Abstract: An integrated optical board (IOB) is made by embedding and securing optical fibers in a substrate, and then excising the ends of the substrate to serve as optical connectors. The remaining part of the substrate may be processed, for example by carving out part or parts of its top layer, to create optical components, such as planar waveguides, therein using the alignment markers for accurate positioning of the waveguide with respect to embedded fiber cores.

Abstract: A method of forming a package of an optical waveguide and optical fibers. The optical fibers are positioned between two compressive material layers and, with the fibers located in alignment grooves with one of the compressive layers between fibers and the groove surface, compression is applied. For compression, two rigid substrates, disposed one disposed one on each side of the arrangement of fibers and compressive layers, are urged towards each other. As the compressive layers are being compressed, the fibers are urged laterally into the grooves and into optical alignment with the waveguide. Preferably, two rigid plates, one on each side of the above assembly, are urged towards each other for compression. The plates are urged together at a plurality of localized positions so that the force applied may be adjusted individually at each of these locations so as to more precisely align the fibers and waveguide. The invention also includes a package made by the method.