plano-convex array lens 200 from being attenuated by the second holding member 320E. Here, in FIG. 8B, a plano-convex lens 210 disposed at a position facing the hole H of the plano-convex array lens 200 is included in the first convex lens group, and the other plano-convex lens 210 is the claim. It is included in the second convex lens group.

In addition, when forming the hole H larger than the optical path of the light incident on the plano-convex array lens 200, the lens holding structure 300E can be formed of a member that does not transmit light. For example, when the plano-convex array lens 200 is formed of the optical glass BK7 (linear expansion coefficient: 7.1 × 10 ⁻⁶ / ° C.), the lens holding structure 300E is alumina that is a ceramic that does not transmit light (linear expansion coefficient: 7.2 × 10 ⁻⁶ / ° C.).

When the planoconvex array lens 200 (optical glass BK7) and the lens holding structure 300E (alumina) are formed of a material having substantially the same linear expansion coefficient, the following effects can be expected. In this case, when the environmental temperature changes, it is possible to suppress the occurrence of thermal stress at the bonding interface between the planoconvex array lens 200 and the lens holding structure 300E. Furthermore, since alumina is less likely to chip compared to glass and has excellent handleability, for example, handling when holding the lens holder 100E with tweezers or the like during assembly of the optical module becomes easy.

As described above, by using the lens holding structure 300E in which the hole H is formed in the region facing the plano-convex lens 210, the light transmitted through the plano-convex array lens 200 is attenuated by the lens holding structure 300E. Can be avoided. Furthermore, the lens holding structure 300E can be configured using a material that is not easily chipped, and the handleability of the lens holder 100E is improved.

<Another Modification of Third Embodiment>
Another modification of the third embodiment will be described. FIG. 9 shows a front view of a lens holder 100F according to this modification. The lens holder 100F according to the present modification is mainly different from the lens holder 100C of FIGS. 6A and 6B according to the third embodiment in that the lens holder 100F includes two lens

planoconvex array lenses

200B and 200C. Hereinafter, a description will be given centering on differences from the third embodiment.

The lens holder 100F includes a first plano-convex array lens 200B, a second plano-convex array lens 200C, and a lens holding structure 300F.

The first plano-convex array lens 200B and the second plano-convex array lens 200C are configured in the same manner as the plano-convex array lens 200 of FIGS. 6A and 6B described in the third embodiment. Here, when the two plano-

convex array lenses

200B and 200C are fixed to the lens holding structure 300F, the row direction of the plano-convex lenses arranged in a lattice shape is “X direction”, the column direction is “Z direction”, and the convex surface The direction from the plane to the plane is defined as “Y direction”.

The lens holding structure 300F includes a first holding member 310F and a second holding member 320F. The first holding member 310F is configured similarly to the first holding member 310C of FIGS. 6A and 6B described in the third embodiment.

The second holding member 320F is formed with three grooves 321F-323F extending in the X direction and eight grooves 324F-321F extending in the Y direction on the plane 320cF. The grooves 321F-323F, the grooves 324F-327F, and the grooves 328F-321F are arranged at substantially the same intervals as the diameter of the plano-convex lens 210, respectively.

Then, the convex portions of the plurality of plano-convex lenses 210B of the first plano-convex array lens 200B are fitted into the concave portions formed by the intersection of the grooves 321F-323F and the grooves 324F-327F. Further, the convex portions of the plurality of plano-convex lenses 210C of the second plano-convex array lens 200C are fitted into the concave portions formed by the intersection of the grooves 321F-323F and the grooves 328F-321F. In this state, the plano-

convex array lenses

200B and 200C are pressed against the second holding member 320F, and the bottom surfaces of the plano-

convex array lenses

200B and 200C are bonded and fixed to the first holding member 310F with ultraviolet

curable adhesives

410 and 430, respectively. . Thereby, the lens holder 100F which concerns on this embodiment is formed.

By holding a plurality of plano-convex array lenses on the same lens holding structure, a plurality of plano-convex array lenses can be handled as if they were one lens. Therefore, the adjustment of the optical coupling is facilitated, and restrictions on the adjustment are relaxed.

<Fourth Embodiment>
A fourth embodiment will be described. FIG. 10 is a side view of the optical module 500 according to the present embodiment. In FIG. 10, the optical module 500 includes the lens holder 100B and the polarizer 510 shown in FIGS. 5A and 5B described in the modification of the second embodiment.

The polarizer 510 is an optical component that transmits only light in a predetermined polarization state. The optical module 500 according to the present embodiment is formed by adhering the polarizer 510 to the back surface of the lens holder 100B opposite to the side where the plano-convex array lens 200 is disposed. For the polarizer 510, for example, a polarization filter can be applied. In this case, the polarizer 510 generates a loss depending on the angle of the incident light beam.

In the optical module 500 according to the present embodiment, the convex portion of the plano-convex lens 210 is fitted into the grooves 321B-323B formed in the second holding member 320B of the lens holder 100B, and the plano-convex array lens 200 is inserted into the lens holder 100B. Is held at the desired angle. Thereby, the plano-convex array lens 200 and the polarizer 510 can be joined at a desired angle. Therefore, optical loss generated in the polarizer 510 can be reduced, and a high-performance optical module 500 can be realized.

In addition, instead of attaching the film-like polarizer 510 to the lens holder 100B, various functional members such as filters according to the characteristics to be compensated can be attached to the lens holder 100B. Further, in the present embodiment, the lens holder 100B of FIGS. 5A and 5B described in the modification of the second embodiment is applied to the optical module 500, but the other lens holders 100 described in the above-described embodiment, 100C, 100D, 100E, and 100F can also be applied.

<Fifth Embodiment>
A fifth embodiment will be described. FIG. 11 is a side view of the optical component 1000 according to the present embodiment. In FIG. 11, an optical component 1000 is an optical component mounting carrier including the lens holder 100 </ b> E, the optical element 600, the optical fiber 700, and the optical fiber holding component 810 of FIGS. 8A and 8B described in the modification of the third embodiment. 800.

On the upper surface of the optical component mounting carrier 800, the lens holder 100E is fixed via an adhesive 440, the optical element 600 is fixed via an adhesive 450, and the optical fiber 700 is fixed via an optical fiber holding component 810 and an adhesive 460. ing. Thereby, the optical element 600 and the optical fiber 700 are optically coupled via the plano-convex array lens 200.

Since the plano-convex array lens 200 is held in the lens holder 100E at a desired angle, the optical element 600, the plano-convex array lens 200E, and the optical fiber 700 are optically connected at a desired angle. Therefore, restrictions on adjustment of optical coupling and the like are relaxed, and as a result, optical coupling loss can be greatly reduced.

Here, the lens holder 100E, the optical element 600, and the optical fiber 700 can be fixed to the optical component mounting carrier 800 (optical fiber holding component 810) by welding, integral molding, anodic bonding, or the like. Further, the optical component mounting carrier 800 can be formed of one carrier member, or a plurality of carrier members divided for each component to be mounted can be used. When the optical component mounting carrier 800 is constituted by a plurality of carrier members, the concave / convex fitting structure is applied to the plano-convex array lens 200 fixed to at least one carrier member.

In the present embodiment, the lens holder 100E shown in FIGS. 8A and 8B described in the modification of the third embodiment is arranged in the optical component 1000, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the

other lens holders

100, 100B, 100C, 100D, 100F and the optical module 500 described in the above-described embodiment can be disposed in the optical component 1000.

Here, a part or all of the above embodiment can be described as in the following supplementary notes, but is not limited thereto.

(Appendix 1)
A lens holding member having a facing surface facing the first surface of an array lens in which a plurality of convex lenses are arranged on a first surface,
A lens holding member, wherein concave portions for positioning the convex lenses are formed in a plurality of facing positions on the facing surface that respectively face the plurality of convex lenses.

(Appendix 2)
The lens holding member according to appendix 1, wherein the recess is formed by forming a groove that passes through a plurality of opposing positions on the opposing surface.

(Appendix 3)
The recess is formed by forming, on the facing surface, a first groove that passes through a plurality of facing positions and a second groove that is orthogonal to the first groove that passes through the facing positions. The lens holding member according to Appendix 1.

(Appendix 4)
An array lens having a plurality of convex lenses arranged on the first surface;
The lens holding member according to any one of appendices 1 to 3,
With
The lens holder is characterized in that the array lens is held by the lens holding member in a state where the first surface and the facing surface are in pressure contact with each other.

(Appendix 5)
The array lens includes a first convex lens group that inputs and outputs light and a second convex lens group that does not input and output light;
The facing surface includes a first region facing the first convex lens group and a second region facing the second convex lens group,
The first region of the facing surface is formed by a transparent member,
The lens holder according to appendix 4.

(Appendix 6)
The array lens includes a first convex lens group that inputs and outputs light and a second convex lens group that does not input and output light;
The facing surface includes a first region facing the first convex lens group and a second region facing the second convex lens group,
A hole is formed in the first region of the facing surface,
The lens holder according to appendix 4.

(Appendix 7)
The lens holder according to appendix 5 or 6, wherein the second region of the facing surface and the second convex lens group of the array lens are bonded and fixed.

(Appendix 8)
The array lens includes a lower surface orthogonal to the first surface,
The lens holder according to any one of appendices 4 to 7, wherein the lower surface is bonded and fixed to the lens holding member in a state where the first surface is in pressure contact with the facing surface.

(Appendix 9)
The array lens further includes an upper surface orthogonal to the first surface,
The lens holder according to appendix 8, wherein the upper surface is bonded and fixed to the lens holding member in a state where the first surface is in pressure contact with the facing surface.

(Appendix 10)
The lens holder according to appendix 8 or 9, wherein the plurality of array lenses are bonded and fixed to the lens holding member.

(Appendix 11)
The lens holder according to any one of appendices 4 to 10, wherein a functional member is attached to a surface of the lens holding member opposite to the facing surface.

(Appendix 12)
A first optical component and a second optical component for inputting and outputting an optical signal;
The lens holder according to any one of appendices 4 to 11 disposed between the first optical component and the second optical component;
With
The optical module, wherein the first optical component and the second optical component are optically coupled via the lens holder.

(Appendix 13)
A method of manufacturing a lens holder comprising an array lens in which a plurality of convex lenses are arranged on a first surface,
Forming a concave portion in which the convex lens is positioned at a plurality of opposed positions respectively opposed to the plurality of convex lenses on the opposed surface of the lens holding member;
The first surface is pressed against the opposing surface in a state where the convex lens is positioned inside the concave portion,
In the pressed state, the array lens is bonded and fixed to the lens holding member.
A method for manufacturing a lens holder.

The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and changes in design and the like within a range not departing from the gist of the present invention are included in the present invention.

This application claims priority based on Japanese Patent Application No. 2014-259160 filed on Dec. 22, 2014, the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein.

10, 10B, 10C, 10D Lens holding member 11

Recess

12, 13 Groove 14 Hole 20 Array lens 21

Convex lens

100, 100B, 100C, 100D, 100E,

100F Lens holder

200, 200B, 200C Plano-

convex array lens

210, 210B, 210C Plano-

convex lens

300, 300B, 300C, 300D, 300E, 300F

Lens holding structure

310, 310B, 310C, 310D, 310E, 310F

First holding member

320, 320B, 320C, 320D, 320E, 320F Second holding member 321-323 , 321B-323B, 321C-327C, 321E-327E, 321F-3211F groove 321'-3212 'recess 330B third holding

member

410, 420, 430, 440, 450, 460 Adhesive 500 Optical module 510 Polarizer 600 Optical element 700 Optical fiber 800 Optical component mounting carrier 810 Optical fiber holding component 1000 Optical component

Claims

A lens holding member having a facing surface facing the first surface of an array lens in which a plurality of convex lenses are arranged on a first surface,
A lens holding member, wherein concave portions for positioning the convex lenses are formed in a plurality of facing positions on the facing surface that respectively face the plurality of convex lenses.
The lens holding member according to claim 1, wherein the concave portion is formed by forming a groove passing through a plurality of opposing positions on the opposing surface.
An array lens having a plurality of convex lenses arranged on the first surface;
The lens holding member according to claim 1 or 2,
With
The lens holder is characterized in that the array lens is held by the lens holding member in a state where the first surface and the facing surface are in pressure contact with each other.
The array lens includes a first convex lens group that inputs and outputs light and a second convex lens group that does not input and output light;
The facing surface includes a first region facing the first convex lens group and a second region facing the second convex lens group,
The first region of the facing surface is formed by a transparent member,
The lens holder according to claim 3.
The array lens includes a first convex lens group that inputs and outputs light and a second convex lens group that does not input and output light;
The facing surface includes a first region facing the first convex lens group and a second region facing the second convex lens group,
A hole is formed in the first region of the facing surface,
The lens holder according to claim 3.
The array lens includes a lower surface orthogonal to the first surface,
6. The lens holder according to claim 3, wherein the lower surface is bonded and fixed to the lens holding member in a state where the first surface is in pressure contact with the facing surface.
The lens holder according to claim 6, wherein the plurality of array lenses are bonded and fixed to the lens holding member.
The lens holder according to claim 3, wherein a functional member is affixed to a surface of the lens holding member that is opposite to the facing surface.
A first optical component and a second optical component for inputting and outputting an optical signal;
The lens holder according to any one of claims 3 to 8, which is disposed between the first optical component and the second optical component.
With
The optical module, wherein the first optical component and the second optical component are optically coupled via the lens holder.
A method of manufacturing a lens holder comprising an array lens in which a plurality of convex lenses are arranged on a first surface,
Forming a concave portion in which the convex lens is positioned at a plurality of opposed positions respectively opposed to the plurality of convex lenses on the opposed surface of the lens holding member;
The first surface is pressed against the opposing surface in a state where the convex lens is positioned inside the concave portion,
In the pressed state, the array lens is bonded and fixed to the lens holding member.
A method for manufacturing a lens holder.