JPH10186183A - Optical array module - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an optical array module capable of improving the accuracy for positioning optical fibers with respect to optical elements and to reduce the cost of a module. SOLUTION: This module is constituted of a substrate 11, an LD array 12 to be mounted on the substrate 11, optical fibers 13 to be optically coupled with the LD array 12 and an optical fiber fixing block 14. Here, a difference in level part 15 consisting of an upper surface (horizontal surface) 15A, a side wall 15B and a bottom surface for a positioning at the time of fixing and attaching the optical fiber fixing block 14 is formed on the substrate 11 and electrodes 16 being LD array fixing parts are formed on the upper surface (horizontal surface) 15A of the substrate 11.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a structure of an optical array module for optical transmission.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, this type of module is called "Sasaki,
Others: IEICE Technical Report OPE94-38,
1994, "Koyama et al .: IEICE Technical Report OPE94-43, 1994". FIG. 13 is a perspective view showing an example of such a conventional optical array module.

As shown in FIG. 1, a main part of this optical module is such that a semiconductor laser array element (LD array) 2 and an optical fiber 3 are arranged on a Si substrate 1. Here, a V-shaped groove (V-shaped groove) is formed on the Si substrate 1 as a guide groove for fixing the optical fiber by means such as etching or cutting.
(Groove) 4 is formed. The optical fibers 3 are arranged in the V-grooves 4 on the Si substrate 1 so that their ends are aligned, and are fixed by soldering or bonding.

The LD array 2 is fixed to a position on the Si substrate 1 where the emitted light is optically coupled to the optical fiber 3 on an electrode 5 formed on the Si substrate 1 by means such as soldering or bump connection. ing. In this module, an electric current flows through the LD array 2 through the electrode 5 so that the optical fiber 3
The light can be output to the
There is an advantage that the optical fiber 3 can be fixed with high accuracy.

[0005]

However, the optical module having the above configuration has the following disadvantages. (1) In the conventional module, since the optical fibers are aligned using the V-groove, the cross-sectional shape such as the depth and width of the V-groove is
It becomes a dominant factor in the positioning of the optical fiber. for that reason,
The positional deviation of the optical fiber is caused by the variation in the accuracy of the V-groove, and the optical positional deviation from the optical fiber with respect to the LD array is likely to occur.

(2) Further, extreme precision is required in the production of the V-groove, which has been an obstacle to cost reduction. The present invention
An object of the present invention is to provide an optical array module which can eliminate the above problems and improve the accuracy of positioning an optical fiber with respect to an optical element and reduce the cost.

[0007]

In order to achieve the above object, the present invention provides: [1] In an optical array module for optical transmission, a plurality of optical fibers are brought into close contact with each other and aligned in a line. An optical fiber fixing block and an optical element arranged to optically couple with the optical fiber are provided.

Therefore, it is possible to provide an optical array module which can improve the positioning accuracy of the optical fiber with respect to the optical element and can reduce the cost. [2] In the optical array module according to the above [1],
The optical element is a semiconductor laser, a photodiode, or a light receiving element. Therefore, it is possible to improve the positioning accuracy of the optical fiber with respect to the optical element including the semiconductor laser, the photodiode, or the light receiving element, and reduce the cost.

[3] In the optical array module according to the above [1] or [2], the optical fiber fixing block is formed so that the position of the optical fiber fixing block on a substrate on which an optical element is mounted can be specified. The positioning step is provided. Therefore, the positioning step portion formed so that the position of the optical fiber fixing block can be designated allows easy positioning of the optical fiber and further increases the positioning accuracy.

[4] In the optical array module according to the above [1] or [2], a part capable of fixing the optical element in a state where the optical element can be optically coupled to the optical fiber is provided in a part of the optical fiber fixing block. It is like doing it.
Therefore, the structure is simple, and the number of parts can be significantly reduced. [5] In the optical array module according to the above [1] or [2], the end face of the optical fiber of the optical fiber fixing block is processed obliquely, and the optical axis of the light emitted from the optical fiber or the light incident on the optical fiber. Is provided with an optical element bent from the center line in the longitudinal direction of the optical fiber and arranged so as to be optically coupled to the optical axis thereof.

Therefore, the structure is simple, the number of parts can be greatly reduced, and the optical array module can be compactly assembled.

[0012]

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. It should be noted that the drawings are only schematically shown to the extent that the present invention can be understood, and thus the present invention is not limited to the illustrated examples. In the following description of each embodiment, a case where eight optical fibers are used will be described, but the same applies to other numbers.

FIG. 1 is an exploded perspective view of an optical array module showing a first embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of the optical array module taken along a direction perpendicular to the optical axis of an arbitrary optical fiber shown in FIG. is there. As shown in these figures, according to the first embodiment, the optical array module includes a substrate 11 (carrier), an LD array (edge emitting LD array) 12 mounted on the substrate 11, It is composed of an optical fiber 13 optically coupled to the LD array 12 and an optical fiber fixing block 14.

The substrate 11 is made of an insulating material such as ceramic or a semiconductor material such as Si. The upper surface (horizontal surface) 15A, the side wall 15B and the bottom surface for fixing the optical fiber fixing block 14 and positioning at the time of mounting. (Horizontal surface) 15
A step portion 15 made of C is formed, and an electrode 16 is formed on an upper surface (horizontal surface) 15A of the substrate 11, which is a portion where the LD array is fixed. This electrode 16 is formed by means such as vapor deposition using a thin film of a gold (Au) alloy or the like.

The optical fiber 13 is a protective part (jacket).
Optical fiber fixing block 1
4 is a fixing plate / holding plate 14A, 14B, 14C, 14
The structure is such that the optical fiber 13 is sandwiched between four directions of D (details will be described later). The material of the optical fiber fixing block 14 is preferably a material such as ceramic or metal, but other materials may be used.

The LD array 12 is an element having a known structure in which an arbitrary number of laser resonator portions are arranged, and a position where light emitted from the LD array 12 is optically coupled to the end face of the optical fiber 13 on the electrode 16 of the substrate 11. Are fixed by means such as bonding or soldering with bumps 12A. Hereinafter, a method for manufacturing the optical array module will be described.

FIG. 3 is a manufacturing process diagram of the optical array module showing the first embodiment of the present invention. (1) First, as shown in FIG. 3A, the optical fibers 13 are arranged on a lower fixing plate 14A which is a component of the optical fiber fixing block.
Apply 4C and 14D. At this time, when solder is used to fix the optical fiber 13, whether to perform preliminary soldering on a portion where the lower fixing plate 14A and the holding plates 14C and 14D are in contact with each other, or to insert a solder sheet or the like in advance ,
Use both of them together. When an adhesive is used for fixing the optical fiber 13, the lower fixing plate 14A and the holding plate 14
An adhesive is applied to the surfaces of C and 14D.

(2) Next, as shown in FIG. 3 (b), the upper fixing plate 14B is placed on the pressing plates 14C and 14D and fixed so as to press the optical fiber 13, thereby forming the optical fiber fixing block 14. I do. At this time, this fixed block 1
For fixing 4, means such as soldering or an adhesive is used in the same manner as described above. (3) Next, as shown in FIG. 3C, the LD array 12 is fixed on the electrode 16 of the substrate 11 by means such as soldering or bump connection. Next, the optical fiber fixing block 14 manufactured as described above is fixed so as to be applied to the step 15 of the substrate 11 to complete a main part of the optical array module. At this time, the optical fiber fixing block 14 is fixed by means such as soldering or an adhesive in the same manner as described above.

With such a configuration, according to the first embodiment, (1) since the optical fibers are directly aligned in a line, the optical fibers are aligned using a conventional V-groove.
There is an advantage that the optical fiber is not displaced due to the variation in accuracy of the V-groove, and the optical position is not easily displaced from the LD array. (2) Further, since the V-groove is not required, a processing step requiring extreme precision, which was required at the time of manufacturing the V-groove, is not required, and an obstacle to cost reduction can be avoided.

Next, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described. FIG. 4 is an exploded perspective view of an optical array module showing a second embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of the optical array module taken along the optical axis of an arbitrary optical fiber of FIG. As shown in these figures, according to the second embodiment, the optical array module includes an LD array (edge emitting LD array) 22 mounted on a substrate 21 and an L array 22.
It comprises an optical fiber 23 optically coupled to a D array 22 and an optical fiber fixing block 24.
A step 25 comprising 5A, a side wall 25B and a bottom (horizontal plane) 25C is formed.

The optical fiber 23 comprises a core portion from which a protective portion (jacket) has been removed. The optical fiber fixing block 24 has a structure in which the optical fiber 23 is sandwiched between four directions of up, down, left, and right by a fixing plate and a holding plate. 25) is used in place of the lower fixing plate 14A in the first embodiment. That is, the optical fibers 23 are arranged directly on the bottom surface (horizontal surface) 25C of the step 25,
Pressing plates 24C and 24D are provided on both sides, and are further fixed from above by an upper fixing plate 24B.

Further, a substrate 21 extends in a direction opposite to the optical fiber 23, and an electrode 26 is formed on an upper surface 25A of the substrate portion. Further, the LD array 22 is fixed at a position on the electrode 26 where the light is optically coupled to the end face of the optical fiber 23. Hereinafter, a method for manufacturing the optical array module will be described. FIG. 6 is a manufacturing process diagram of the optical array module showing the second embodiment of the present invention.

(1) First, as shown in FIG. 6A, the optical fibers 23 are arranged on the bottom surface 25C of the step 25 of the substrate 21, which is a component of the optical fiber fixing block 24. The pressing plates 24C and 24D are applied.
At this time, whether to perform preliminary soldering or to insert a solder sheet or the like in advance in a portion where the step portion 25 of the substrate 21 and each of the optical fiber pressing plates 24C and 24D are in contact,
Or apply an adhesive beforehand.

(2) Next, as shown in FIG. 6B, the upper fixing plate 24B is placed on the holding plates 24C and 24D.
The optical fiber 23 is fixed so as to be pressed, and an optical fiber fixing block 24 is formed. At this time, means such as soldering or an adhesive is used for fixing the fixing block 24 as in the first embodiment. (3) Next, as shown in FIG. 6C, the LD array 22 is soldered or bumps 22A on the electrodes 26 of the substrate 21.
Then, the main part of the optical array module is completed.

With this configuration, according to the second embodiment, (1) the optical fiber 23 is directly disposed on the step 25 of the substrate 21 without using the lower fixing plate 14A used in the first embodiment. Then, the optical fiber fixing block 24 is formed, and the LD array 22 is mounted last on the electrode 26 and optically coupled to the optical fiber 23. Therefore, the number of parts required for manufacturing the array module can be reduced. Can be.

(2) Generally, since the fixed portion is fixed by soldering or an adhesive, it is shifted due to a temporal change such as a temperature change. In this regard, the present embodiment has an advantage that a shift between the optical fiber and the LD array due to a change with time is small and stable optical coupling can be obtained. Next, a third embodiment of the present invention will be described. FIG. 7 is an exploded perspective view of an optical array module showing a third embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view of the optical array module taken along a vertical direction along an optical axis of an arbitrary optical fiber of FIG.

As shown in these figures, according to the third embodiment, this optical array module includes a photodiode (PD) on a step portion 35 having an upper surface 35A, a side wall 35B and a bottom surface (horizontal surface) 35C of a substrate 31. ) An array 32 is mounted, and is composed of an optical fiber 33 from which light is emitted and an optical fiber fixing block 34. That is, the substrate 3
1 is provided with a step 35 so that the upper surface of the PD array 32 does not hit the optical fiber fixing block 34, that is, the optical fiber fixing block 34 is located above the upper surface of the PD array 32. An electrode 36 is formed on the bottom surface (horizontal surface) 35C of the step portion 35 of a certain substrate 31.

The optical fiber 33 is composed of a core portion from which a protective portion (jacket) has been removed, and is fixed by an optical fiber fixing block 34. The optical fiber fixing block 34 is processed at an angle of 45 degrees so that the optical fiber end face portion 33A faces upward. By this processing, the outgoing light of the optical fiber 33 is reflected by the optical fiber end face 33A and directed downward.

The PD array 32 is an element having a known structure in which an arbitrary number of light receiving portions are arranged. The PD array 32 has an electrode 36 on the substrate, that is, an optical fiber 33 on the electrode 36 on the bottom surface (horizontal surface) 35C of the step 35. The PD array 32 is fixed at a position where the PD array 32 is optically coupled to the emitted light by means such as coupling with a bump 32A or soldering. Hereinafter, a method for manufacturing the optical array module will be described.

FIG. 9 is a view showing a manufacturing process of an optical array module according to a third embodiment of the present invention. (1) First, as shown in FIG. 9A, the optical fibers 33 are arranged on a lower fixing plate 34A constituting the optical fiber fixing block 34, and holding plates 34 are provided on both sides of the optical fiber 33.
Apply C, 34D. Further, holding plates 34C, 34D
An optical fiber fixing block 34 is formed by placing an upper fixing plate 34B thereon and fixing the optical fiber 33 so as to press it. At this time, the fixing block 34 is fixed by means such as soldering or an adhesive as in the first embodiment.

(2) Next, as shown in FIG.
Processing is performed at an angle of 45 degrees so that the optical fiber end face portion 33A faces upward. The processing method is a known method such as polishing or cutting. (3) Next, as shown in FIG. 9C, the PD array 32 is fixed on the electrodes 36 of the substrate 31 by means such as soldering or bump connection. Next, the optical fiber fixing block 34 is fixed to the step portion 35 of the substrate 31, that is, the top surface 35A, the side wall 35B, and the bottom surface 35C, and the main part of the optical array module is completed.

With such a configuration, according to the third embodiment, (1) the PD module can be formed into an array module with high accuracy similarly to the LD array. (2) Although the PD array is generally difficult to be mounted on a plane, the present embodiment has an advantage that it can be easily mounted on a plane.

Next, a fourth embodiment of the present invention will be described. FIG. 10 is an exploded perspective view of an optical array module showing a fourth embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view of the optical array module taken along a vertical direction along an optical axis of an arbitrary optical fiber of FIG. As shown in these figures, according to the fourth embodiment, the optical array module includes a PD array 42
And an optical fiber 43 and an optical fiber fixing block 44 relating to the emission of light on which the PD array 42 is mounted. Although not shown, the optical fiber fixing block 44 is fixed on a package or a substrate.

The optical fiber 43 has a core portion and is fixed by an optical fiber fixing block 44. The optical fiber fixing block 44 includes an optical fiber end face portion 43A.
Is formed at an angle of 45 degrees so as to face downward. By this processing, the outgoing light of the optical fiber 43 is reflected by the optical fiber end face 43A and directed downward.

Further, an electrode 46 is formed on a portion of the upper surface of the optical fiber fixing block 44 where the PD array 42 is fixed. The PD array 42 is an element having a known structure in which an arbitrary number of light receiving portions are arranged, and a bump 42A is provided at a position where the PD array 42 optically couples with the output light of the optical fiber 43 on the electrode 46 of the optical fiber fixing block 44. It is fixed by means such as bonding or soldering.

Hereinafter, a method for manufacturing the optical array module will be described. FIG. 12 is a manufacturing process diagram of an optical array module showing a fourth embodiment of the present invention. (1) First, as shown in FIG. 12A, the optical fibers 43 are arranged on the lower fixing plate 44A constituting the optical fiber fixing block 44, and the holding plates 44 are provided on both sides of the optical fiber 43.
C, apply 44D. Further, the holding plates 44C, 44D
An optical fiber fixing block 44 is formed by placing an upper fixing plate 44 </ b> B having an electrode thereon and pressing and fixing the optical fiber 43. At this time, the optical fiber fixing block 44
Is fixed by means such as soldering or an adhesive as in the first embodiment.

(2) Next, as shown in FIG.
The optical fiber end face portion 43A is processed at an angle of 45 degrees so that the optical fiber end face portion 43A faces downward. (3) Next, as shown in FIG. 12 (c), a P is placed on the electrode 46 of the upper fixing plate 44B of the optical fiber fixing block 44.
The D array 42 is fixed by means such as soldering or bump connection to complete the main part of the optical array module.

With this configuration, according to the fourth embodiment: (1) Since the PD array is directly fixed on the optical fiber fixing block, the number of parts required for manufacturing the PD array module is reduced. can do. (2) Further, since the number of fixed portions between the optical fiber and the PD array can be reduced by one compared with the third embodiment, the displacement between the optical fiber and the PD array due to aging changes is small, and stable optical coupling can be obtained. There are advantages.

The present invention further has the following utilization modes. In the first and second embodiments, the LD array has been described. However, the light emitted from the optical fiber may be coupled to the PD array. In the third and fourth embodiments, the PD array has been described. However, the light may be coupled from the LD array to the optical fiber.

In the above description, a structure without a lens system has been described. However, the present invention can be similarly applied to a case where a lens is used or a structure where an optical fiber has a lens function. In addition to the LD or PD, the present invention can be similarly applied to the case of an optical modulation element, an optical switch element, and the like and a composite element thereof.

Further, the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and various modifications are possible based on the spirit of the present invention, and these are not excluded from the scope of the present invention.

[0042]

As described above, according to the present invention, the following effects can be obtained. (1) According to the first aspect of the present invention, it is possible to provide an optical array module capable of improving the accuracy of positioning an optical fiber with respect to an optical element and reducing the cost.

(2) According to the second aspect of the present invention, it is possible to improve the accuracy of positioning the optical fiber with respect to the optical element including the semiconductor laser, the photodiode or the light receiving element, and reduce the cost. (3) According to the third aspect of the present invention, the positioning step portion formed so that the position of the optical fiber fixing block can be designated allows easy positioning of the optical fiber and further increases the positioning accuracy. it can.

(4) According to the fourth aspect of the present invention, a portion for fixing the optical element in a state where the optical element can be optically coupled to the optical fiber can be provided in a part of the optical fiber fixing block. The structure is simple and the number of parts can be greatly reduced. (5) According to the fifth aspect of the present invention, the end face of the optical fiber of the optical fiber fixing block is processed obliquely, and the optical axis of the light emitted from the optical fiber or the light incident on the optical fiber is the length of the optical fiber. The optical element is arranged so as to be bent from the center line in the vertical direction and optically coupled to the optical axis, so that the structure is simple, the number of parts can be greatly reduced, and The array module can be assembled compactly.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is an exploded perspective view of an optical array module showing a first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of the optical array module cut perpendicularly along the optical axis of any optical fiber of FIG.

FIG. 3 is a manufacturing process diagram of the optical array module showing the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 4 is an exploded perspective view of an optical array module showing a second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of the optical array module taken along a direction perpendicular to the optical axis of an arbitrary optical fiber of FIG. 4;

FIG. 6 is a manufacturing process diagram of an optical array module showing a second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 7 is an exploded perspective view of an optical array module showing a third embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view of the optical array module taken along a direction perpendicular to the optical axis of an arbitrary optical fiber of FIG. 7;

FIG. 9 is a manufacturing process diagram of an optical array module showing a third embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 10 is an exploded perspective view of an optical array module showing a fourth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view of the optical array module cut perpendicularly along the optical axis of an arbitrary optical fiber of FIG.

FIG. 12 is a manufacturing process diagram of an optical array module showing a fourth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 13 is a perspective view showing an example of a conventional optical array module.

[Explanation of symbols]

11, 21, 31 Substrate 12, 22 LD array 12A, 22A, 32A, 42A Bump 13, 23, 33, 43 Optical fiber 14, 24, 34, 44 Optical fiber fixing block 14A, 34A, 44A Lower fixing plate 14B, 24B , 34B, 44B Upper fixed plate 14C, 14D, 24C, 24D, 34C, 34D, 4
4C, 44D Holding plate 15, 25, 35 Step 15A, 25A, 35A Top surface (horizontal surface) 15B, 25B, 35B Side wall 15C, 25C, 35C Bottom surface (horizontal surface) 16, 26, 36, 46 Electrode 32, 42 Photodiode ( PD) Array 33A, 43A Optical fiber end face

Claims (5)

[Claims] 1. An optical array module for optical transmission, comprising: (a) an optical fiber fixing block in which a plurality of optical fibers are brought into close contact with each other and aligned in a line; and (b) optically coupled to the optical fibers. And an optical element arranged as described above. 2. The optical array module according to claim 1, wherein said optical element is a semiconductor laser, a photodiode, or a light receiving element. 3. An optical array module according to claim 1, wherein said optical fiber fixing block is formed such that a position of said optical fiber fixing block on a substrate on which an optical element is mounted can be designated. An optical array module comprising: 4. The optical array module according to claim 1, further comprising a portion capable of fixing the optical element in a state where the optical element can be optically coupled to an optical fiber, in a part of the optical fiber fixing block. The optical array module. 5. The optical array module according to claim 1, wherein an end face of the optical fiber of the optical fiber fixing block is processed obliquely, and an optical axis of light emitted from the optical fiber or light incident on the optical fiber is adjusted. An optical array module, comprising: an optical element bent from a center line in a longitudinal direction of an optical fiber and arranged so as to be optically coupled to an optical axis thereof.