Abstract:
An opto-electronic assembly is provided comprising a substrate (generally of silicon or glass) for supporting a plurality of interconnected optical and electrical components. A layer of sealing material is disposed to outline a defined peripheral area of the substrate. A molded glass lid is disposed over and bonded to the substrate, where the molded glass lid is configured to create a footprint that matches the defined peripheral area of the substrate. The bottom surface of the molded glass lid includes a layer of bonding material that contacts the substrate's layer of sealing material upon contact, creating a bonded assembly. In one form, a wafer level assembly process is proposed where multiple opto-electronic assemblies are disposed on a silicon wafer and multiple glass lids are molded in a single sheet of glass that is thereafter bonded to the silicon wafer.
Abstract:
An apparatus for providing self-aligned optical coupling between an opto-electronic substrate and a fiber array, where the substrate is enclosed by a transparent lid such that the associated optical signals enter and exit the arrangement through the transparent lid. The apparatus takes the form of a two-part connectorized fiber array assembly where the two pieces uniquely mate to form a self-aligned configuration. A first part, in the form of a plate, is attached to the transparent lid in the area where the optical signals pass through. The first plate includes a central opening with inwardly-tapering sidewalls surrounding its periphery. A second plate is also formed to include a central opening and has a lower protrusion with inwardly-tapering sidewalls that mate with the inwardly-tapering sidewalls of the first plate to form the self-aligned connectorized fiber array assembly. The fiber array is then attached to the second plate in a self-aligned fashion.
Abstract:
Embodiments herein include an optical system that passively aligns an optical component (e.g., a fiber array connector, lens array, lens body, etc.) with a semiconductor substrate using trenches that mate with optical fiber stubs. In one embodiment, the trenches are etched into the semiconductor substrate which provides support to optical devices (e.g., lasers, lens arrays, photodetectors, etc.) that transmit optical signals to, or receive optical signals from, the optical component. An underside of the optical component is etched to include at least two grooves (e.g., V-grooves) for receiving optical fiber stubs. In one embodiment, the optical fiber stubs are a portion of optical fiber that includes the core and cladding but not the insulative jacket. Once the fiber stubs are attached to the grooves, the fiber stubs are disposed into the trenches in the semiconductor substrate thereby passively aligning the optical component to the optical device on the substrate.
Abstract:
An opto-electronic assembly is provided comprising a substrate (generally of silicon or glass) for supporting a plurality of interconnected optical and electrical components. A layer of sealing material is disposed to outline a defined peripheral area of the substrate. A molded glass lid is disposed over and bonded to the substrate, where the molded glass lid is configured to create a footprint that matches the defined peripheral area of the substrate. The bottom surface of the molded glass lid includes a layer of bonding material that contacts the substrate's layer of sealing material upon contact, creating a bonded assembly. In one form, a wafer level assembly process is proposed where multiple opto-electronic assemblies are disposed on a silicon wafer and multiple glass lids are molded in a single sheet of glass that is thereafter bonded to the silicon wafer.
Abstract:
An interposer (support substrate) for an opto-electronic assembly is formed to include a thermally-isolated region where temperature-sensitive devices (such as, for example, laser diodes) may be positioned and operate independent of temperature fluctuations in other areas of the assembly. The thermal isolation is achieved by forming a boundary of dielectric material through the thickness of the interposer, the periphery of the dielectric defining the boundary between the thermally isolated region and the remainder of the assembly. A thermo-electric cooler can be used in conjunction with the temperature-sensitive device(s) to stabilize the operation of these devices.
Abstract:
An interposer (support substrate) for an opto-electronic assembly is formed to include a thermally-isolated region where temperature-sensitive devices (such as, for example, laser diodes) may be positioned and operate independent of temperature fluctuations in other areas of the assembly. The thermal isolation is achieved by forming a boundary of dielectric material through the thickness of the interposer, the periphery of the dielectric defining the boundary between the thermally isolated region and the remainder of the assembly. A thermo-electric cooler can be used in conjunction with the temperature-sensitive device(s) to stabilize the operation of these devices.
Abstract:
Embodiments herein include an optical system, an optical component, and an associated method of passive alignment in which complementary magnetic patterns are used to provide passive alignment between optical elements. The magnetic coupling between the magnetic patterns operates to align optical elements in at least two dimensions. The magnetic coupling provides a temporary holding force on the optical elements until the optical elements are secured using epoxy or other adhesive.
Abstract:
Embodiments herein include an optical system, an optical component, and an associated method of passive alignment in which complementary magnetic patterns are used to provide passive alignment between optical elements. The magnetic coupling between the magnetic patterns operates to align optical elements in at least two dimensions. The magnetic coupling provides a temporary holding force on the optical elements until the optical elements are secured using epoxy or other adhesive.
Abstract:
An opto-electronic assembly is provided comprising a substrate (generally of silicon or glass) for supporting a plurality of interconnected optical and electrical components. A layer of sealing material is disposed to outline a defined peripheral area of the substrate. A molded glass lid is disposed over and bonded to the substrate, where the molded glass lid is configured to create a footprint that matches the defined peripheral area of the substrate. The bottom surface of the molded glass lid includes a layer of bonding material that contacts the substrate's layer of sealing material upon contact, creating a bonded assembly. In one form, a wafer level assembly process is proposed where multiple opto-electronic assemblies are disposed on a silicon wafer and multiple glass lids are molded in a single sheet of glass that is thereafter bonded to the silicon wafer.
Abstract:
An apparatus for providing releasable attachment between a fiber connector and an opto-electronic assembly, the opto-electronic assembly utilizing an interposer substrate to support a plurality of opto-electronic components that generates optical output signals and receives optical input signals. An enclosure is used to cover the interposer substrate and includes a transparent region through which the optical output and input signals pass unimpeded. A magnetic connector component is attached to the lid and positioned to surround the transparent region, with a fiber connector for supporting one or more optical fibers magnetically attached to the connector component by virtue of a metallic component contained in the fiber connector. This arrangement provides releasable attachment of the fiber connector to the enclosure in a manner where the optical output and input signals align with the optical fibers in the connector.