Patent ID: 9563030
Date: 2017-02-07
CPC Classifications: G02B

Claim:
1. A connector for coupling optical signals to a semiconductor device, the connector comprising: a connector member comprising a recessed portion to arrange a plurality of waveguides formed side-by-side in a transverse direction, wherein each waveguide in the plurality of waveguides is an individual waveguide comprising a core surrounded by an individual cladding layer extending from a base portion of a polymer ribbon comprising the plurality of waveguides, and wherein each waveguide in the plurality of waveguides is separated from at least one adjacent waveguide in the plurality of waveguides by a surface of the base portion without a cladding layer; and a backup member arranged within the recessed portion interposing the plurality of waveguides between the connector member and the backup member, wherein the recessed portion comprises a plurality of ridges disposed on a surface that is parallel to the plurality of waveguides when interposed between the connector member and the backup member, the plurality of ridges arranged in a staggered pattern relative to the plurality of waveguides for positioning the plurality of waveguides relative to the connector, wherein adjacent ridges in the plurality of ridges are separated by a space configured to receive at least the cladding of one corresponding waveguide in the plurality of waveguides, and wherein each ridge in the plurality of ridges is configured to contact the surface of base portion of the polymer ribbon without a cladding layer.