VERTICAL PLACEMENT SILICON PHOTONICS OPTICAL CONNECTOR HOLDER & MOUNT

A coupled optic system is disclosed. The coupled optic system includes an optic system. The optic system includes a frame, one or more interface lenses, a lid, and one or more frame alignment surfaces. The coupled optic system further includes an optical connector. The optical connector includes one or more connector lenses, an optical connector holder, and one or more holder alignment surfaces. The optic system is configured to be removably couplable to the optical connector, and the one or more frame alignment surfaces are configured to be removably couplable to the one or more holder alignment surfaces.

BACKGROUND

Co-Packaged Optics (CPO) is an advanced heterogeneous integration of optics and electronics in a single package aimed at addressing next generation bandwidth and power challenges.

As data rates increase there is a strong trend to move high-speed electrical signals of a transceiver closer to the switch silicon. This is giving rise to co-packaged optics (CPOs) (e.g., the mounting of transceiver optics next to switch silicon). These CPOs are becoming increasingly miniature and giving rise to the use of Silicon Photonics.

Generally, Photonic Integrated Circuits (PICs) have a light input and a light output. Typically, the input on the transmitter side of the PIC is continuous wave (CW) light which is modulated and sent into the output. The input on the receiver side of the PIC is modulated light which is then converted into electrical signals.

The typical solution for inputting and outputting light from photonics integrated circuits (PICs) is to actively align a block of optical fibers (e.g., fiber block) and glue (e.g., epoxy) the optical fibers in place. This is known as pigtailing.

The issue with pigtailing a fiber optic cable is that the structure can become very unwieldy and hard to manage, especially for a CPO with a switch chip which can have many hundreds of fibers for the inputs/outputs.

Lastly, a pigtailed solution has the problem that if one of the hundreds of fiber optic cables is accidentally broken the whole structure may become useless and may need to be scrapped. This can be costly.

SUMMARY

In one aspect, embodiments of the inventive concepts disclosed herein are directed to optic systems and optical connectors configured for removably couplable alignment.

In some embodiments, the optic system includes a frame, one or more interface lenses, a lid, and one or more frame alignment surfaces.

In some embodiments, the optical connector includes one or more connector lenses, an optical connector holder, and one or more holder alignment surfaces. In some embodiments, the optic system is configured to be removably couplable to the optical connector, and the one or more frame alignment surfaces are configured to be removably couplable to the one or more holder alignment surfaces.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Moreover, while various components may be described or depicted as being “coupled” or “connected”, any two components capable of being so associated can also be viewed as being “couplable,” to each other to achieve the desired functionality. Specific examples of couplable include but are not limited to physically mateable, physically fixed relative to another component, and/or physically interacting components. Other examples include being optically coupled, such as being optically aligned and configured to direct an optical signal being two components. Also, while various components may be depicted as being connected or coupled directly, direct connection or direct coupling is not a requirement. For example, components may be indirectly coupled (e.g., couplable) through some interface, device, or intermediate component whether physically (e.g., physically mated), optically, mechanically (e.g., via dynamically movable and physically interactable components), electrically, or otherwise. For example, components may be in data communication (e.g., optical signal communication) with intervening components that are not illustrated or described. It may be appreciated that “data communication” refers to both direct and indirect data communication (e.g., there may be intervening components). In one example, being coupled is permanent (e.g., two components epoxied, fused, and/or the like). In another example, being coupled is reversible (e.g., being “removably” coupled/couplable). For example, “removably” coupled/couplable may mean being capable of being coupled and uncoupled repeatedly and/or non-destructively (e.g., such as by being coupled by being temporarily held, clamped, pinned, latched, positioned, and/or the like in place). For example, an optical connector of the present disclosure, in at least some embodiments, may be removably coupled (e.g., couplable) to the optic system.

In addition, “edge” coupled, “edge” couplable, and the like may mean being in (and/or configured to be in) an edge coupling to an edge (e.g., such as an edge of a chip and/or PIC). Generally, there are mainly two types of optical fiber-to-chip optical couplings used: off-plane (vertical, out of plane, and the like) coupling and in-plane (butt) coupling. The former typically uses grating couplings and edge couplings are used with the latter. For example, grating couplings provide for off-plane coupling of light onto PICs utilizing an optical fiber positioned above a substrate/wafer surface (e.g., a portion of a length of the optical fiber being above and parallel to the substrate surface). On the other hand, for example, the substrate may utilize narrow etched areas around the edge of a die to facilitate access to edge couplers.

Further, “alignment” may mean any alignment, such as structural and/or optical alignment. For example, components may be optically aligned such that an optical axis of a first component is orientated relative to an optical axis of a second component (e.g., to within a given tolerance such that efficiency losses of an optical signal between the optical axes of the two components are minimized). In another example, structural alignment may mean that one component is orientated (e.g., and/or configured to be orientated) relative to another component (e.g., via one or more degrees of freedom and/or to within one or more alignment tolerances of such degrees of freedom). For instance, one component may be aligned to another component to within a tolerance in regards to six degrees of freedom, such as to within a quantity of a unit of translation (e.g., 1 micron) in an X, Y, and Z direction and a quantity of a unit of rotation about the X, Y, and Z direction.

In at least some embodiments, an alignment is provided for by one or more alignment surfaces. For example, an alignment surface may be a physically mateable and/or guidable surface that is configured to mate with and/or guide a different alignment surface of a different component, thereby providing for the alignment of the different component via such mateable (and/or guiding) alignment surfaces. For instance, such an alignment surface (e.g., comprising multiple alignment surfaces in different orientations) may be configured to constrain one or more degrees of freedom of the different component (e.g., due to the shape and orientation of such alignment surfaces).

Generally, active alignment is alignment performed in a well-controlled environment compared to passive alignment. Active alignment processes are typically much more costly and more time consuming to perform than passive alignment processes and are less practical to perform in the field.

For example, “active” alignment, being “actively” aligned, and the like may mean that active alignment techniques are required and/or conducive for such an alignment, and/or that a system is configured for being made/coupled using active alignment techniques (e.g., actively placed to within specific alignment tolerances). For example, active alignment techniques may be viewed as an alignment (e.g., permanent alignment) provided for using well-controlled alignment processes and/or precision tools. Precision tools may mean tools that are not necessarily available when an aligned component is in the field (e.g., away from its location of manufacture, in a practical and/or natural use case). In one example, an active alignment means using an imaging measurement system to align optical fibers with respective light sources and test equipment to test the optical signal launched into the optical fiber by the light source as the optical signal passes out of the opposite end of the fiber. By using these active alignment processes and active alignment equipment, a determination can be made as to whether the light source and the optical fiber are in precise alignment with one another. For instance, mechanical robotic grippers with precisely controllable (e.g., to within a few microns or less) degrees of freedom may grip one or more optical fibers until a desired alignment tolerance is met and hold the optical fibers while they are then permanently fixed in place (e.g., epoxied).

On the other hand, passive alignment, being passively aligned, and the like may mean that passive alignment techniques are required and/or conducive for such an alignment, and/or that a system is configured for being made/coupled using passive alignment techniques (e.g., to within specific alignment tolerances). For example, passive alignment may mean placing an optical connector by hand or with minimal tools (e.g., hand-operated tool such as tweezers). Such passive alignment may further mean utilizing the aide of passive guidance of one or more alignment surfaces (e.g., vertical pins, horizontal grooves). Passive guidance may mean guidance using little to no external tools (e.g., using just a user's hand and the alignment surfaces of the system itself). For example, one or more initial alignment surfaces (e.g., vertical pins) may initially keep a component constrained (passively) to a relatively rough tolerance, while one or more second alignment surfaces (e.g., as mateable surfaces, v-grooves) may provide for the ultimate (passive) alignment to a more precise tolerance. Such an example is for illustrative purposes and any combination and configuration of passive alignment surfaces and passive alignment processes may be used.

Finally, as used herein any reference to “one embodiment,” “embodiments”, or “some embodiments” means that a particular element, feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the inventive concepts disclosed herein. The appearances of the phrase “in at least one embodiment” in the specification does not necessarily refer to the same embodiment. Embodiments of the inventive concepts disclosed may include one or more of the features expressly described or inherently present herein, or any combination or sub-combination of two or more such features.

For purposes of the present disclosure, in at least some embodiments, it is noted that a Z-direction may be parallel with an optical axis of a lens (e.g., an interface lens), a Y-direction may be normal to a plane containing optical axes of one or more interface lens204(e.g., vertical), and an X-direction orthogonal thereto (e.g., horizontal). However, it should be noted that components described in respect to such directions are described for clarity purposes and such descriptions should not be seen as limiting to all embodiments of the present disclosure. For example, in some embodiments the optical axes of interface lenses are not necessarily aligned such that one plane contains all optical axes and in such an embodiment the Y-direction may be similarly defined but for a normal to plane containing a subset of the optical axes or based on the direction that an optical connector is placed from, such as in a vertical direction.

Generally, a lens (e.g., interface lens204, optical connector lens312, surface of a lens, and the like) is a component/element comprising at least partially transparent material configured to (e.g., shaped to) direct an electromagnetic beam. For example, a lens may be configured to collimate, disperse, and/or concentrate one or more portions of a beam (or multiple beams). For example, a lens may mean a single structure used to direct multiple beams (e.g., corresponding to multiple optical fibers104).

Broadly, at least some embodiments of the inventive concepts disclosed herein are directed to removably couplable optical components. In some examples, the removable coupling may be between an optic system and an optical connector. A nonlimiting example of an optic system and an optical connector and various related elements are described in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 17/732,002 titled “SILICON PHOTONIC EDGE COUPLED CONNECTOR VIA COLLIMATION” filed on Apr. 28, 2022, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. It should be noted, however, that concepts herein may be used with various optic systems and optical connectors, such as, but not limited to, optic systems configured for non-collimated light, any optic system and/or optical connector known in the art, and the like.

In some embodiments, the optical connector and the optic system are configured to be edge coupled. For example, this disclosure includes at least one embodiment directed to co-packaged optics (CPO) next to a switch application specific integrated circuit (ASIC) with an edge coupled optical connector utilizing collimated light and coupled to the inputs and outputs of a silicon photonic integrated circuit (PIC).

One of the challenges in silicon photonics is getting the light on and off the silicon in a low cost, high volume manufacturable way. In co-packaged optics (CPO), silicon photonics are located on the same package as other silicon integrated circuits (IC), such as a switch application specific integrated circuit (ASIC).

In some approaches, in order for the optical fibers to effectively transmit an optical signal, the interface lenses of the optic system must be within a certain alignment tolerance with the optical connector lens of the optical connector. This alignment allows the optical fibers to transmit their signal to an appropriate receiver at appropriate/required efficiency levels.

One approach to coupling optical fibers to a CPO system relies on butting up (pigtailing) optical fibers to silicon photonics, and permanently fixing the optical fibers in place. For example, the optical fibers may be aligned (actively) and fixed in place by an adhesive (e.g., epoxy). In this regard, an end of the optical fibers may, in a sense, be permanently attached to the silicon photonics and the other end may use standard optical connectors (e.g., multi-fiber push-on (MPO) or LC connectors). It is contemplated herein that such a configuration may work reasonably well in transceiver-based technologies, where the solution is typically fully packaged and the alignment of the entire assembly well controlled, but may present challenges in CPO applications.

A challenge of such a configuration is that the optical connector may typically be small, translucent, delicate, brittle, and hard to handle and locate. Other challenges of coupling optical fibers include that the optical fibers may transmit laser light that could damage the eyes of a user.

In at least some embodiments, the optical connector302is configured to be passively aligned and passively removably coupled to the optic system202via one or more surfaces (e.g., alignment/guiding surfaces generally such as, but not limited to, frame alignment surfaces502and optic alignment surfaces206).

Some embodiments of the present disclosure address at least some of these challenges. For example, at least some embodiments of the present disclosure allow for a coupled optic system where an array of optical fibers is much easier to locate/align (e.g., optically couple) and is not permanently attached (e.g., rather, may be removably coupled). Some embodiments include a lid to aide in protection and securing of the optical coupling. Further, some embodiments allow an operator to insert and safely secure an optical connector for use with a Co-Packaged Optics system having Photonic Integrated Circuits (CPO PIC).

For some embodiments, the coupled optic system including the optic system and the optical connector may need to survive numerous quality tests, including shock and vibration, unbiased damp heat, fiber pulling tests, and the like. Throughout these tests the optical connector may need to stay in place relative to the optic system and have minimal change in optical light input/output power. Various embodiments herein may help to ensure that the coupled optic system can pass the quality tests and be fit for a variety of purposes.

Referring toFIG.1, a schematic diagram of a coupled optic system100is shown. In at least some embodiments, a coupled optic system100includes an optic system202and an optical connector302. In some embodiments, the optic system202may, in a sense, be an optical communication interface to and from a circuit (e.g., PIC) and the optical connector302may provide for an optical coupling to such an interface allowing for data transfer to and from optical fibers104. For example, the optic system202may be a part of and/or connect to a photonics integrated circuit (PIC) such that light signals may be transmitted to and/or received from the PIC.

In at least some embodiments, the optic system202is configured to be removably couplable with the optical connector302. In this regard, the optical connector302may be nondestructively removed from being coupled to the optical connector302when desired.

In at least some embodiments, the optic system202includes one or more lids702. For example, the lids702may protect the coupled optic system100from dust and other contaminants and may prevent light from escaping the coupled optic system100in a direction that may harm a user. For example, the optical connector302may be configured to utilize a class4light which may be contained, at least partially, by the lid702. This may provide safety to human eyesight.

Referring toFIG.2, an optic system202including two lids702in an open position is shown, in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present disclosure.

In embodiments, a pin704allows for rotation of the lid702to and from an open position to a closed position. The lid702being in the open position may allow for placing and/or removing/decoupling the optical connector302. It should be noted that while a cylindrical pin704is shown as providing rotation of the lid702, any shape and/or rotational mechanism may be used such as threaded bolts, bearings, ball and socket joints, bendable materials with a bend line parallel to the X-direction, and/or the like. The pin704may be an intervening component coupled between the frame504and the lid702such that the lid702is indirectly coupled to the frame504via the pin704.

In some embodiments, an optic system202may include one or more lids702, each lid702associated with one or more optical connectors302. For example, each lid702may be associated with two or more optical connectors302as shown.

In embodiments, the lid702is made from sheet metal. In some examples, the lid702is made from a sheet metal stamping process and is configured to be made from a sheet metal stamping process. In some embodiments, the lid702is made from plastic.

In embodiments, the lid702may include springs706. For example, the springs706may be inbuilt as a monolithic part of the lid702and configured to be made via a stamping process as is shown inFIG.7B. In embodiments, the springs706provide for a downward force on the optical connector302to keep the optical connector302in optical alignment with the interface lenses. In some examples, the springs706are configured to provide a minimum of 4 newtons of downward force. For example, the springs706may be configured to provide at least 4 newtons of downward force on the optical connector302when the lid702is in a closed position. In this regard, the springs706may push against the optical connector302, which may help ensure the optical connector302stays in the optimal alignment for efficient optical coupling.

In some embodiments, the lid702includes two or more springs706. For example, each spring706may be configured to provide downward force on a different optical connector302such that a single lid may be associated with two or more optical connectors302.

In some embodiments, a lid702includes one or more lid members708. For example, the lid members708may be used to lock the lid702in the closed position and may be tabs, ridges, pins, slots, holes, and the like. For instance, the lid members708may be configured to align with lid member surfaces710when the lid702is in the closed position. For example, lid member surfaces710may be recesses, holes, slots, and/or the like defined by an element (e.g., frame504, shelf208, and/or the like) of the optic system202such that when the lid702is rotated to a closed position, the lid member surfaces710lock (e.g., snap, slip into place, restrain movement, and/or the like) the lid702into the closed position. It should be noted that lid member surfaces710may be configured to allow for a removable coupling of the lid to the open position by virtue of such locking being non-destructibly reversible. For example, the locking may be reversible by pulling (e.g., pulling by hand or tweezers) the locking tabs outwards to allow for rotating the lid702to the open position. In another example, the lid members708and lid member surfaces710allow for opening the lid702with adequate force in the Y-direction (i.e., without needing to directly pull the lid members708outwards).

Referring toFIG.3A, a coupled optic system100including an optical connector302and an optic system202are shown, in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present disclosure. Note that the optical connector302is positioned above the optic system202and is ready to be moved into place.

In embodiments, the optic system202includes a frame504. It is noted that the frame504shown is nonlimiting and the frame504may be any shape and be coupled to various components. For example, the frame504may be configured to couple with any number of optical connectors302(e.g., 1, 2, 4, 10, or the like).

In embodiments, the optic system202includes one or more frame alignment surfaces502. For example, the frame alignment surfaces502may help a user locate/align the optical connector302relative to the optic system202during a coupling. In some embodiments, the frame alignment surfaces502also help act as strain relief to the optical connector302should an external force be applied to the optical fibers104. In some embodiments, an optical connector holder304comprises and defines the frame alignment surfaces502.

In one example, the frame alignment surfaces502are coupled to the frame504. For example, the frame alignment surfaces502may be formed from a monolithic material (e.g., injection molded, cast, 3D printed, etc.). In other examples, the frame alignment surfaces502are not part of the frame504but are coupled relative to the frame504. In this regard, the frame alignment surfaces502may allow for alignment of an optical connector302relative to the optic system202.

In embodiments, as shown, the frame alignment surfaces502are vertically aligned in the Y-direction. In this regard, the frame alignment surfaces502may provide for an X-direction and Z direction alignment.

In embodiments, the frame alignment surfaces502are shaped as pins in a vertical Y-direction to provide for an initial coarse alignment. It is noted that the frame alignment surfaces502as shown are only one nonlimiting example, and the frame alignment surfaces502may be any shape and/or in any direction of alignment. For example, the frame alignment surfaces502may include a square, oval, rectangular, hexagonal, or the like shape rather than a circular pin shape. In another example, the size of the frame alignment surfaces502may be tapered along the Y-direction and/or may include an angled chamfer (as shown) or the like at the top to aide in alignment. For instance, the frame alignment surfaces502may be cone-shaped, pyramid shaped, or the like. In some examples, the frame alignment surfaces502are not vertically aligned with the Y-direction and may be aligned at one or more angles (e.g., 5 degrees, 10 degrees, and the like) relative to the Y-direction. Likewise, the shape and/or alignment of holder alignment surfaces308may be any shape and/or alignment such that the holder alignment surfaces308matches (i.e., corresponds to) the frame alignment surfaces502.

In some embodiments, the frame alignment surfaces502may be, in a sense, coarse alignment surfaces to aide in an initial alignment. Without such coarse alignment, the coupling of the optical connector302to the optic system202may be more difficult. For example, in a sense, the optic alignment surfaces206may be used for a later, finer alignment. Without an initial coarse alignment, the alignment of the optic alignment surfaces206may be difficult considering the field of view of a user is likely to be blocked by the optical connector302when making such an alignment and the size of the optic alignment surfaces206may be relatively smaller. In some embodiments, obtaining a coarser, initial alignment using the frame alignment surfaces502, a user may more quickly and easily align the optic alignment surface206with the connector alignment surface314.

In embodiments, as shown, at least one frame alignment surface502is located on one side of the optical axes of the optical connector302and at least one second frame alignment surface502is located on the opposite side of the optical axes. For example, one vertical alignment pin502may be on each side of the optical connector302as shown to restrain all but one degree of freedom (e.g., translation in the Y-direction).

In embodiments, the frame alignment surfaces502are staggered in a plane containing the X-direction and Z-direction (as shown) relative to the Z-direction to allow for relatively close positioning (i.e., efficient use of space) of optical connectors302.

Referring toFIG.3B, an optical connector302removably coupled to an optic system202including a lid702in an open position is shown, in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present disclosure. In this regard, the optical connector302is shown in a coupled position for illustrative purposes before the lid702is placed into the closed position, which would blocking such a view. In some embodiments, the frame alignment surfaces502couple with the optical connector302as shown.

Referring toFIG.3C, a coupled optic system100including optical connector guides602and stops604is shown, in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present disclosure.

In some embodiments, the optic system202includes one or more optical connector guides602coupled to the frame504. For example, the optical connector guides602may act to help, in a sense, funnel/guide the optical connector302along a Y-direction into place during a coupling process. In some examples, the one or more optical connector guides602are made from injection molded plastic.

In some embodiments, the optic system202includes one or more stops604. For example, the stops604may be configured to restrain the optical connector302in a Z-direction defined along an optical axis of the one or more interface lenses204. For example, the one or more optical connector guides602may include such stops604.

For reference of nonlimiting locations of stops604, see stop604locations inFIG.3C. For example, one stop604may be a portion (surface) of the frame504and be configured to constrain a portion (surface) of the optical connector302. For instance, a surface of a spacer804(seeFIG.8B) may be a stop804configured to restrain an intermediary element306(seeFIG.5A) of the optical connector302. Another stop604(as shown by the stop604in the lower right ofFIG.3C) may be located under the optical connector302and may be configured to align with a secondary portion or surface of the optic system202. In some embodiments, stops604constrain the optical connector302to within 50 or 100 microns in the Z-direction to help optically locate the optical connector302. For example, the stops604may provide for a maximum range of movement of the optical connector302of 50 microns in the Z-direction.

Referring toFIG.4, an optic system202including a shelf208is shown, in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present disclosure. In embodiments, the shelf208includes one or more optic alignment surfaces206. In embodiments, the shelf208includes a recess (not labeled) between optic alignment surfaces206and configured to receive a removable coupling of an optical connector302. In some examples, the one or more interface lenses204are coupled to the shelf208such that a component (e.g., optical connector302) that is coupled and aligned to the optic alignment surfaces206is also coupled and aligned to the one or more interface lenses204. In this regard, the optic alignment surfaces206may be configured to allow for a precise optical coupling.

While the shelf208is shown as a single body with one optic alignment surface206on each side of a middle portion (e.g., recess), the shelf208is not limited to such an embodiment and the shelf208may, for example, include a variety of numbers, locations, shapes, and/or the like of optic alignment surfaces206, middle portions, and any other element/limitation depicted or described. For example, the shelf208may have optic alignment surfaces206of various sizes (e.g., relatively larger sizes for a rough initial alignment in one direction and smaller sizes for a final precise alignment in a different direction), of a variety of shapes (grooves such as a V-shaped groove, trenches, rectangular notches, U-shaped grooves, pyramid-shaped surfaces, cone-shaped surfaces, vertical pins, and/or any other shape conducive to alignment), and/or in a variety of locations of the shelf208(e.g., on a surface of the middle portion, on a top surface (as shown), on a bottom surface, on one or more outside side surfaces, on a front surface, on a back surface, and/or the like). Similarly, any of the surfaces/elements/limitations of the optical connector302(e.g., the connector alignment surfaces314, holder alignment surfaces308) and frame alignment surfaces502that are described and depicted in the present disclosure are not limited to what is described and depicted and may likewise vary in number, size, location, and/or the like.

Referring toFIG.5A, a top view of an optical connector302is shown, in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present disclosure.

In embodiments, the optical connector302includes one or more optical connector lenses312and an optical connector holder304coupled to the optical connector lenses312. For example, the optical connector lenses312may be configured to align and optically couple with one or more interface lenses204. In some examples, the optical connector holder304is metal. For instance, optical connector holder304may be configured to be stamped from a single layer of sheet metal.

In embodiments, the optical connector includes a fiber block as shown (but not labeled), which may be coupled to the optical connector lenses312and/or the intermediary element306. For example, the fiber block (e.g., fiber array unit (FAU)) may be actively aligned with the optical fibers104. In some examples, the fiber block is made of glass.

In embodiments, the one or more optical connector lenses312are configured to at least one of, receive and/or transmit a collimated lightbeam, or at least partially collimate a lightbeam. Further, the interface lenses204of the optic system may be configured to at least one of, receive and/or transmit a collimated lightbeam, or at least partially collimate a lightbeam. In this regard, the coupled optic system100may be used with collimated light, which may relax alignment tolerance requirements in the X, Y, and Z directions.

In some embodiments, the optical connector holder304is coupled to other elements (e.g., connector lenses312) of the optical connector302via an intermediary element306such as an adhesive (e.g., flexible foam adhesive). The intermediary element306may help prevent a coefficient of thermal expansion mismatch from causing an optical misalignment between the optical connector302and the optical connector holder304.

In embodiments, the optical connector holder304may include, but is not required to include, one or more holder alignment surfaces308. For example, as shown inFIG.3A, the holder alignment surfaces308may be configured to align with the frame alignment surfaces502(e.g., vertical pins) of the optic system202. In this regard, the holder alignment surfaces308may allow for an alignment of the optical connector302in the Z-direction and the X-direction. As shown, the holder alignment surfaces308may comprise voids defined by the optical connector holder304. In some examples, the holder alignment surfaces308are coplanar. For example, the holder alignment surfaces308may be coplanar along a plane parallel to the Z-direction and the X-direction.

In embodiments, the optical connector holder304may include/define relief surfaces310. The relief surfaces310may be configured to minimize the amount of thermal expansion in directions relative to the alignment of the relief surfaces310. For example, by minimizing thermal expansions, optimal optical alignment may be provided for.

Referring toFIG.5B, a bottom view of the optical connector302including connector alignment surfaces314is shown, in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present disclosure.

In some embodiments, the connector alignment surfaces314may help align/couple the optical connector302with the optic system202. The connector alignment surfaces314may optically locate and constrain the optical connector302relative to the optic system202(e.g., relative to the interface lenses204) in an X and/or Y direction. For example, the optic system202may have corresponding optic alignment surfaces206(e.g., V-shaped grooves) that are configured to align with the connector alignment surfaces314. This alignment may allow for the optical connector302to be aligned to within 10 (or 15 or 20) microns down to a sub-micron alignment in the X and/or Y direction (e.g., 1 micron of tolerance in each direction).

In some embodiments, an optical alignment tolerance of a coupling between the optic system202and the optical connector302may be as low as 25-100 microns (e.g., 25, 50, or 100) in the Z-direction, and/or 5-20 (e.g., 5, 10, 15 or 20) microns in the X-direction and/or Y-direction.

In some examples, the connector alignment surfaces314are connector alignment rods (i.e., cylindrically rod-shaped on at least one side). In embodiments, dimensions of parts may include, but are not limited to, a length of about 5 mm and/or a diameter of about 0.22 mm for the connector alignment surfaces314. The pitch (i.e., spacing between rod centers) may be about 6.4 mm. The frame alignment surfaces502may be 1.5 mm in diameter and/or may have a pitch between frame alignment surfaces502of 8 mm (for frame alignment surfaces502of the same optical connector302).

Referring toFIG.6, an optic system202is shown in the context of use with a co-packaged optics system102, in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present disclosure. For example, in some embodiments, the optic system202includes and/or is configured to be compatible with some or all of the elements shown. In some examples, as shown, the optic system202is configured for at least four optical connectors302per side.

Referring toFIG.7, a lid702including a covering712is shown, in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present disclosure. The covering712may provide for added protection from dust, dirt, and the like and added prevention of the escape of light from the optic system202. For example, the covering712may be coupled to the lid702and move with the lid702. In some examples the covering712is located to cover holes left by stamped springs706, and/or any other holes.

In embodiments, the frame504is configured to be thermally coupled to the electronic integrated circuits (EIC), the photonic integrated circuits (PIC), and/or any transceiver/receiver components such that the frame504acts as a heat-sink for such components. For example, as shown inFIG.7, the frame504may extend towards the center of the CPO system102allowing for absorption of thermal energy from surrounding areas. For example, a portion of the frame504may be mated to the application specific integrated circuit (ASIC) side of a CPO system. Such a portion may dissipate heat to the surfaces it is thermally coupled to (e.g., the surface above and below it). For example, the portion of the frame504on the left side ofFIG.7and the adhesive surface506may be thermally coupled together. The frame504may be configured to dissipate (expel) about 15-20 watts (e.g., up to 15 watts, 16 watts, 20 watts, and the like) of heat (e.g., from the optical connector).

In embodiments, the frame504may serve other functions. For example, the frame504may be shaped to protect the exterior of the shelves208and the optical connector302. For example, as shown, the frame504may enclose and/or partially enclose portions (e.g., front, sides, bottom, and the like) of the shelves208and/or optical connectors302, such as portions that are not enclosed by the lids702or other components.

In embodiments, the frame504may be made from metal. For example, the frame504may be copper tungsten. Such a material may have the same coefficient of thermal expansion (CTE) as other materials in the system such that optical elements (e.g., lenses) stay in alignment during a temperature change. In some examples, the frame504may have a relatively low CTE compared to other neighboring components such that the frame expands less than such neighboring components.

Referring toFIG.8A, a coupled optic system100including a support member802is shown, in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present disclosure.

In some embodiments, a support member802may be underneath (in a Y-direction) the shelf208. The support member802may prevent the shelf208breaking (i.e., provide structural support in a Y-direction), when inserting the optical connector302. In this regard, the shelf208may be supported along the X-direction by the support member802. It should be noted that the shelf208may be very brittle. For example, the shelf208may be made of at least one of glass and/or silicon.

In embodiments, the support member802and the shelf208are epoxied together. In some examples, the shelf208is not epoxied to anything else except the support member802and may slidably rest on the frame504as shown. Such a configuration may be to prevent any thermal expansion mismatch in elements/components of the optic system202from cracking the shelf208. To further prevent stress on the coupled optic system100, the support member802may be made from a Copper Tungsten (CuW) which may be thermal expansion matched to the shelves (e.g., silicon shelves)208.

Referring toFIG.8B, a side view of an optic system202including a support member802and a spacer804is shown, in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present disclosure.

In embodiments, the optic system202may include a spacer804. The spacer804may be placed above (in a Y-direction) and be coupled to the support member802as shown. For example, the spacer804may be disposed between the support member802and the shelf208. The spacer804may be configured to vary in size depending on the gap between the support member802and the shelf208. For example, an active alignment of the shelf208may require a certain positioning of the shelf208. The shelf208may be actively aligned (e.g., via controlled robotic methods) to such a location and then coupled to the support member802using the spacer804. For example, the spacer804may be flexible (e.g., initially, before curing, and the like) and/or made from a material or process that allows it to fill a wide range of gap sizes. For instance, the spacer804may be an epoxy that is configured to fill a range of gap sizes when in a liquid state and configured to harden to a solid, non-flexible state to restrain the shelf208in a certain position relative to the support member802and/or interface lenses204.

Various embodiments of the optic system202and the optical connector302will now be discussed more generally.

In some embodiments, the optic system202and the optical connector302may be configured to be used with single mode (e.g., modal) photonics. In some embodiments, the optic system202and the optical connector302may be configured to be used with Coarse Wavelength-Division Multiplexing (CWDM) photonics, which may utilize multiple channels and/or wavelengths for communicating.

In some embodiments, the collection of parts that help to protect an optical coupling of the optical connector302and optic system202may be collectively given the name “clamshell connector.” In some embodiments, the interface lens204may also be called the PIC lens and be coupled to the PIC. In some embodiments, the optical connector302may include (or be) a Fiber Array Unit.

It is believed that the inventive concepts disclosed herein and many of their attendant advantages will be understood by the foregoing description of embodiments of the inventive concepts disclosed, and it will be apparent that various changes may be made in the form, construction, and arrangement of the components thereof without departing from the broad scope of the inventive concepts disclosed herein or without sacrificing all of their material advantages; and individual features from various embodiments may be combined to arrive at other embodiments. The form herein before described being merely an explanatory embodiment thereof, it is the intention of the following claims to encompass and include such changes. Furthermore, any of the features disclosed in relation to any of the individual embodiments may be incorporated into any other embodiment.