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 is provided in which a photodiode supported on a planar light wave circuit assembly and arranged such that a photosensitive portion of the photodiode is aligned along an optical path from the output of the planar light wave circuit to the photodiode of the planar light wave circuit assembly. The photodiode is arranged such that a spot size of light output from the planar light wave circuit is incident on the photosensitive portion such that an optical signal transmitted by the light output is converted to an electric signal by the photodiode. A mounting structure is arranged between the planar light wave circuit assembly and the photodiode in order to support the photodiode on the planar light wave circuit assembly. The optical path of the light output from the planar light wave circuit does not contain any refractive optical elements.

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 optical device may include a waveguide converter that couples an external light-carrying medium to a waveguide embedded within the optical device. In one embodiment, the optical signal emitted from the light-carrying medium enters the converter which focuses the signal (e.g., shrinks the mode of the optical signal) to better match the physical dimensions of the waveguide. Using the converter may improve transmission efficiency relative to directly coupling (e.g., butt-coupling) the light-carrying medium to the waveguide. Specifically, the converter may enable the light-carrying medium to transmit the optical signal directly into the optical device without the use of any external lenses, even if the waveguide is a sub-micron waveguide.

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: 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: An arrangement for providing passive alignment of optical components on a common substrate uses a set of reference cavities, where each optical device is positioned within a separate reference cavity. The reference cavities are formed to have a predetermined depth, with perimeters slightly larger than the footprint of their associated optical components. The reference cavity includes at least one right-angle corner that is used as a registration corner against which a right-angle corner of an associated optical component is positioned. The placement of each optical component in its own reference cavity allows for passive optical alignment to be achieved by placing each component against its predefined registration corner.

Abstract: A wafer scale implementation of an opto-electronic transceiver assembly process utilizes a silicon wafer as an optical reference plane and platform upon which all necessary optical and electronic components are simultaneously assembled for a plurality of separate transceiver modules. In particular, a silicon wafer is utilized as a “platform” (interposer) upon which all of the components for a multiple number of transceiver modules are mounted or integrated, with the top surface of the silicon interposer used as a reference plane for defining the optical signal path between separate optical components. Indeed, by using a single silicon wafer as the platform for a large number of separate transceiver modules, one is able to use a wafer scale assembly process, as well as optical alignment and testing of these modules.

Abstract: A wafer scale implementation of an opto-electronic transceiver assembly process utilizes a silicon wafer as an optical reference plane and platform upon which all necessary optical and electronic components are simultaneously assembled for a plurality of separate transceiver modules. In particular, a silicon wafer is utilized as a “platform” (interposer) upon which all of the components for a multiple number of transceiver modules are mounted or integrated, with the top surface of the silicon interposer used as a reference plane for defining the optical signal path between separate optical components. Indeed, by using a single silicon wafer as the platform for a large number of separate transceiver modules, one is able to use a wafer scale assembly process, as well as optical alignment and testing of these modules.

Abstract: Techniques for coupling light from a waveguide array to a single mode fiber array are described. In an embodiment, lateral misalignment of an array of focusing lenses and an array of optical fiber ferrules held into alignment by a lens holder sub-assembly is compensated by tilting the lens holder sub-assembly with respect to the propagation axis of the light being coupled by the lens holder-subassembly. Since the amount of tilt can be adjusted according to the degree of lateral misalignment, lens holder sub-assemblies manufactured with varying degrees of misalignment may be utilized to couple light into single mode fiber-optic cable. In addition, the same technique can also be used to compensate for other defects as well, such as angular errors in manufacturing or placement of a turning mirror or prism used to direct light into the lens holder sub-assembly.

Abstract: Techniques and configurations are provided for packaging optoelectronic devices. In particular, a lid component of an optoelectronic device is provided, and the lid component is configured to cover active components of the optoelectronic device. An optically transparent wall is also provided. The optically transparent wall is coated with an anti-reflective material and configured to interface with a section of the lid component. The optically transparent wall is joined with the section of the lid component such that the optically transparent wall and the lid provide a seal for the active components of the optoelectronic device. Additionally, the lid component has a top surface and a plurality of side surfaces that are coupled to the top surface. An optically transparent wall coated with an anti-reflective material adhesively joins to the top surface and one or more side surfaces.

Abstract: An arrangement for providing passive alignment of optical components on a common substrate uses a set of reference cavities, where each optical device is positioned within a separate reference cavity. The reference cavities are formed to have a predetermined depth, with perimeters slightly larger than the footprint of their associated optical components. The reference cavity includes at least one right-angle corner that is used as a registration corner against which a right-angle corner of an associated optical component is positioned. The placement of each optical component in its own reference cavity allows for passive optical alignment to be achieved by placing each component against its predefined registration corner.

Abstract: An apparatus for providing single mode optical signal coupling between an opto-electronic transceiver and a single mode optical fiber array takes the form of a lens array and a ferrule component. The lens array includes a plurality of separate lens element disposed to intercept a like plurality of single mode optical output signal from the opto-electronic transceiver and provide as an output a focused version thereof. The ferrule component includes a plurality of single mode fiber stubs that are passively aligned with the lens array and support the transmission of the focused, single mode optical output signals towards the associated single mode optical fiber array.

Abstract: An apparatus for transmitting optical signals includes an interposer for supporting opto-electronic components used to create optical output signals. An enclosure is used to encapsulate the populated interposer assembly and includes a silicon sidewall and a transparent lid. The sidewall is etched to include a turning mirror feature with a reflecting surface at a predetermined angle ?, the turning mirror disposed to intercept the optical output signals and re-direct them through the enclosure's transparent lid. A coverplate is disposed over and aligned with the enclosure, where the coverplate includes a silicon sidewall member that is etched to include a turning mirror element with a reflecting surface at the same angle ? as the enclosure's turning mirror element. The optical signals re-directed by the enclosure then pass through the transparent lid of the enclosure, impinge the turning mirror element of the coverplate, and are then re-directed along the longitudinal axis.

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.

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: An opto-electronic apparatus comprises a substrate for supporting a plurality of components forming an opto-electronic assembly and an optical component attached to the substrate with an adhesive material, such as a solder or epoxy. The optical component is formed to include a plurality of bond slots disposed in parallel across at least a portion of the bottom surface of the optical component, the plurality of bond slots providing a path for a liquid adhesive material and improving the ability to displace the liquid adhesive material as the component is pressed into the surface of the substrate during the attachment process.

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: A wafer scale implementation of an opto-electronic transceiver assembly process utilizes a silicon wafer as an optical reference plane and platform upon which all necessary optical and electronic components are simultaneously assembled for a plurality of separate transceiver modules. In particular, a silicon wafer is utilized as a “platform” (interposer) upon which all of the components for a multiple number of transceiver modules are mounted or integrated, with the top surface of the silicon interposer used as a reference plane for defining the optical signal path between separate optical components. Indeed, by using a single silicon wafer as the platform for a large number of separate transceiver modules, one is able to use a wafer scale assembly process, as well as optical alignment and testing of these modules.

Abstract: A four port optical add/drop multiplexer (OADM) includes an optical filter reflective at a first wavelength and transmissive at a second wavelength. An input path having both first and second wavelengths is routed toward a first side of the filter. An optical DROP path is routed from a second side of the filter, to carry the transmitted second wavelength from the filter; and an optical ADD path is routed toward the second side of the filter for carrying an ADD signal, at the second wavelength. An output path carries the first and second wavelengths from the first side of the filter, including the ADD signal at the second wavelength, providing full OADM functionality, using a single filter. The device may include collimating lenses in the signal paths, and in one embodiment the filter can be a thin film filter fabricated directly on one of these lenses, thus improving optical performance.