MICRO-LENS ARRAY OPTICALLY COUPLED WITH A PHOTONICS DIE

Embodiments described herein may be related to apparatuses, processes, and techniques for coupling a micro-lens array to a photonics die. In embodiments, this coupling may be performed as an attach at a wafer level. In embodiments, wafer level optical testing of the photonics die with the attached micro-lens array may be tested electrically and optically before the photonics die is assembled into a package, in various configurations. Other embodiments may be described and/or claimed.

FIELD

Embodiments of the present disclosure generally relate to the field of semiconductor packaging, and in particular to micro-lens arrays physically and optically coupled with a photonics die.

BACKGROUND

Continued growth in virtual machines and cloud computing will continue to increase the demand for high-quality optical receiver and transmitter devices.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Embodiments described herein may be related to apparatuses, processes, and techniques related to coupling a micro-lens array to a photonics die. In embodiments, this coupling may be performed as an attach at a wafer level. In embodiments, wafer level optical testing of the photonics die with an attached micro-lens array may be tested electrically and optically before the photonics die is assembled into a package, resulting in a higher package yield.

For photonics packaging, including silicon photonics packaging, one challenge is to have highly accurate alignments between silicon optical waveguides and external optical waveguides. For example, between optical fibers that are coupled with optical waveguides of an optical transceiver. Typically, accurate alignments require a nanometer (nm) level alignment accuracy. In addition, the interface should be robust to endure operational stresses without degradation in reliability and/or optical performance degradation.

In embodiments, the micro-lens array may use collimated optical beams. This may reduce, afterward-alignment accuracy requirements, which in turn may facilitate low-cost/high-volume manufacturing (HVM)-scalable packaging processes that include these photonics dies. For example, without using a lens array, the alignment accuracy needed for a quality optical coupling may be ˜1-2 um. With a lens array, this alignment accuracy may be relaxed to ˜10 um or so. This is because a lens can collimate the beam of light to a larger diameter. Thus, a lower alignment requirement can be achieved using less expensive tooling and faster manufacturing processes. In addition, process control requirements may be less stringent. Thus, in embodiments higher yields can be obtained using lenses.

Various Figures herein may depict one or more layers of one or more package assemblies. The layers depicted herein are depicted as examples of relative positions of the layers of the different package assemblies. The layers are depicted for the purposes of explanation, and are not drawn to scale. Therefore, comparative sizes of layers should not be assumed from the Figures, and sizes, thicknesses, or dimensions may be assumed for some embodiments only where specifically indicated or discussed.

FIG. 1illustrates a side view and a bottom view of an example legacy photonics package with optical fibers optically coupled to a photonics die using one or more V-grooves. Legacy package100shows a partial side view of a legacy photonics package that includes a photonics die102that is electrically coupled with an XPU104. In embodiments, the photonics die102and the XPU104may be electrically coupled using an electrical interface105. The electrical interface105may include an interconnect bridge, such as an embedded multi-die interconnect bridge (EMIB), or a silicon interposer, organic routing on substrate106or a redistribution layer (RDL) on substrate106, or some other electrical coupling. In embodiments, the electrical coupling may be a high density electrical coupling.

In implementations, the XPU104and the photonics die102may be thermally coupled to an integrated heat spreader (IHS)108. In implementations, there may be a thermal interface material (TIM) (not shown), such as a thermal paste, that is disposed between the IHS108and the XPU104and photonics die102to route heat away from the XPU104and photonics die102.

In implementations, the photonics die102may overhang the substrate106where V-grooves110may be used to align a first set of optical fibers112so that they are optically coupled with the photonics die102. In other implementations, these V-grooves110may take various other shapes and dimensions as required to facilitate a high quality optical coupling with the photonics die102. In implementations, an epoxy113may be applied to secure the first set of optical fibers112to the photonics die102.

A support structure114may be physically coupled with the IHS108to support the first set of optical fibers112to facilitate the quality and robustness of the optical connection of the first set of optical fibers112with the photonics die102. In other embodiments, the support structure114may be physically coupled with some other component of the legacy package100. In implementations, the fibers112may optically couple with an optical coupler116, which may be implemented as a ferrule or other similarly functioning device, to optically couple with light sources outside legacy package100. In embodiments, the optical coupler116may be seen as a “pigtail” to which one or more optical fibers (not shown) may be inserted during assembly of the legacy package100into a computing system to create an optical circuit that includes the first set of optical fibers112and the photonics die102.

In implementations, the substrate106may be coupled with a printed circuit board (PCB)117using solder ball connections118in a ball attach process. In other implementations, the substrate106may be coupled with the PCB117using bumps, land pads, pins, or some other electrical and/or physical coupling mechanism.

In implementations of legacy package100, each fiber of the first set of optical fibers112needs to align with the silicon waveguide in the photonics die102very accurately. With a long pigtail, where the first set of optical fibers112may include 24 individual fibers per photonics die. In other implementations of legacy package100, there may be multiple photonics dies (not shown), for example, up to six photonics dyes per package, each with a single fiber112sitting in a V-groove110and bonded by optical epoxy113. This legacy assembly may lack physical, optical, and/or electrical robustness during handling and operation.

FIG. 2illustrates a front view of a photonics die that includes a micro-lens array, in accordance with various embodiments. Diagram200shows a photonics die202, which may be similar to photonics die102ofFIG. 1, that includes a micro-lens array220that is optically coupled with the photonics die202. In embodiments, a micro-lens array220may have one lens per fiber. So, if a fiber pitch is 125-250 um pitch, the micro-lens array220will have the same pitch. Thus, the micro-lens array220may be a very small array, and may be typically manufactured in array form. Since the micro-lens array220is at micro scale, it is referred to as a micro-lens array220.

In embodiments, the micro-lens array220may be optically coupled using an epoxy224, which may be similar to epoxy113ofFIG. 1. In embodiments, the epoxy224may be an optical adhesive used to bond or cement optical components together. Optical adhesives may allow for precise positioning of optical components prior to physically attaching to the photonics die202, and do not obscure a light path once the adhesive is cured.

In embodiments, the photonics die202may include a bump region240, which includes multiple bumps242that may be used to electrically couple with an electrical interface such as electrical interface105ofFIG. 1. In embodiments, the bump region240may be referred to as a first level interconnect (FLI) bump region. In embodiments, the electrical interface to which the bump region240may be electrically coupled may be an EMIB to facilitate high-speed electrical communication between the photonics die202and another package die, for example XPU104ofFIG. 1. In embodiments, there may be an epoxy barrier244that may be physically applied to the photonics die202and positioned between the micro-lens array220and the bump region240. The epoxy barrier244has a height that will prevent epoxy224from entering the bump region240during the manufacturing process. The epoxy barrier244will prevent the epoxy224from interfering with the electrical operation and/or subsequent attach of the bump region240to another component, such as the electrical interface105or the substrate106ofFIG. 1, during the manufacturing process when the micro-lens array220is coupled with the photonics die202.

Turning now to the detail of the micro-lens array and where it attaches to the photonics die, the micro-lens array220may be positioned proximate to a grating coupler246. In embodiments, the grating coupler246may be used for vertically optically coupling light, and may include periodic etch structures designed to diffract light in a different direction. In embodiments, a light path248may transmit light within the photonics die202, and may be optically coupled with the grating coupler246. The grating coupler246may then change the direction of the optical path250toward a lens222of the micro-lens array220. By varying the position of the grating coupler246within the photonics die202in relation to the lens222, or by varying the design of the grating coupler246, the direction light path250may be designed for a particular angle. In embodiments, there may be a grating coupler246associated with each of the lenses222of the micro-lens array220

FIG. 3illustrates a front and a top view of a photonics die that includes multiple micro-lens arrays, in accordance with various embodiments. Micro-lens arrays320,321, which may be similar to micro-lens array220ofFIG. 2, are arranged on a photonic die302, which may be similar to photonic die202ofFIG. 2. As shown, the micro-lens arrays320,321are oriented in a line, and are physically and optically coupled with the photonic die302using an epoxy324, which may be similar to epoxy224ofFIG. 2. In embodiments, epoxy barrier344, which may be similar to epoxy barrier244ofFIG. 2, is physically coupled with the photonics die302. The epoxy barrier344may serve to protect, for example a first level interconnect bump region340, that may be used to electrically couple the photonics die to an interconnect bridge or to another die.

As shown, each of the lenses322and lenses323, which may be similar to lens222ofFIG. 2, are oriented in a line and may be grouped within a particular micro-lens array320,321.FIG. 3shows just one example of a micro-lens array layout. In other embodiments, the micro-lens arrays320,321may be parallel with each other (not shown). A different number of individual lenses322,323may be used with various micro-lens arrays320,321.

FIG. 4illustrates an example of physical alignment features to align a micro-lens array onto a photonics die, in accordance with various embodiments. As discussed above and elsewhere herein, accurate alignment between waveguides within a photonics die and external waveguides, at a nanometer level, is very important for optical performance and optical signal quality. In embodiments, micro-lens array420, which may be similar to micro-lens array320ofFIG. 3may be positioned onto a photonics die402, which may be similar to photonics die302ofFIG. 3, with great precision using physical alignment features.

In one embodiment, as shown, a V-groove428may be created in a surface of the photonics die402at a required depth to mate with a bump403that is placed on a side of the micro-lens array420opposite the side that includes the lenses422. In embodiments, the V-groove428and the bump403may be dimensioned so that there is almost no positioning variation when the micro-lens array420is applied to the photonics die402. The V-groove428may be created using the same anisotropic etching technique as the other V-grooves for fibers. V-groove428may be long as a groove or it can also be an inverted pyramid. Before etching the V-grooves428(or V pyramids), a mask layer (not shown) is deposited on the silicon (typically silicon nitride or oxide). The mask layer openings (not shown) are created using lithography. All V-groove428openings can be created in a single lithography step which eliminates any XY alignment errors between V-groove428and other V grooves. As the micro-lens array420is self-aligned in428and fibers, which may be similar to fibers112ofFIG. 1, are self-aligned in the fiber V-grooves, which may be similar to V-grooves110ofFIG. 1, the position error between lens array and fibers becomes very small. In other embodiments, a groove (not shown) may be made into a side of the micro-lens array420, and a bump (not shown) may be created on the surface of the photonics die402. In embodiments, an epoxy424, which may be similar to epoxy324ofFIG. 3, may be applied before the micro-lens array420is applied to the photonics die402.

In embodiments, there may be multiple V-grooves428and/or bumps403applied in different orientations along a side of the micro-lens array420(not shown), in order to provide alignment in both an X and a Y direction along the surface of the photonics die402. In embodiments, these physical alignment features may be important to align the various lenses422with various grating couplers, such as grating coupler246ofFIG. 2to facilitate optimal optical path alignment.

The descriptions above with respect toFIGS. 2-4are generally directed to physically and optically coupling a micro-lens array, such as micro-lens array420, to a photonics die such as photonics die402. The discussion below is generally directed to optically coupling optical paths outside the photonics die402with the photonics die402using the micro-lens array420.

FIG. 5illustrates an example package that includes a photonics die coupled with a substrate that has an opening to allow a light path to reach a micro-lens array on the photonics die, in accordance with various embodiments. Photonics package500shows a photonics die502, that may be similar to photonics die302ofFIG. 3, that is electrically coupled with XPU504, thermally coupled with IHS508, and physically and/or electrically coupled with substrate506, which may be similar to XPU104, IHS108, and substrate106ofFIG. 1. A micro-lens array520, which may be similar to micro-lens array320ofFIG. 3, is optically coupled with the photonics die502. In embodiments the photonics die502may be an optical receiver, optical transmitter, and/or optical transceiver.

Substrate506includes a cavity530into which all or part of the micro-lens array520may be inserted. The cavity530may serve as a light path between a lens522of the micro-lens array520of the photonics die502and a lens542of a second micro-lens array540that may be coupled with a side517of the substrate506opposite the photonics die502. In embodiments, the cavity530may include a waveguide, a light-transmitting material, or one or more optical fibers. In embodiments, the light-transmitting material may include optical adhesive, silicon, or glass. In embodiments, the cavity530may be an open air channel. In embodiments, the cavity530may be made into the substrate506during the time of substrate manufacture.

In embodiments, the second micro-lens array540may be coupled with the side517of the substrate506using an epoxy524, which may be similar to epoxy224ofFIG. 2, or can be mechanically plugged in from the BGA side of the substrate517. A waveguide541, which may be a light-transmitting material or one or more optical fibers, may optically couple with the second micro-lens array540. In embodiments, there may be multiple micro-lens arrays520coupled with the photonics die502, which will be aligned with multiple second micro-lens arrays540and optically coupled through cavity530. In embodiments, light may be transmitted and/or received from a ball grid array (BGA) side517of the substrate506.

FIG. 6illustrates an example package that includes a photonics die coupled with a substrate and overhanging the substrate, with a deflection prism coupled with the substrate to change direction of light along a light path to a micro-lens array coupled with the photonics die, in accordance with various embodiments. Photonics package600shows a photonics die602that is electrically coupled with XPU604, thermally coupled with IHS608, and physically and/or electrically coupled with substrate606, which may be similar to photonics die502, XPU504, IHS508, and substrate506ofFIG. 5. A micro-lens array620, which may be similar to micro-lens array520ofFIG. 5, is optically coupled with the photonics die602. As shown, the portion of the photonics die602that includes the micro-lens array620may be disposed in an overhang portion603above the substrate606.

As shown with this embodiment, the overhang portion603may also include a deflection mechanism646to change direction of the light path entering or leaving the micro-lens array620. In embodiments, this mechanism646may be a deflection prism, a 45° reflector, which can be created through certain surface coating, or through refractive index difference. The deflection mechanism646may provide optical coupling for light entering or leaving the micro-lens array620. In embodiments this light may travel down fiber array648. In embodiments, each fiber of the fiber array648may include a lensed facet649to transmit and receive light to and from the deflection mechanism646, or this can be a lens array attached to the fiber array end.

In embodiments, fiber array648may be physically coupled with the substrate606. In embodiments, the fiber array may be secured by a connector body650, which may be physically coupled with the substrate606. The connector body650top plate may secure the fiber array648defined in certain pitch.

An alignment hole652is included in the ferule design. In this way, a mating ferrule of another fiber connector with an array of optical fibers (not shown) may be inserted into the alignment hole652and provide a high-quality optical coupling with the fiber array648. In embodiments, magnets654may be positioned proximate to the alignment hole652to provide for holding the external fiber connector ferrule (not shown) into the alignment hole652. The magnets654may provide a way for the plurality of optical fibers (not shown) to become unplugged if undue force is applied to the plurality of optical fibers, so that they are unplugged rather than broken by the undue force.

FIG. 7illustrates an example package that includes a photonics die coupled with the substrate having an opening to allow a light path to reach a micro-lens array on the photonics die, where the light path includes a lens coupled with the substrate, in accordance with various embodiments. Photonics package700shows a photonics die702that is electrically coupled with XPU704, thermally coupled with IHS708, and physically and/or electrically coupled with substrate706, which may be similar to photonics die502, XPU504, IHS508, and substrate506ofFIG. 5. A micro-lens array720, which may be similar to micro-lens array520ofFIG. 5, is optically coupled with the photonics die702. As shown, the portion of the photonics die702that includes the micro-lens array720may be disposed on the substrate706and above a cavity703in the substrate706.

In embodiments, a connector body750, which may be similar to connector body650ofFIG. 6, may partially or completely fill the cavity703in the substrate706. In embodiments, the connector body750may be a metal, an insulator, a dielectric, or some other material that may be used to support waveguide748, which may be similar to waveguide648ofFIG. 6. A second micro-lens array730may be physically coupled with and/or embedded into the connector body750. In embodiments, the second micro-lens array730may be aligned with the micro-lens array720provide a high-quality optical connection between the two arrays. Second micro-lens array730may be optically coupled with a waveguide731that will conduct light to waveguide748.

In embodiments, waveguide748may be a silicon waveguide, and optical fiber waveguide, or an open-air cavity through which light signals may be transmitted. In embodiments, one end of the waveguide749may angled so that the optical path731may be turned so that light signals may flow down through waveguide748. In embodiments, the second micro-lens array730may be directly physically and optically coupled with the waveguide748. In embodiments, the waveguide748may be a fiber array, an open-air channel, or some other medium able to conduct light. For the non-fiber cases, the channel surface of this waveguide needs to be smooth enough to avoid non-necessary light scattering, and the surrounding materials should also be properly selected in the right range of refractive index to avoid light leaking out.

In embodiments, the other end of the waveguide748may optically couple with an alignment hole752, which may be similar to alignment hole652ofFIG. 6. In this way, a plurality of optical fibers (not shown) may be inserted into the alignment hole752and provide a high-quality optical coupling with the waveguide748. In embodiments, magnets754, which may be similar to magnets654ofFIG. 6, may be positioned proximate to the alignment hole752to provide for holding the plurality of optical fibers (not shown) into the alignment hole752. The magnets754may provide a way for the plurality of optical fibers (not shown) to become unplugged if undue force is applied to the plurality of optical fibers, such that they are unplugged rather than broken by the undue force.

FIG. 8illustrates an example package that includes a photonics die with a micro-lens array coupled to a side of the photonics die facing an integrated heat spreader (IHS) that has a micro-lens array directed toward the photonics die to optically coupled with the photonics die, in accordance with various embodiments. Photonics package800shows a photonics die802that is electrically coupled with XPU804, thermally coupled with IHS808, and physically and/or electrically coupled with substrate806, which may be similar to photonics die502, XPU504, IHS508, and substrate506ofFIG. 5. Photonics package800shows an example embodiment using an open cavity Photonic Integrated Chip (OCPIC) to directly electrically couple the photonics die802with the XPU804.

A micro-lens array820, which may be similar to micro-lens array520ofFIG. 5, is optically coupled with the photonics die802. As shown, the photonics die802that includes the micro-lens array820may be disposed on the substrate806and at least a portion of the photonics die802will be within a cavity803above the substrate806. Note that the photonics die802may have bumps (not shown), similar to bumps242ofFIG. 2, on both sides of the photonic die802in order to electrically couple with both the XPU804and the substrate806.

In embodiments, a second micro-lens array830may be coupled with a portion of the IHS808. In embodiments, the second micro-lens array830may be coupled proximate to or at an edge of the IHS808that is proximate to the cavity803. In embodiments, an optical path848may extend from the micro-lens array830through the integrated heat spreader808. In embodiments, the optical path848may be a fiber-optic array, or some other waveguide. In embodiments, the substrate806may be electrically and/or physically coupled with a PCB816using a BGA818.

In embodiments, the photonics die802may include a grating coupler (not shown) such as grating coupler246ofFIG. 2. The grating coupler is to change the direction of the light path from, for example, perpendicular to the photonics die, to a waveguide that may be similar to waveguide248ofFIG. 2, that is parallel to and included within the photonics die802. This waveguide may be optically coupled with the micro-lens array820.

FIG. 9illustrates an example package that includes a photonics die with a micro-lens array coupled to a side of the photonics die facing an IHS having an opening to provide a light path for the micro-lens array, in accordance with various embodiments. Photonics package900shows a photonics die902that is electrically coupled with XPU904, thermally coupled with IHS908, and physically and/or electrically coupled with substrate906, which may be similar to photonics die502, XPU504, IHS508, and substrate506ofFIG. 5. Photonics package900shows an example embodiment using an OCB to directly electrically couple the photonics die902with the XPU904.

A micro-lens-array920, which may be similar to micro-lens array520ofFIG. 5, is optically coupled with the photonics die902. As shown, the photonics die902that includes the micro-lens-array920may be disposed on the substrate906and at least a portion of the photonics die902will be within a cavity903above the substrate906. Note that the photonics die902may have bumps (not shown), similar to bumps242ofFIG. 2, on both sides of the photonic die902in order to electrically couple with both the XPU904and the substrate906.

In embodiments, a second micro-lens array930may be coupled with a portion of the IHS908. In embodiments, the second micro-lens array930may be coupled at or proximate to an outside edge of the IHS908. In these embodiments, a cavity901, that may be coupled with cavity903, may be formed through the IHS908to allow light signals to pass from second micro-lens array930to micro-lens array920. In embodiments, an optical path948may extend from the micro-lens array930to the outside of the optical package900. In embodiments, the optical path948may be a fiber-optic array, or some other waveguide. In embodiments, the substrate906may be electrically and/or physically coupled with a PCB916using a BGA918.

In embodiments, the photonics die902may include a grating coupler (not shown) such as grating coupler246ofFIG. 2. The grating coupler is to change the direction of the light path from, for example, perpendicular to the photonics die902, to a waveguide (not shown), but may be similar to waveguide248ofFIG. 2, that is parallel to and included within the photonics die902. This waveguide may be optically coupled with the micro-lens array920.

FIG. 10illustrates an example package that includes a photonics die with a micro-lens array coupled to a side of the photonics die facing an IHS with a deflection prism coupled with the IHS to change direction of light along a path to the micro-lens array, in accordance with various embodiments. Photonics package1000shows a photonics die1002that is electrically coupled with XPU1004, thermally coupled with IHS1008, and physically and/or electrically coupled with substrate1006, which may be similar to photonics die502, XPU504, IHS508, and substrate506ofFIG. 5. Photonics package1000shows an example embodiment using an OCB to directly electrically couple the photonics die1002with the XPU1004.

A micro-lens-array1020, which may be similar to micro-lens array520ofFIG. 5, is optically coupled with the photonics die1002. As shown, the photonics die1002that includes the micro-lens-array1020may be disposed on the substrate1006, and at least a portion of the photonics die1002will be within a cavity1003above the substrate1006. Note that the photonics die1002may have bumps (not shown), similar to bumps242ofFIG. 2, on both sides of the photonic die1002in order to electrically and/or physically couple with both the XPU1004and the substrate1006.

In embodiments, a deflection mechanism1046may be physically coupled with the IHS1008. In embodiments, the deflection mechanism1046may be at an angle to cause light in a light path from micro-lens array1020to change direction and to flow into an optical path1048. In embodiments, optical path1048may be a waveguide or an optical fiber or an optical fiber array, with the fibers having a lensed facet1049. In embodiments, the lensed facet1049may serve to increase the quality of the optical coupling between the micro-lens array1020and the optical path1048. In embodiments, an end of the optical path1048may include one or more mechanisms as described above with respect toFIG. 6, including alignment holes652and magnets654.

In embodiments, the photonics die1002may include a grating coupler (not shown) such as grating coupler246ofFIG. 2. The grating coupler is to change the direction of the light path from, for example, perpendicular to the photonics die1002, to a waveguide (not shown), but may be similar to waveguide248ofFIG. 2, that is parallel to and included within the photonics die1002. This waveguide is optically coupled with the micro-lens array1020.

FIG. 11illustrates an example process for manufacturing a photonics die with a micro-lens array, in accordance with various embodiments. Process1100may be performed using apparatus, systems, techniques, or processes as described herein, and particularly with respect toFIGS. 1-10. The process may start at block1102.

At block1102, the process may include identifying a photonics die. In embodiments, the photonics die may be similar to photonics die202ofFIG. 2, 302ofFIG. 3, 402ofFIG. 4, 502ofFIG. 5, 602ofFIG. 6, 702ofFIG. 7, 802ofFIG. 8, 902ofFIG. 9, and/or1002ofFIG. 10. In embodiments, the photonics die may include a photonics integrated circuit. In embodiments, the photonics die may be electrically and/or physically coupled with a substrate such as substrate206ofFIG. 2. In embodiments, the photonics die may be electrically and/or physically coupled with an XPU such as XPU204ofFIG. 2. In embodiments, the photonics die may be directly physically coupled with an XPU such as XPU1004ofFIG. 10. In embodiments, the photonics die may include a grating coupler, such as grating coupler246ofFIG. 2, that may be used to change the direction of an optical path within the photonics die.

At block1104, the process may further include identifying a micro-lens array, the micro-lens array includes one or more lenses to receive or to transmit light signals over multiple channels. In embodiments, the micro-lens array may be similar to micro-lens array220ofFIG. 2, 320, 321ofFIG. 3, 420ofFIG. 4, 520ofFIG. 5, 620ofFIG. 6, 720ofFIG. 7, 820ofFIG. 8, 920ofFIG. 9, and/or1020ofFIG. 10. In embodiments, the micro-lens array may include multiple lenses, such as lens222ofFIG. 2.

At block1106, the process may further include optically and physically coupling the micro-lens array to a surface of the photonics die. In embodiments, this coupling may be accomplished using an optical epoxy, such as optical epoxy224ofFIG. 2. In other embodiments, the alignment of the micro-lens array and the photonics die coupling may be facilitated by one or more physical features, such as V-groove428within photonics die402and bump403that may be part of the micro-lens array420ofFIG. 4.

FIG. 11schematically illustrates a computing device, in accordance with embodiments. The computer system1100(also referred to as the electronic system1100) as depicted can embody all or part of one or more micro-lens array optically coupled with a photonics die, according to any of the several disclosed embodiments and their equivalents as set forth in this disclosure. The computer system1100may be a mobile device such as a netbook computer. The computer system1100may be a mobile device such as a wireless smart phone. The computer system1100may be a desktop computer. The computer system1100may be a hand-held reader. The computer system1100may be a server system. The computer system1100may be a supercomputer or high-performance computing system.

In an embodiment, the electronic system1100is a computer system that includes a system bus1120to electrically couple the various components of the electronic system1100. The system bus1120is a single bus or any combination of busses according to various embodiments. The electronic system1100includes a voltage source1130that provides power to the integrated circuit1110. In some embodiments, the voltage source1130supplies current to the integrated circuit1110through the system bus1120.

The integrated circuit1110is electrically coupled to the system bus1120and includes any circuit, or combination of circuits according to an embodiment. In an embodiment, the integrated circuit1110includes a processor1112that can be of any type. As used herein, the processor1112may mean any type of circuit such as, but not limited to, a microprocessor, a microcontroller, a graphics processor, a digital signal processor, or another processor. In an embodiment, the processor1112includes, or is coupled with, all or part of one or more micro-lens array optically coupled with a photonics die, as disclosed herein. In an embodiment, SRAM embodiments are found in memory caches of the processor. Other types of circuits that can be included in the integrated circuit1110are a custom circuit or an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), such as a communications circuit1114for use in wireless devices such as cellular telephones, smart phones, pagers, portable computers, two-way radios, and similar electronic systems, or a communications circuit for servers. In an embodiment, the integrated circuit1110includes on-die memory1116such as static random-access memory (SRAM). In an embodiment, the integrated circuit1110includes embedded on-die memory1116such as embedded dynamic random-access memory (eDRAM).

In an embodiment, the integrated circuit1110is complemented with a subsequent integrated circuit1111. Useful embodiments include a dual processor1113and a dual communications circuit1115and dual on-die memory1117such as SRAM. In an embodiment, the dual integrated circuit1110includes embedded on-die memory1117such as eDRAM.

In an embodiment, the electronic system1100also includes an external memory1140that in turn may include one or more memory elements suitable to the particular application, such as a main memory1142in the form of RAM, one or more hard drives1144, and/or one or more drives that handle removable media1146, such as diskettes, compact disks (CDs), digital variable disks (DVDs), flash memory drives, and other removable media known in the art. The external memory1140may also be embedded memory1148such as the first die in a die stack, according to an embodiment.

In an embodiment, the electronic system1100also includes a display device1150, an audio output1160. In an embodiment, the electronic system1100includes an input device such as a controller1170that may be a keyboard, mouse, trackball, game controller, microphone, voice-recognition device, or any other input device that inputs information into the electronic system1100. In an embodiment, an input device1170is a camera. In an embodiment, an input device1170is a digital sound recorder. In an embodiment, an input device1170is a camera and a digital sound recorder.

As shown herein, the integrated circuit1110can be implemented in a number of different embodiments, including one or more micro-lens array optically coupled with a photonics die, according to any of the several disclosed embodiments and their equivalents, an electronic system, a computer system, one or more methods of fabricating an integrated circuit, and one or more methods of fabricating an electronic assembly that includes a package substrate implementing all or part of one or more micro-lens array optically coupled with a photonics die, according to any of the several disclosed embodiments as set forth herein in the various embodiments and their art-recognized equivalents. The elements, materials, geometries, dimensions, and sequence of operations can all be varied to suit particular I/O coupling requirements including array contact count, array contact configuration for a microelectronic die embedded in a processor mounting substrate according to any of the several disclosed processes used for one or more micro-lens array optically coupled with a photonics die and their equivalents. A foundation substrate may be included, as represented by the dashed line ofFIG. 11. Passive devices may also be included, as is also depicted inFIG. 11.

The above description of illustrated embodiments, including what is described in the Abstract, is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit embodiments to the precise forms disclosed. While specific embodiments are described herein for illustrative purposes, various equivalent modifications are possible within the scope of the embodiments, as those skilled in the relevant art will recognize.

These modifications may be made to the embodiments in light of the above detailed description. The terms used in the following claims should not be construed to limit the embodiments to the specific implementations disclosed in the specification and the claims. Rather, the scope of the invention is to be determined entirely by the following claims, which are to be construed in accordance with established doctrines of claim interpretation.

EXAMPLES

Example 1 is an apparatus comprising: a photonics die; and a micro-lens array physically and optically coupled with a surface of the photonics die, the micro-lens array includes one or more lenses to receive or to transmit light signals over multiple optical channels.

Example 2 may include the apparatus of example 1, wherein the one or more lenses of the micro-lens array are in a line.

Example 3 may include the apparatus of example 2, wherein the micro-lens array further includes a plurality of micro-lens arrays.

Example 4 may include the apparatus of example 3, wherein the plurality of micro-lens arrays are in a line, and wherein the one or more lenses of each of the micro-lens arrays are in a line.

Example 5 may include the apparatus of example 3, wherein the plurality of micro-lens arrays are parallel, and wherein the one or more lenses of each of the micro-lens arrays the form parallel lines.

Example 6 may include the apparatus of example 1, wherein the surface of the photonics die is a top or a bottom surface of the photonics die.

Example 7 may include the apparatus of example 1, further comprising one or more physical features on the photonics die to align the micro-lens array with the surface of the photonics die prior to physical and optical coupling of the micro-lens array to the surface of the photonics die.

Example 8 may include the apparatus of example 7, wherein the surface of the photonics die includes one or more V-grooves to receive the one or more physical features on the photonics die.

Example 9 may include the apparatus of example 8, wherein a first surface of the micro-lens array that includes multiple lenses is opposite a second surface of the micro-lens array; and further comprising one or more features of the second surface of the micro-lens array, wherein the one or more features of the second surface are to fit, respectively, into the one or more V-grooves of the surface of the photonics die.

Example 10 may include the apparatus of example 1, wherein the micro-lens array is physically and optically coupled with the surface of the photonics die using an epoxy.

Example 11 may include the apparatus of example 10, wherein the surface of the photonics die further includes an epoxy barrier to keep the epoxy used to physically couple the micro-lens array with the surface of the photonics die from entering a region on the surface of the photonics die.

Example 12 may include the apparatus of example 11, wherein the region on the surface of the photonics die includes a bump region.

Example 13 may include the apparatus of example 1, wherein the photonics die is a silicon photonics die.

Example 14 may include the apparatus of example 1, wherein the one or more lenses of the micro-lens array are in a line.

Example 15 may include the apparatus of any one of examples 1-14, further comprising one or more grating couplers embedded into the surface of the photonics die, each grating coupler positioned, respectively, proximate to each lens to facilitate the transmission or reception of light between each lens of the lens-array and the photonics die.

Example 16 may be a method, comprising: identifying a photonics die; identifying a micro-lens array, the micro-lens array includes one or more lenses to receive or to transmit light signals over multiple channels; and optically and physically coupling the micro-lens array to a surface of the photonics die.

Example 17 may include the method of example 16, wherein optically and physically coupling the micro-lens array to a surface of the photonics die further includes applying an epoxy to optically and physically couple the micro-lens array to the surface of the photonics die.

Example 18 may include the method of any one of examples 16-17, wherein optically and physically coupling the micro-lens array to a surface of the photonics die further includes aligning one or more physical features of the micro-lens array with one or more physical features of the surface of the photonics die.

Example 19 is a package, comprising: a photonics device, comprising: a photonics die; and a micro-lens array physically and optically coupled with a surface of the photonics die, the micro-lens array includes one or more lenses to receive or to transmit light signals over multiple channels; and a component of a photonics package physically coupled with the photonics device, the physical coupling providing a light path to optically couple with the one or more lenses of the micro-lens array.

Example 20 may include the package of example 19, wherein the component is electrically coupled with the photonics device.

Example 21 may include the package of example 19, wherein the photonics die is a silicon photonics die.

Example 22 may include the package of example 19, wherein the component further includes an opening proximate to the one or more lenses of the micro-lens array, the opening to provide the light path.

Example 23 may include the package of example 19, wherein the component includes one or more lenses that are proximate to and optically coupled with the one or more lenses of the micro-lens array.

Example 24 may include the package of example 19, wherein the component of the photonics package is a selected one of: a substrate, an integrated heat spreader (IHS), a system on chip (SOC), a CPU, a graphics processor unit (GPU), a field programmable gate array (FPGA), application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), or an accelerator.

Example 25 may include the package of any one of examples 19-24, wherein the light path includes a reflector to change a direction of light traveling in the light path.