Patent ID: 8676006
Filing Date: 2014-03-18
Classification: G02B

Abstract:
1. A lens array that optically couples 2×n number of photoelectric conversion elements (n being the number of photoelectric conversion elements per row and more than one) arrayed in two rows on a substrate and having an optical axis in a normal line direction of a surface of the substrate, and end surfaces of 2×n number of optical fibers arrayed in two rows and having an optical axis in a direction perpendicular to the optical axis of the photoelectric conversion elements, the lens array comprising: an n-number of first lenses provided in positions opposing the photoelectric conversion elements in a first row that is a row farther from the optical fibers; an n-number of second lenses provided in positions opposing the end surfaces of the optical fibers in a first row that is a row farther from the photoelectric conversion elements; an n-number of third lenses provided in positions opposing the photoelectric conversion elements in a second row that is a row closer to the optical fibers; an n-number of fourth lenses provided in positions opposing the end surfaces of the optical fibers in a second row that is a row closer to the photoelectric conversion elements; a first reflection surface that changes a traveling direction of light emitted from the photoelectric conversion elements in the first row or the end surfaces of the optical fibers in the first row and passing through a first optical path between the first lens and the second lens; and a second reflection surface that changes a traveling direction of light emitted from the photoelectric conversion elements in the second row or the end surfaces of the optical fibers in the second row and passing through a second optical path between the third lens and the fourth lens, wherein the first reflection surface is provided in a position that does not interfere with the second optical path, and the second reflection surface is provided in a position that does not interfere with the first optical path.