Abstract:
A packaged electro-optic integrated circuit and a multi-fiber connector including an integrated circuit substrate, at least one optical signal providing element, at least one optical signal sensor, sensing at least one optical signal from the at least one optical signal providing element and at least one discrete reflecting optical element, mounted onto the integrated circuit substrate, cooperating with the at least one optical signal providing element and being operative to direct light from the at least one optical signal providing element.

Description:
REFERENCE TO CO-PENDING APPLICATIONS 
       [0001]    Applicant hereby makes reference to co-pending PCT Patent Application PCT/IL03/00308, entitled “Electro-Optical Circuitry Having Integrated Connector and Methods for the Production Thereof”, which claims priority of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 60/373,415, filed on Apr. 16, 2002, entitled “Electro-Optic Integrated Circuits and Methods for the Production Thereof”, U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/314,088, filed Dec. 6, 2002, entitled “Electro-Optic Integrated Circuits with Connectors and Methods for the Production Thereof” and U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 60/442,948, filed on Jan. 27, 2003, entitled “Direct Optical Connection”. 
     
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    The present invention relates to interconnection of high speed integrated circuits, electro-optic integrated circuits, multi-fiber connectors and methods for the production thereof generally and more particularly to wafer level manufacture of chip level electro-optic integrated circuits with integrated optical connectors and optical interconnections which transfer data between semiconductor integrated circuits. 
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0003]    The following U.S. Patents of the present inventor represent the current state of the art: 
         [0004]    U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,117,707; 6,040,235; 6,022,758; 5,980,663; 5,716,759; 5,547,906 and 5,455,455. 
         [0005]    The following U.S. Patents represent the current state of the art relevant to stud bump mounting of electrical circuits: 
         [0006]    U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,214,642; 6,103,551; 5,844,320; 5,641,996; 5,550,408 and 5,436,503. 
         [0007]    Additionally, the following patents are believed to represent the current state of the art: 
         [0008]    U.S. Pat. Nos. 3,968,360; 4,117,329; 4,168,883; 4,351,051; 4,386,821; 4,399,541; 4,602,158; 4,615,031; 4,689,246; 4,810,053; 4,988,159; 4,989,930; 4,989,943; 5,044,720; 5,231,686; 5,771,218; 5,841,591; 5,872,762; 6,052,498; 6,058,228; 6,234,688; 5,886,971; 5,912,872; 5,933,551; 6,061,169; 6,071,652; 6,096,155; 6,104,690; 6,180,945; 6,235,141; 6,295,156; 6,509,066 and 6,605,806. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0009]    The present invention seeks to provide improved optical interconnections means to transfer high speed data between semiconductor integrated circuits, electro-optic integrated circuits and methods for production thereof. 
         [0010]    There is thus provided, in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention, a packaged electro-optic integrated circuit including an integrated circuit substrate, at least one optical signal providing element, at least one optical signal sensor, sensing at least one optical signal from the at least one optical signal providing element and at least one discrete reflecting optical element, mounted onto the integrated circuit substrate, cooperating with the at least one optical signal providing element and being operative to direct light from the at least one optical signal providing element. 
         [0011]    There is also provided, in accordance with another preferred embodiment of the present invention, a packaged electro-optic integrated circuit including an integrated circuit substrate defining a planar surface, at least one optical signal providing element, at least one optical signal sensor, sensing at least one optical signal from the at least one optical signal providing element and at least one reflecting optical element having an optical axis which is neither parallel nor perpendicular to the planar surface, the element cooperating with the at least one optical signal providing element and being operative to direct light from the at least one optical signal providing element. 
         [0012]    In accordance with another preferred embodiment of the present invention, the packaged electro-optic integrated circuit also includes at least one optical signal receiving element, the at least one reflecting optical element cooperating with the at least one optical signal receiving element and being operative to direct light to the at least one optical signal receiving element. 
         [0013]    There is further provided, in accordance with still another preferred embodiment of the present invention, a method for producing a packaged electro-optic integrated circuit including providing an integrated circuit substrate, mounting at least one optical signal providing element onto the integrated circuit substrate, forming at least one optical signal sensor onto the integrated circuit substrate for sensing at least one optical signal from the at least one optical signal providing element, mounting at least one optical signal receiving element onto the integrated circuit substrate and providing optical alignment, between the at least one optical signal providing element and the at least one optical signal receiving element, subsequent to mounting thereof, by suitably positioning along an optical path extending therebetween, at least one intermediate optical element and fixing the at least one intermediate optical element to the integrated circuit substrate. 
         [0014]    There is still further provided, in accordance with yet another preferred embodiment of the present invention, a method for producing a packaged electro-optic integrated circuit including providing an integrated circuit substrate, mounting at least one optical signal providing element on the integrated circuit substrate, forming at least one optical signal sensor onto the integrated circuit substrate for sensing at least one optical signal from the at least one optical signal providing element and mounting at least one discrete reflecting optical element onto the integrated circuit substrate to cooperate with the at least one optical signal providing element and to direct light from the at least one optical signal providing element. 
         [0015]    There is even further provided, in accordance with yet another preferred embodiment of the present invention, a method for producing a packaged electro-optic integrated circuit including providing an integrated circuit substrate defining a planar surface, mounting at least one optical signal providing element on the integrated circuit substrate, forming at least one optical signal sensor onto the integrated circuit substrate for sensing at least one optical signal from the at least one optical signal providing element and mounting at least one reflecting optical element onto the integrated circuit substrate to cooperate with the at least one optical signal providing element and to direct light from the at least one optical signal providing element, wherein an optical axis of the at least one reflecting optical element is neither parallel nor perpendicular to the planar surface. 
         [0016]    In accordance with another preferred embodiment of the present invention, the method also includes mounting at least one optical signal receiving element on the integrated circuit substrate, the at least one reflecting optical element cooperating with the at least one optical signal receiving element and being operative to direct light to the at least one optical signal receiving element. 
         [0017]    There is even further provided, in accordance with still another preferred embodiment of the present invention, a multi-fiber connector including a connector housing and a packaged electro-optic integrated circuit and connector chip disposed within the housing, the packaged electro-optic integrated circuit and connector chip including an integrated circuit substrate, at least one optical signal providing element and at least one discrete reflecting optical element, mounted onto the integrated circuit substrate, cooperating with the at least one optical signal providing element and being operative to direct light from the at least one optical signal providing element. 
         [0018]    There is also provided, in accordance with yet another preferred embodiment of the present invention, a multi-fiber connector including a connector housing and a packaged electro-optic integrated circuit and connector chip disposed within the housing, the packaged electro-optic integrated circuit and connector chip including an integrated circuit substrate, at least one optical signal receiving element and at least one discrete reflecting optical element mounted onto the integrated circuit substrate and cooperating with the at least one optical signal receiving element and being operative to direct light to the at least one optical signal receiving element. 
         [0019]    There is further provided, in accordance with another preferred embodiment of the present invention, a multi-fiber connector including a connector housing and a packaged electro-optic integrated circuit and connector chip disposed within the housing, the packaged electro-optic integrated circuit and connector chip including an integrated circuit substrate defining a planar surface, at least one optical signal providing element and at least one reflecting optical element having an optical axis which is neither parallel nor perpendicular to the planar surface, the element cooperating with the at least one optical signal providing element and being operative to direct light from the at least one optical signal providing element. 
         [0020]    In accordance with another preferred embodiment of the present invention, the packaged electro-optic integrated circuit also includes at least one optical signal receiving element, the at least one reflecting optical element cooperating with the at least one optical signal receiving element and being operative to direct light to the at least one optical signal receiving element. 
         [0021]    There is even further provided, in accordance with still another preferred embodiment of the present invention, a multi-fiber connector including a connector housing and a packaged electro-optic integrated circuit and connector chip disposed within the housing, the electro-optic integrated circuit and connector chip including an integrated circuit substrate defining a planar surface, at least one optical signal receiving element and at least one reflecting optical element having an optical axis which is neither parallel nor perpendicular to the planar surface, the element cooperating with the at least one optical signal receiving element and being operative to direct light to the at least one optical signal receiving element. 
         [0022]    There is still further provided, in accordance with another preferred embodiment of the present invention, a method for producing a multi-fiber connector including forming a packaged electro-optic integrated circuit and connector chip, the forming including providing an integrated circuit substrate, mounting at least one optical signal providing element onto the integrated circuit substrate, mounting at least one optical signal receiving element onto the integrated circuit substrate and providing optical alignment, between the at least one optical signal providing element and the at least one optical signal receiving element, subsequent to mounting thereof, by suitably positioning along an optical path extending therebetween, at least one intermediate optical element and fixing the at least one intermediate optical element to the integrated circuit substrate and disposing the electro-optic integrated circuit and connector chip within a connector housing. 
         [0023]    There is also provided, in accordance with yet another preferred embodiment of the present invention, a method for producing a multi-fiber connector including forming a packaged electro-optic integrated circuit and connector chip, the forming including providing an integrated circuit substrate, mounting at least one optical signal providing element on the integrated circuit substrate and mounting at least one discrete reflecting optical element onto the integrated circuit substrate to cooperate with the at least one optical signal providing element and to direct light from the at least one optical signal providing element and disposing the electro-optic integrated circuit and connector chip within a connector housing. 
         [0024]    There is further provided, in accordance with still another preferred embodiment of the present invention, a method for producing a multi-fiber connector including forming a packaged electro-optic integrated circuit and connector chip, the forming including providing an integrated circuit substrate, mounting at least one optical signal receiving element on the integrated circuit substrate and mounting at least one discrete reflecting optical element onto the integrated circuit substrate to cooperate with the at least one optical signal receiving element and to direct light to the at least one optical signal receiving element and disposing the electro-optic integrated circuit and connector chip within a connector housing. 
         [0025]    There is still further provided, in accordance with yet another preferred embodiment of the present invention, a method for producing a multi-fiber connector including forming a packaged electro-optic integrated circuit and connector chip, the forming including providing an integrated circuit substrate defining a planar surface, mounting at least one optical signal providing element on the integrated circuit substrate and mounting at least one reflecting optical element onto the integrated circuit substrate to cooperate with the at least one optical signal providing element and to direct light from the at least one optical signal providing element, wherein an optical axis of the at least one reflecting optical element is neither parallel nor perpendicular to the planar surface and disposing the electro-optic integrated circuit and connector chip within a connector housing. 
         [0026]    There is yet further provided, in accordance with another preferred embodiment of the present invention, a method for producing a multi-fiber connector including forming a packaged electro-optic integrated circuit and connector chip, the forming including providing an integrated circuit substrate defining a planar surface, mounting at least one optical signal receiving element on the integrated circuit substrate and mounting at least one reflecting optical element onto the integrated circuit substrate to cooperate with the at least one optical signal receiving element and to direct light to the at least one optical signal receiving element, wherein an optical axis of the at least one reflecting optical element is neither parallel nor perpendicular to the planar surface and disposing the electro-optic integrated circuit and connector chip within a connector housing. 
         [0027]    There is also provided, in accordance with another preferred embodiment of the present invention, a multi-fiber connector including a connector housing and a packaged electro-optic integrated circuit and connector chip disposed within the housing, the electro-optic integrated circuit and connector chip including an optical connector including a plurality of optical elements defining at least one optical input path and at least one optical output path, the at least one optical input path and the at least one optical output path being non-coaxial. 
         [0028]    There is further provided, in accordance with another preferred embodiment of the present invention, a method for producing a multi-fiber connector including forming a packaged electro-optic integrated circuit and connector chip including an optical connector, the forming including providing a plurality of optical elements, defining at least one optical input path through at least one of the plurality of optical elements and defining at least one optical output path through at least one of the plurality of optical elements, the at least one optical input path and the at least one optical output path being non-coaxial and disposing the electro-optic integrated circuit and connector chip within a connector housing. 
         [0029]    In accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the at least one optical element includes a flat reflective surface. Additionally, the at least one optical element includes a concave mirror. Alternatively, the at least one optical element includes a partially flat and partially concave mirror. Additionally, the partially concave mirror includes a mirror with multiple concave reflective surfaces. 
         [0030]    In accordance with another preferred embodiment, the at least one optical element includes a reflective grating. In accordance with yet another preferred embodiment, the at least one optical element includes reflective elements formed on opposite surfaces of an optical substrate. Preferably, at least one of the reflective elements includes a flat reflective surface. Alternatively, at least one of the reflective elements includes a concave mirror. Alternatively or additionally, at least one of the reflective elements includes a partially flat and partially concave mirror. Additionally, the mirror includes a mirror with multiple concave reflective surfaces. 
         [0031]    Preferably, the at least one optical element is operative to focus light received from the at least one optical signal providing element. Alternatively, the at least one optical element is operative to collimate light received from the at least one optical signal providing element. In accordance with yet another preferred embodiment the at least one optical element is operative to focus at least one of multiple colors of light received from the at least one optical signal providing element. In accordance with another preferred embodiment, the at least one optical element is operative to collimate at least one of multiple colors of light received from the at least one optical signal providing element. 
         [0032]    In accordance with a preferred embodiment, the at least one optical signal-providing element includes an optical fiber. Alternatively, the at least one optical signal-providing element includes a laser diode. Additionally or alternatively, the at least one optical signal-providing element includes a waveguide. 
         [0033]    Preferably, the at least one optical signal-providing element is operative to convert an electrical signal to an optical signal. Alternatively, the at least one optical signal-providing element is operative to transmit an optical signal. Additionally, the at least one optical signal-providing element also includes an optical signal-receiving element. In accordance with another preferred embodiment, the at least one optical signal-providing element is operative to generate an optical signal. 
         [0034]    Preferably, the at least one optical signal receiving element includes an optical fiber. Additionally or alternatively, the at least one optical signal receiving element includes a diode detector. 
         [0035]    In accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the at least one optical signal receiving element is operative to convert an optical signal to an electrical signal. Additionally, the at least one optical signal receiving element is operative to transmit an optical signal. Alternatively, the at least one optical signal receiving element also includes an optical signal providing element. 
         [0036]    In accordance with another preferred embodiment of the present invention the at least one reflecting optical element is operative to focus light received by the at least one optical signal receiving element. Additionally, the at least one reflecting optical element is operative to focus at least one of multiple colors of light received by the at least one optical signal receiving element. 
         [0037]    In accordance with another preferred embodiment of the present invention the at least one intermediate optical element, when fixed to the substrate, has an optical axis which is neither parallel nor perpendicular to a planar surface of the integrated circuit substrate. 
         [0038]    There is also provided, in accordance with another preferred embodiment of the present invention, a packaged electro-optical integrated circuit including a silicon integrated circuit substrate having electrical signal processing circuitry, including an electrical signal input and an electrical signal output, formed thereon and at least one discrete optical element, including an optical input and an optical output, mounted thereon, and at least one optical signal sensor, sensing at least one optical signal from the optical output of the at least one discrete optical element. 
         [0039]    There is further provided, in accordance with still another preferred embodiment of the present invention, a method for producing a packaged electro-optical integrated circuit including providing a silicon integrated circuit substrate, forming, on the substrate, electrical signal processing circuitry including an electrical signal input and an electrical signal output, mounting, on the substrate, at least one discrete optical element including an optical input and an optical output and forming at least one optical signal sensor, sensing at least one optical signal from the at least one discrete optical element. 
         [0040]    In accordance with another preferred embodiment of the present invention, the optical element is operative to convert the electrical signal output into the optical input. Additionally or alternatively, the electrical signal processing circuitry is operative to convert the optical output into the electrical signal input. 
         [0041]    In accordance with another preferred embodiment of the present invention, the electrical signal processing circuitry and the discrete optical element are located on a single planar surface of the substrate. Alternatively, the electrical signal processing circuitry and the discrete optical element are located on different planar surfaces of the substrate. 
         [0042]    There is yet further provided, in accordance with still another preferred embodiment of the present invention, a packaged electro-optical integrated circuit having integrally formed therein an optical connector to an optical fiber and an optical signal sensor. 
         [0043]    In accordance with another preferred embodiment of the present invention the optical connector includes a pair of elongate locating pin sockets formed over a silicon substrate of the integrated circuit, and extending generally parallel to a surface thereof. Alternatively or additionally, the optical connector includes a linear array of optical fiber ends arranged to have abutment surfaces generally coplanar with an edge of the packaged electro-optical integrated circuit. 
         [0044]    There is still further provided, in accordance with yet another preferred embodiment of the present invention, a method for wafer scale production of a packaged electro-optic circuit having integrally formed therein an optical connector and electrical connections including wafer scale formation of a multiplicity of electro-optical circuits onto a substrate, wafer scale provision of at least one optical waveguide on the substrate, wafer scale formation at least one optical signal sensor on the substrate, wafer scale mounting of at least one integrated circuit component onto the substrate, wafer scale formation of at least one optical pathway providing an optical connection between the at least one integrated circuit component and the at least one optical waveguide, wafer scale formation of at least one mechanical alignment bore on the substrate, wafer scale formation of at least one packaging layer over at least one surface of the substrate and thereafter, dicing of the substrate to define a multiplicity of electro-optic circuits, each having integrally formed therein an optical connector. 
         [0045]    In accordance with yet another preferred embodiment of the present invention, an end of the at least one optical waveguide defines an optical connector interface. Additionally, the substrate includes a silicon substrate having formed thereon a multiplicity of integrated circuits. 
         [0046]    There is also provided, in accordance with another preferred embodiment of the present invention, a method for wafer scale production of a packaged electro-optical circuit including wafer scale formation of a multiplicity of electro-optical circuits onto an active surface of a substrate, wafer scale formation at least one optical signal sensor on the substrate and wafer scale provision of at least one optical via on the substrate. 
         [0047]    In accordance with still another preferred embodiment of the present invention, the wafer scale provision of the at least one optical via includes etching the substrate on a non-active surface of the substrate at a location opposite a region of the active surface generally free of circuitry, thereby to define at least one cavity whose bottom surface is translucent and filling the at least one cavity with a transparent material. Additionally or alternatively, the method also includes attaching a semiconductor element in optical engagement with the at least one optical via. Additionally or alternatively, the transparent material has an index of refraction similar to that employed along at least one optical path in the electro-optical circuit communicating therewith. 
         [0048]    There is further provided, in accordance with yet another preferred embodiment of the present invention, a method for wafer level production of a packaged electro-optical integrated circuit including forming electrical circuitry on a first side of a wafer, forming at least one optical signal sensor on the wafer, forming an optical assembly on a second side of the wafer and forming an optical connection between first and second sides of the wafer, through the wafer, thereby providing optical communication between the electrical circuitry and the optical assembly through the wafer. 
         [0049]    In accordance with another preferred embodiment of the present invention, the method also includes dicing the wafer to define a multiplicity of integrated circuits each having formed thereon electrical circuitry on a first side of the integrated circuit, an optical assembly on a second side of the integrated circuit and an optical connection between the first and second sides of the integrated circuit, thereby providing optical communication between the electrical circuitry and the optical assembly. 
         [0050]    There is still further provided, in accordance with yet another preferred embodiment of the present invention, a multi-fiber connector including a connector housing and a packaged electro-optic integrated circuit and connector chip disposed within the housing, the electro-optic integrated circuit and connector chip including a first integrated circuit substrate having first and second planar surfaces, the first planar surface having first electrical circuitry formed thereon and the second planar surface having formed therein at least one recess and at least one second integrated circuit substrate having second electrical circuitry formed thereon, the at least one second integrated circuit substrate being located in at least partially overlapping relationship with the at least one recess, the second electrical circuitry communicating with the first electrical circuitry. 
         [0051]    In accordance with another preferred embodiment of the present invention, the first electrical circuitry includes a light sensor. Additionally or alternatively, the first electrical circuitry includes electro-optic components. Alternatively or additionally, the second electrical circuitry includes electro-optic components. In accordance with another preferred embodiment of the present invention, the second electrical circuitry communicating with the first electrical circuitry communicates via an optical communication path. Additionally, the optical communication path includes optical coupling through free space. 
         [0052]    There is yet further provided, in accordance with another preferred embodiment of the present invention, a multi-fiber connector including a connector housing and a packaged electro-optic integrated circuit and connector chip disposed within the housing, the electro-optic integrated circuit and connector chip including a silicon integrated circuit substrate having electrical signal processing circuitry, including an electrical signal input and an electrical signal output, formed thereon and at least one discrete optical element, including an optical input and an optical output, mounted thereon. 
         [0053]    There is still further provided, in accordance with yet another preferred embodiment of the present invention, a method for producing a multi-fiber connector including forming a packaged electro-optic integrated circuit and connector chip, the forming including providing a silicon integrated circuit substrate, forming, on the substrate, electrical signal processing circuitry including an electrical signal input and an electrical signal output and mounting, on the substrate, at least one discrete optical element including an optical input and an optical output and disposing the electro-optic integrated circuit and connector chip within a connector housing. 
         [0054]    In accordance with another preferred embodiment of the present invention, the optical element is operative to convert the electrical signal output into the optical input. Alternatively or additionally, the electrical signal processing circuitry is operative to convert the optical output into the electrical signal input. In accordance with another preferred embodiment of the present invention, the electrical signal processing circuitry and the discrete optical element are located on a single planar surface of the substrate. Alternatively, the electrical signal processing circuitry and the discrete optical element are located on different planar surfaces of the substrate. 
         [0055]    There is even further provided, in accordance with still another preferred embodiment of the present invention, a multi-fiber connector including a connector housing and a packaged electro-optic integrated circuit and connector chip disposed within the housing, the electro-optic integrated circuit and connector chip including an optical reflector including an optical substrate, at least one microlens formed on a surface of the optical substrate and a first reflective surface formed over the at least one microlens. 
         [0056]    Preferably, the first reflective surface is also formed over at least a portion of the surface of the optical substrate. Additionally, the multi-fiber connector also includes at least one second reflective surface formed on at least a portion of an opposite surface of the substrate. In accordance with another preferred embodiment of the present invention at least a portion of the first reflective surface includes a grating. Additionally or alternatively, at least a portion of the second reflective surface includes a grating. Additionally or alternatively, the multi-fiber connector also includes a notch formed in the opposite surface of the substrate. 
         [0057]    In accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention the at least one microlens is formed by photolithography and thermal reflow forming. Alternatively, the at least one microlens is formed by photolithography using a grey scale mask forming. In accordance with another preferred embodiment of the present invention the at least one microlens is formed by jet printing formation. Additionally or alternatively, the at least one microlens has an index of refraction which closely approximates that of the optical substrate. 
         [0058]    There is yet further provided, in accordance with another preferred embodiment of the present invention, a method for producing a multi-fiber connector including forming a packaged electro-optic integrated circuit and connector chip including an optical reflector, the forming including providing an optical substrate, forming at least one microlens on a surface of the optical substrate, coating the at least one microlens with a reflective material and dicing the substrate and disposing the electro-optic integrated circuit and connector chip within a connector housing. 
         [0059]    In accordance with another preferred embodiment of the present invention the coating also includes coating at least a portion of the surface of the substrate. Additionally, the method also includes coating at least a portion of an opposite surface of the substrate with a reflective material prior to dicing the substrate. 
         [0060]    In accordance with yet another preferred embodiment of the present invention the method also includes forming a grating on at least a portion of the surface prior to coating thereof. Alternatively or additionally, the method also includes forming a grating on at least a portion of the opposite surface prior to coating thereof. In accordance with yet another preferred embodiment of the present invention the method also includes forming a notch in an opposite surface of the substrate prior to dicing the substrate. 
         [0061]    In accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention the forming includes photolithography and thermal reflow forming. Alternatively, the forming includes photolithography using a grey scale mask forming. Alternatively, the forming includes jet printing formation. Preferably, the at least one microlens has an index of refraction which closely approximates that of the optical substrate. 
         [0062]    There is also provided in accordance with still another preferred embodiment of the present invention a multi-fiber connector including a connector housing and a packaged electro-optic integrated circuit and connector chip disposed within the housing, the electro-optic integrated circuit and connector chip including a packaged electro-optical integrated circuit having integrally formed therein an optical connector to an optical fiber. 
         [0063]    In accordance with yet another preferred embodiment of the present invention the optical connector includes a pair of elongate locating pin sockets formed over a silicon substrate of the integrated circuit, and extending generally parallel to a surface thereof. Alternatively or additionally, the optical connector includes a linear array of optical fiber ends arranged to have abutment surfaces generally coplanar with an edge of the packaged electro-optical integrated circuit. 
         [0064]    There is also provided in accordance with yet another preferred embodiment of the present invention a method for production of a multi-fiber connector including wafer scale formation of a plurality of packaged electro-optic integrated circuit and connector chips each having integrally formed therein an optical connector and electrical connections, the formation including wafer scale formation of a multiplicity of electro-optical circuits onto a substrate, wafer scale provision of at least one optical waveguide on the substrate, wafer scale mounting of at least one integrated circuit component onto the substrate, wafer scale formation of at least one optical pathway providing an optical connection between the at least one integrated circuit component and the at least one optical waveguide, wafer scale formation of at least one mechanical alignment bore on the substrate, wafer scale formation of at least one packaging layer over at least one surface of the substrate and thereafter, dicing of the substrate to define a multiplicity of electro-optic circuits, each having integrally formed therein an optical connector and disposing at least one of the plurality of packaged electro-optic integrated circuit and connector chips within at least one a connector housing. 
         [0065]    Preferably, an end of the at least one optical waveguide defines an optical connector interface. In accordance with another preferred embodiment of the present invention the substrate includes a silicon substrate having formed thereon a multiplicity of integrated circuits. 
         [0066]    There is yet further provided in accordance with still another preferred embodiment of the present invention a method of forming a multi-fiber connector including a connector housing and a packaged electro-optic integrated circuit and connector chip disposed within the housing, the method including forming an integrated circuit with a multiplicity of electrical connection pads which generally lie along a mounting surface of the integrated circuit, forming an electrical circuit with a multiplicity of electrical connection contacts which generally protrude from a mounting surface of the electrical circuit and employing at least a conductive adhesive to electrically and mechanically join the multiplicity of electrical connection pads to the multiplicity of electrical connection contacts. 
         [0067]    In accordance with another preferred embodiment of the present invention the integrated circuit is an electro-optical circuit and the method also includes providing an optically transparent underfill layer intermediate the mounting surface of the integrated circuit and the mounting surface of the electrical circuit. 
         [0068]    There is still further provided in accordance with another preferred embodiment of the present invention a method for production of a multi-fiber connector including a connector housing and a packaged electro-optic integrated circuit and connector chip disposed within the housing, including wafer scale formation of a multiplicity of electro-optical circuits onto an active surface of a substrate and wafer scale provision of at least one optical via on the substrate. 
         [0069]    In accordance with yet another preferred embodiment of the present invention the wafer scale provision of the at least one optical via includes etching the substrate on a non-active surface of the substrate at a location opposite a region of the active surface generally free of circuitry, thereby to define at least one cavity whose bottom surface is translucent and filling the at least one cavity with a transparent material. Additionally or alternatively, the method also includes attaching a semiconductor element in optical engagement with the at least one optical via. Preferably, the transparent material has an index of refraction similar to that employed along at least one optical path in the electro-optical circuit communicating therewith. 
         [0070]    There is also provided in accordance with still another preferred embodiment of the present invention a method for production of a multi-fiber connector including forming a packaged electro-optic integrated circuit and connector chip, the forming comprising forming electrical circuitry on a first side of a wafer, forming an optical assembly on a second side of the wafer and forming an optical connection between first and second sides of the wafer, through the wafer, thereby providing optical communication between the electrical circuitry and the optical assembly through the wafer and disposing the packaged electro-optic integrated circuit and connector chip on a connector housing. 
         [0071]    In accordance with another preferred embodiment of the present invention the method also includes dicing the wafer to define a multiplicity of integrated circuits each having formed thereon electrical circuitry on a first side of the integrated circuit, an optical assembly on a second side of the integrated circuit and an optical connection between the first and second sides of the integrated circuit, thereby providing optical communication between the electrical circuitry and the optical assembly. 
         [0072]    In accordance with another preferred embodiment of the present invention the connector housing complies with at least one of the following standards: ANSI/TIA-604-5B-2—FOCIS 5—Fiber Optic Connector Intermateability Standard—Type MPO; ANSI/TIA-604-12—FOCIS 12—Fiber Optic Connector Intermateability Standard Type MT-RS; IEC61754-5—Fibre optic connector interfaces—Part 5: Type MT connector family; IEC61754-7—Fibre optic connector interfaces—Part 7: Type MPO connector family; IEC-61754-10—Fibre optic connector interfaces—Part 10: Type Mini-MPO connector family; IEC-61754-18—Fibre optic connector interfaces—Part 18: Type MT-RJ connector family; Tyco Electronics Lightray MPX™ connector and US-Conec MTP™ Connectors. 
         [0073]    There is further provided in accordance with another preferred embodiment of the present invention a micro optical concave reflector including an optical substrate, at least one concave microlens formed on a surface of the optical substrate and a reflective surface formed over the at least one microlens. 
         [0074]    In accordance with another preferred embodiment of the present invention the micro optical concave reflector also includes a protective layer formed over the reflective surface. 
         [0075]    There is even further provided in accordance with another preferred embodiment of the present invention a micro optical reflector including an optical substrate, at least one microlens formed on a surface of the optical substrate, a reflective surface formed over the at least one microlens and a protective layer formed over the reflective surface. 
         [0076]    There is further provided in accordance with another preferred embodiment of the present invention a method for production of a micro optical reflector including providing an optical substrate, forming at least one microlens on a surface of the optical substrate, forming a reflective surface over the at least one microlens and forming a protective layer over the reflective surface. 
         [0077]    In accordance with another preferred embodiment of the present invention the optical substrate is formed of glass and the protective layer is formed of a heat-resistant material selected from the group consisting of glass, silicon, alumina and ceramic. 
         [0078]    There is still further provided in accordance with still another preferred embodiment of the present invention a micro optical reflector including an optical substrate, at least one microlens formed on a surface of the optical substrate and a reflective surface formed over the at least one microlens, and wherein the at least one microlens has a focus at a location beyond the optical substrate. 
         [0079]    There is also provided in accordance with another preferred embodiment of the present invention a method for production of a micro optical concave reflector including providing an optical substrate, forming at least one concave microlens on a surface of the optical substrate and forming a reflective surface over the at least one microlens. 
         [0080]    In accordance with another preferred embodiment of the present invention, the method also includes forming a protective layer over the reflective surface. 
         [0081]    There is also provided in accordance with yet another preferred embodiment of the present invention a method for production of a micro optical reflector including providing an optical substrate, forming at least one microlens on a surface of the optical substrate and forming a reflective surface over the at least one microlens, and wherein the at least one microlens has a focus at a location beyond the optical substrate. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0082]    The present invention will be appreciated more fully from the following detailed description, taken in conjunction with the drawings in which: 
           [0083]      FIGS. 1A ,  1 B,  1 C and  1 D are simplified pictorial illustrations of assembly of a multi-fiber connector constructed and operative in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0084]      FIGS. 2A ,  2 B,  2 C, and  2 D are simplified pictorial illustrations of assembly of a multi-fiber connector constructed and operative in accordance with another preferred embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0085]      FIGS. 3A ,  3 B,  3 C and  3 D are simplified pictorial illustrations of assembly of a multi-fiber connector constructed and operative in accordance with still another preferred embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0086]      FIGS. 4A ,  4 B,  4 C, and  4 D are simplified pictorial illustrations of assembly of a multi-fiber connector constructed and operative in accordance with yet another preferred embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0087]      FIGS. 5A and 5B  are illustrations of a PCB mounted MPO type fiber optic connector, constructed as shown in any of  FIGS. 1A-4D , and a corresponding plug respectively in mutually unconnected and connected orientations; 
           [0088]      FIGS. 6A and 6B  are simplified pictorial illustrations of a packaged electro-optic integrated circuit having integrally formed therein an optical connector and electrical connections, alone and in conjunction with a conventional optical connector; 
           [0089]      FIGS. 7A ,  7 B,  7 C,  7 D,  7 E and  7 F are simplified pictorial and sectional illustrations of a first plurality of stages in the manufacture of the packaged electro-optic circuit of  FIGS. 6A and 6B ; 
           [0090]      FIGS. 8A ,  8 B,  8 C,  8 D,  8 E,  8 F,  8 G,  8 H,  8 I and  8 J are simplified pictorial and sectional illustrations of a second plurality of stages in the manufacture of the packaged electro-optic circuit of  FIGS. 6A and 6B ; 
           [0091]      FIGS. 9A ,  9 B,  9 C and  9 D are simplified pictorial and sectional illustrations of a third plurality of stages in the manufacture of the packaged electro-optic circuit of  FIGS. 6A and 6B ; 
           [0092]      FIGS. 10A ,  10 B and  10 C are enlarged simplified optical illustrations of a portion of  FIG. 9D  in accordance with various preferred embodiments of the present invention; 
           [0093]      FIG. 11  is a simplified sectional illustration of an electro-optic circuit constructed and operative in accordance with another preferred embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0094]      FIGS. 12A ,  12 B and  12 C are enlarged simplified optical illustrations of a portion of  FIG. 11  in accordance with various other preferred embodiments of the present invention; 
           [0095]      FIG. 13  is a simplified pictorial illustration corresponding to sectional illustration  FIG. 9D ; 
           [0096]      FIGS. 14A ,  14 B,  14 C,  14 D,  14 E and  14 F are simplified pictorial and sectional illustrations of a fourth plurality of stages in the manufacture of the packaged electro-optic circuit of  FIGS. 6A and 6B ; 
           [0097]      FIG. 15  is a simplified illustration of incorporation of packaged electro-optic circuits of the type shown in  FIGS. 6A-6B  as parts of a larger electrical circuit; 
           [0098]      FIG. 16  is a simplified pictorial illustration of an initial stage in the production of a packaged electro-optic integrated circuit constructed and operative in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0099]      FIGS. 17A ,  17 B,  17 C,  17 D and  17 E are simplified sectional illustrations of further stages in the production of the electro-optic integrated circuit of  FIG. 16 ; 
           [0100]      FIG. 18  is a simplified illustration of an integrated circuit module of the type referenced in  FIGS. 17A-17E , including a laser light source; 
           [0101]      FIG. 19  is a simplified illustration of an integrated circuit module of the type referenced in  FIGS. 17A-17E , including an optical detector; 
           [0102]      FIG. 20  is a simplified illustration of an integrated circuit module of the type referenced in  FIGS. 17A-17E , including multiple elements located in multiple recesses formed within a substrate; 
           [0103]      FIGS. 21A ,  21 B,  21 C and  21 D are simplified pictorial illustrations of additional stages in the production of a packaged electro-optic integrated circuit constructed and operative in accordance with the preferred embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0104]      FIGS. 22A ,  22 B,  22 C and  22 D are simplified sectional illustrations of additional stages in the production of the packaged electro-optic integrated circuit referenced in  FIGS. 21A-21D . 
           [0105]      FIGS. 23A ,  23 B and  23 C are enlarged simplified optical illustrations of a portion of  FIG. 22D  in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0106]      FIG. 24  is a simplified sectional illustration of a packaged electro-optic integrated circuit constructed and operative in accordance with yet another preferred embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0107]      FIGS. 25A ,  25 B and  25 C are enlarged simplified optical illustrations of a portion of  FIG. 24  in accordance with other embodiments of the present invention; 
           [0108]      FIGS. 26A ,  26 B,  26 C,  26 D and  26 E are simplified pictorial illustrations of stages in the production of a packaged electro-optic integrated circuit constructed and operative in accordance with still another preferred embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0109]      FIG. 27  is a simplified functional illustration of a preferred embodiment of the structure of  FIG. 26E ; 
           [0110]      FIGS. 28A ,  28 B,  28 C,  28 D and  28 E are simplified illustrations of a method for fabricating optical elements employed in the embodiments of  FIGS. 16-27  and  FIGS. 35A-41  in accordance with different embodiments of the present invention; 
           [0111]      FIGS. 29A ,  29 B,  29 C,  29 D,  29 E and  29 F are simplified illustrations of a method for fabricating optical elements employed in the embodiments of  FIGS. 16-27  and  FIGS. 35A-41  in accordance with other embodiments of the present invention; 
           [0112]      FIGS. 30A ,  30 B,  30 C,  30 D,  30 E,  30 F and  30 G are simplified illustrations of a method for fabricating optical elements employed in the embodiments of  FIGS. 16-27  and  FIGS. 35A-41  in accordance with yet other embodiments of the present invention; 
           [0113]      FIGS. 31A ,  31 B,  31 C,  31 D,  31 E,  31 F and  31 G are simplified illustrations of a method for fabricating optical elements employed in the embodiments of  FIGS. 16-27  and  FIGS. 35A-41  in accordance with still another embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0114]      FIGS. 32A ,  32 B,  32 C,  32 D,  32 E,  32 F,  32 G and  32 H are simplified illustrations of a method for fabricating optical elements employed in the embodiments of  FIGS. 16-27  and  FIGS. 35A-41  in accordance with a further embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0115]      FIGS. 33A ,  33 B,  33 C,  33 D,  33 E,  33 F,  33 G and  33 H are simplified illustrations of a method for fabricating optical elements employed in the embodiments of  FIGS. 16-27  and  FIGS. 35A-41  in accordance with yet a further embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0116]      FIGS. 34A ,  34 B,  34 C,  34 D,  34 E,  34 F,  34 G and  34 H are simplified illustrations of a method for fabricating optical elements employed in the embodiments of  FIGS. 16-27  and  FIGS. 35A-41  in accordance with still a further embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0117]      FIGS. 35A and 35B  are simplified pictorial illustrations of a packaged electro-optic integrated circuit having integrally formed therein an optical connector and electrical connections, alone and in conjunction with a conventional optical connector; 
           [0118]      FIGS. 36A ,  36 B,  36 C,  36 D,  36 E,  36 F and  36 G are simplified pictorial and sectional illustrations of a plurality of stages in the manufacture of the packaged electro-optic circuit of  FIGS. 35A and 35B ; 
           [0119]      FIGS. 37A ,  37 B,  37 C,  37 D and  37 E are simplified pictorial and sectional illustrations of a further plurality of stages in the manufacture of the packaged electro-optic circuit of  FIGS. 35A and 35B ; 
           [0120]      FIG. 38  is a simplified pictorial illustration corresponding to sectional illustration  FIG. 22B ; 
           [0121]      FIG. 39  is a simplified pictorial illustration corresponding to sectional illustrations  FIGS. 22C ,  22 D and  24 ; 
           [0122]      FIGS. 40A ,  40 B,  40 C,  40 D,  40 E and  40 F are simplified pictorial and sectional illustrations of a further plurality of stages in the manufacture of the packaged electro-optic circuit of  FIGS. 35A and 35B ; and 
           [0123]      FIG. 41  is a simplified illustration of incorporation of packaged electro-optic circuits of the type shown in  FIGS. 35A and 35B  as parts of a larger electrical circuit. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
       [0124]    Reference is now made to  FIGS. 1A ,  1 B,  1 C and  1 D, which are simplified pictorial illustrations of assembly of a multi-fiber connector constructed and operative in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention. As seen in  FIGS. 1A and 1B , a packaged electro-optic integrated circuit and connector chip  1000  is surface mounted onto a first surface  1002  of a printed circuit board  1004  preferably having formed therein a plurality of mounting apertures  1006 . An opposite surface  1008  of printed circuit board  1004  has formed thereon electrical circuitry  1010 , preferably including both passive and active components, such as a microcontroller  1012  and a laser driving circuit  1014 . Solder balls  1016  are also preferably formed on surface  1008  and have a height which exceeds the height of the highest component of the electrical circuitry  1010 . As will be described hereinbelow with reference to  FIGS. 5A and 5B , solder balls  1016  are preferably employed for mounting the multi-fiber connector onto a printed circuit board (not shown). 
         [0125]    Reference is now made to  FIGS. 1C and 1D , which show the assembly of printed circuit board  1004 , having chip  1000  mounted thereon, into a standard MPO type fiber optic connector housing  1020 . Rivets or other fasteners (not shown) are preferably employed for engaging mounting apertures  1006  and corresponding mounting apertures  1026  formed in housing  1020 . It is seen that surface  1008  and its solder balls  1016  are exposed. 
         [0126]    Reference is now made to  FIGS. 2A ,  2 B,  2 C and  2 D, which are simplified pictorial illustrations of assembly of a multi-fiber connector constructed and operative in accordance with another preferred embodiment of the present invention. As seen in  FIGS. 2A and 2B , a packaged electro-optic integrated circuit and connector chip  1500  is surface mounted onto a first surface  1502  of a printed circuit board  1504  preferably having formed therein passive components  1505  such as resistors or capacitors. A plurality of mounting apertures  1506  are preferably formed in printed circuit board  1504 . An opposite surface  1508  of printed circuit board  1504  has formed thereon electrical circuitry  1510 , preferably including both passive and active components, such as a microcontroller  1512 , a laser driving circuit  1514  and resistors and capacitors  1515 . Solder balls  1516  are also preferably formed on surface  1508  and have a height which exceeds the height of the highest component of the electrical circuitry  1510 . As will be described hereinbelow with reference to  FIGS. 5A and 5B , solder balls  1516  are preferably employed for mounting the multi-fiber connector onto a printed circuit board (not shown). 
         [0127]    Reference is now made to  FIGS. 2C and 2D , which show the assembly of printed circuit board  1504 , having chip  1500  mounted thereon, into a standard MPO type fiber optic connector housing  1520 . Rivets or other fasteners (not shown) are preferably employed for engaging mounting apertures  1506  and corresponding mounting apertures  1526  formed in housing  1520 . It is seen that surface  1508  and its solder balls  1516  are exposed. 
         [0128]    Reference is now made to  FIGS. 3A ,  3 B,  3 C and  3 D, which are simplified pictorial illustrations of assembly of a multi-fiber connector constructed and operative in accordance with another preferred embodiment of the present invention. As seen in  FIGS. 3A and 3B , a packaged electro-optic integrated circuit and connector chip  2000  is surface mounted onto a first surface  2002  of a printed circuit board  2004 , preferably having formed therein passive components  2005 , such as resistors or capacitors and active components such as a microcontroller  2006 . A plurality of mounting apertures  2007  are preferably formed in printed circuit board  2004 . An opposite surface  2008  of printed circuit board  2004  has formed thereon electrical circuitry  2010 , preferably including both passive and active components, such as a laser driving circuit  2014  and resistors and capacitors  2015 . Solder balls  2016  are also preferably formed on surface  2008  and have a height which exceeds the height of the highest component of the electrical circuitry  2010 . As will be described hereinbelow with reference to  FIGS. 5A and 5B , solder balls  2016  are preferably employed for mounting the multi-fiber connector onto a printed circuit board (not shown). 
         [0129]    Reference is now made to  FIGS. 3C and 3D , which shows the assembly of printed circuit board  2004 , having chip  2000  mounted thereon, into a standard MPO type fiber optic connector housing  2020 . Rivets or other fasteners (not shown) are preferably employed for engaging mounting apertures  2007  and corresponding mounting apertures  2027  formed in housing  2020 . It is seen that surface  2008  and its solder balls  2016  are exposed. 
         [0130]    Reference is now made to  FIGS. 4A ,  4 B,  4 C and  4 D, which are simplified pictorial illustrations of assembly of a multi-fiber connector constructed and operative in accordance with another preferred embodiment of the present invention. As seen in  FIGS. 4A and 4B , a packaged electro-optic integrated circuit and connector chip  2500  is surface mounted onto a first surface  2502  of a printed circuit board  2504 , preferably having formed therein passive components, such as resistors or capacitors  2505  and active components such as a microcontroller  2506 . A laser driver and/or other active components which are mounted onto the printed circuit board in the embodiments of  FIGS. 1A-3D  may be embedded into the chip  2500 . A plurality of mounting apertures  2507  are preferably formed in printed circuit board  2504 . An opposite surface  2508  of printed circuit board  2504  has formed thereon solder balls  2516 . As will be described hereinbelow with reference to  FIGS. 5A and 5B , solder balls  2516  are preferably employed for mounting the multi-fiber connector onto a printed circuit board. 
         [0131]    Reference is now made to  FIGS. 4C and 4D , which show the assembly of printed circuit board  2504 , having chip  2500  mounted thereon, into a standard MPO type fiber optic connector housing  2520 . Rivets or other fasteners (not shown) are preferably employed for engaging mounting apertures  2507  and corresponding mounting apertures  2527  formed in housing  2520 . It is seen that surface  2508  and its solder balls  2516  are exposed. 
         [0132]    Reference is now made to  FIGS. 5A and 5B , which are illustrations of an MPO type fiber optic connector  2600 , constructed as shown in any of  FIGS. 1A-4D , mounted onto a printed circuit board  2602 , preferably by means of solder balls (not shown) corresponding to solder balls  1016 ,  1516 ,  2016  and  2516 , in the embodiments of  FIGS. 1A-1D ,  2 A- 2 D,  3 A- 3 D and  4 A- 4 D, respectively. It is seen that the standard connector housing, here designated by reference numeral  2603 , is preferably integrally formed with side latches  2604  for selectably retaining a corresponding plug  2606 . 
         [0133]    Reference is now made to  FIGS. 6A-41  which illustrate preferred embodiments of a packaged electro-optic integrated circuit and connector chip, such as chips  1000 ,  1500 ,  2000  and  2500 , in the embodiments of  FIGS. 1A-1D ,  2 A- 2 D,  3 A- 3 D and  4 A- 4 D, respectively. 
         [0134]    Reference is now made to  FIGS. 6A  and B, which are simplified pictorial illustrations of a packaged electro-optic integrated circuit  3100 , having integrally formed therein an optical connector and electrical connections, alone and in conjunction with a conventional optical connector. 
         [0135]    As seen in  FIGS. 6A and 6B , a packaged electro-optic integrated circuit  3100  is provided in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention and includes an at least partially transparent substrate  3102 , typically glass. Electrical circuitry (not shown) is formed, as by conventional photolithographic techniques, over one surface of substrate  3102  and is encapsulated by a layer  3104  of a protective material, such as BCB, commercially available from Dow Corning of the U.S.A. An array  3106  of electrical connections, preferably in the form of conventional solder bumps, communicates with the electrical circuitry via conductive pathways (not shown) extending through the protective material of layer  3104 . 
         [0136]    Formed on a surface of substrate  3102  opposite to that adjacent layer  3104  there are defined optical pathways (not shown) which communicate with an array of optical fibers  3108 , whose ends are aligned along an edge  3110  of the substrate  3102 . Preferably, physical alignment bores  3112  are aligned with the array of optical fibers  3108 . The bores  3112  are preferably defined by cylindrical elements, which, together with the optical fibers  3108  and the optical pathways, are encapsulated by a layer  3114  of protective material, preferably epoxy. 
         [0137]      FIG. 6B  shows a conventional MPO type optical connector  3116 , such as an MPO connector manufactured by SENKO Advanced Components, Inc. of Marlborough, Mass., USA., arranged for mating contact with the packaged electro-optic circuit  3100 , wherein alignment pins  3118  of connector  3116  are arranged to seat in alignment bores  3112  of the electro-optic circuit  3100  and optical fiber ends (not shown) of connector  3116  are arranged in butting aligned relationship with the ends of the array  3108  of optical fibers in packaged electro-optic circuit  3100 . 
         [0138]    Reference is now made to  FIGS. 7A ,  7 B,  7 C,  7 D,  7 E and  7 F, which are simplified pictorial and sectional illustrations of a first plurality of stages in the manufacture of the packaged electro-optic circuit of  FIGS. 6A and 6B . Turning to  FIG. 7A , it is seen that electrical circuits  3120  are preferably formed onto a first surface  3122  of substrate  3102 , at least part of which is transparent to light within at least part of the wavelength range of 600-1650 nm. Preferably light detector arrays  3123  are also formed on surface  3122  of substrate  3102  and connected to electrical circuits  3120 . Substrate  3102  is preferably of thickness between 200-800 microns. The electrical circuits  3120  are preferably formed by conventional photolithographic techniques employed in the production of integrated circuits. The light detector arrays  3123  are preferably formed by chemical deposition and lithography and may comprise, for example, poly-silicon, amorphous silicon, lead sulfide, lead selenide and HgCdTe. The light detector arrays  3123  may advantageously be employed to monitor individual outputs of individual lasers in a laser array embedded in a packaged electro-optic integrated circuit and connector chip, such as chips  1000 ,  1500 ,  2000  and  2500 , in the embodiments of  FIGS. 1A-1D ,  2 A- 2 D,  3 A- 3 D and  4 A- 4 D, respectively. 
         [0139]    The substrate shown in  FIG. 7A  is turned over, as indicated by an arrow  3124  and, as seen in  FIG. 7B , an array of parallel, spaced, elongate optical fiber positioning elements  3126  is preferably formed, such as by conventional photolithographic techniques, over an opposite surface  3128  of substrate  3102 . It is appreciated that the positions of the array of elements  3126  on surface  3128  are preferably precisely coordinated with the positions of the electrical circuits  3120  on first surface  3122  of the substrate  3102 , as shown in  FIG. 7C . 
         [0140]    Turning to  FIG. 7D , it is seen that notches  3130  are preferably formed on surface  3128 , as by means of a dicing blade  3132 , to precisely position and accommodate alignment bore defining cylinders  3134 , as shown in  FIG. 7E .  FIG. 7E  illustrates that the centers of alignment bore defining cylinders  3134  preferably lie in the same plane as the centers  3136  of optical fibers  3108  which are precisely positioned between elements  3126  on surface  3128 .  FIG. 7F  illustrates encapsulation of the fibers  3108 , the cylinders  3134  and the positioning elements  3126  by layer  3114  of protective material, preferably epoxy. 
         [0141]    Reference is now made to Figs.  FIGS. 8A ,  8 B,  8 C,  8 D,  8 E,  8 F,  8 G,  8 H,  8 I and  8 J, which are simplified pictorial and sectional illustrations of a second plurality of stages in the manufacture of the packaged electro-optic circuit of  FIGS. 6A and 6B .  FIG. 8A  shows the wafer of  FIG. 7F  turned over. 
         [0142]    As shown in  FIG. 8B , a multiplicity of studs  3140 , preferably gold studs, are formed onto electrical circuits  3120  lying on surface  3122 . The studs  3140  are preferably flattened or “coined”, as shown schematically in  FIG. 8C , to yield a multiplicity of flattened electrical contacts  3142 , as shown in  FIG. 8D . 
         [0143]    As shown in  FIGS. 8E ,  8 F and  8 G, the wafer of  FIG. 8D  is turned over, as indicated by an arrow  3144 , and the electrical contacts  3142  are dipped into a shallow bath  3146  of a conductive adhesive  3148 , such as H20E silver filled epoxy, manufactured by Epoxy Technology, 14 Fortune Drive, Billerica, Mass. 01821, USA, so as to coat the tip of each contact  3142  with adhesive  3148 , as shown. The wafer of  FIG. 8G  is then turned over, as indicated by an arrow  3150 , and a plurality of integrated circuits  3152  is mounted onto the multiplicity of contacts  3142 , as seen in  FIG. 8H . Integrated circuits  3152  may be electrical or electro-optic integrated circuits as appropriate. 
         [0144]      FIG. 8I  illustrates the application of underfill material  3154 , such as OG  146 , manufactured by Epoxy Technology, 14 Fortune Drive, Billerica, Mass. 01821, USA, at the gap between integrated circuits  3152  and electrical circuits  3120  as well as substrate  3102 . If integrated circuits  3152  include electro-optic devices, the underfill material  3154  should be transparent as appropriate. 
         [0145]    As shown in  FIG. 8J , an encapsulation layer  3156 , such as a layer of solder mask, is preferably formed over integrated circuits  3152 , electrical circuits  3120 , substrate  3102  and underfill material  3154 . 
         [0146]    For the purposes of the discussion which follows, it is assumed that at least some, if not all, of the integrated circuits  3152  are electro-optic devices. It is appreciated that additional integrated circuits (not shown) which are not electro-optic devices, may be electrically connected to the electrical circuits  3120  on substrate  3102  by other techniques, such as wire bonding. 
         [0147]    Reference is now made to Figs.  FIGS. 9A ,  9 B,  9 C and  9 D, which are simplified pictorial and sectional illustrations of a third plurality of stages in the manufacture of the packaged electro-optic circuit of  FIGS. 6A and 6B . 
         [0148]      FIG. 9A  illustrates the wafer of  FIG. 8J , turned over and notched along lines extending perpendicularly to the array of optical fibers  3108 , producing an inclined cut extending entirely through at least the core  3160  of each fiber  3108  and extending at least partially through cylindrical elements  3134 . 
         [0149]      FIG. 9B-9D  are simplified sectional illustrations, taken along the lines IXB-IXB in  FIG. 9A , of further stages in the production of the electro-optic integrated circuit. 
         [0150]    As shown in  FIG. 9B , the notching preferably forms a notch  3224 , at least partially overlapping the locations of the integrated circuits  3152 , at least some, if not all, of which are electro-optic devices, and extending through the layer  3114  of protective material, entirely through each optical fiber  3108  and partially into substrate  3102 . Specifically, in this embodiment, the notch  3224  extends through all of cladding  3226  of each fiber  3108  and entirely through the core  3160  of each fiber. It is appreciated that the surfaces defined by the notch  3224  are relatively rough, as shown. 
         [0151]    Turning now to  FIG. 9C , it is seen that a partially flat and partially concave mirror assembly  3230  is preferably mounted parallel to one of the rough inclined surfaces  3232  defined by notch  3224 . Mirror assembly  3230  preferably comprises a glass substrate  3234  having formed thereon a curved portion  3235  over which is formed a curved metallic layer or a dichroic filter layer  3236 . A glass cover  3237  is attached to the back of curved portion  3235 , preferably by a suitable adhesive  3238 . A preferred method of fabrication of mirror assembly  3230  is described hereinbelow with reference to  FIGS. 28A-29F . As seen in  FIG. 9D , preferably, the mirror assembly  3230  is securely held in place partially by any suitable adhesive  3239 , such as epoxy, and partially by an optical adhesive  3240 , such as OG 146, manufactured by Epoxy Technology, 14 Fortune Drive, Billerica, Mass. 01821, USA, whose refractive index preferably is precisely matched to that of the cores  3160  of the optical fibers  3108 . It is appreciated that optical adhesive  3240  may be employed throughout instead of adhesive  3239 . Optical adhesive  3240  preferably fills the interstices between the roughened surface  3232  defined by notch  3224  and a surface  3242  of mirror assembly  3230 . 
         [0152]    Reference is now made to  FIGS. 10A ,  10 B and  10 C, which are enlarged simplified optical illustrations of a portion of  FIG. 9D  in accordance with preferred embodiments of the present invention.  FIG. 10A  is an enlarged simplified optical illustration of a portion of  FIG. 9D . Here it is seen that a generally uninterrupted optical path is defined for light, preferably in the wavelength range of 400-1650 nm, from an end  3250  of a core  3160 , through adhesive  3240 , substrate  3234  and curved portion  3235  to a reflective surface  3252  of layer  3236  and thence through curved portion  3235 , adhesive  3240  and substrate  3102  and layer  3104  which are substantially transparent to this light. It is noted that the index of refraction of adhesive  3240  is close to but not identical to that of curved portion  3235  and substrates  3102  and  3234 . In the embodiment of  FIG. 10A , the operation of curved layer  3236  is to focus light exiting from end  3250  of core  3160  onto the electro-optic component  3152 . 
         [0153]      FIG. 10B  is an enlarged simplified optical illustration of a portion of  FIG. 9D  in accordance with a further embodiment of the present invention. In this embodiment, the curvature of curved layer  3236  produces collimation rather than focusing of the light exiting from end  3250  of core  3160  onto the electro-optic component  3152 . 
         [0154]      FIG. 10C  is an enlarged simplified optical illustration of a portion of  FIG. 9D  in accordance with yet another embodiment of the present invention wherein a grating  3260  is added to curved layer  3236 . The additional provision of grating  3260  causes separation of light impinging thereon according to its wavelength, such that multispectral light exiting from end  3250  of core  3160  is focused at multiple locations on electro-optic component  3152  in accordance with the wavelengths of components thereof. 
         [0155]    Reference is now made to  FIG. 11 , which is a simplified sectional illustration of a packaged electro-optic integrated circuit constructed and operative in accordance with yet another preferred embodiment of the present invention. The embodiment of  FIG. 11  corresponds generally to that described hereinabove with respect to  FIG. 9D  other than in that a mirror with multiple concave reflective surfaces is provided rather than a mirror with a single such reflective surface. As seen in  FIG. 11 , it is seen that light from an optical fiber  3316  is directed onto an electro-optic component  3320  by a partially flat and partially concave mirror assembly  3330 , preferably mounted parallel to one of the rough inclined surfaces  3332  defined by notch  3324 . Mirror assembly  3330  preferably comprises a glass substrate  3334  having formed thereon a plurality of curved portions  3335  over which are formed a curved metallic layer or a dichroic filter layer  3336 . A glass cover  3337  is attached to the back of curved portion  3335 , preferably by a suitable adhesive  3338 . Mirror assembly  3330  also defines a reflective surface  3340 , which is disposed on a planar surface  3342  generally opposite layer  3336 . A preferred method of fabrication of mirror assembly  3330  is described hereinbelow with reference to  FIGS. 30A-32H . Preferably, the mirror assembly  3330  is securely held in place partially by any suitable adhesive  3343 , such as epoxy, and partially by an optical adhesive  3344 , such as OG 146, manufactured by Epoxy Technology, 14 Fortune Drive, Billerica, Mass. 01821, USA, whose refractive index preferably is precisely matched to that of the cores  3328  of the optical fibers  3316 . It is appreciated that optical adhesive  3344  may be employed throughout instead of adhesive  3343 . The optical adhesive  3344  preferably fills the interstices between the roughened surface  3332  defined by notch  3324  and surface  3342  of mirror assembly  3330 . 
         [0156]    Reference is now made to  FIG. 12A , which is an enlarged simplified optical illustration of a portion of  FIG. 11 . Here it is seen that a generally uninterrupted optical path is defined for light, preferably in the wavelength range of 400-1650 nm, from an end  3350  of core  3328 , through adhesive  3344 , substrate  3334  and first curved portion  3335 , to a curved reflective surface  3352  of layer  3336  and thence through first curved portion  3335  and substrate  3334  to reflective surface  3340 , from reflective surface  3340  through substrate  3334  and second curved portion  3335  to another curved reflective surface  3354  of layer  3336  and thence through second curved portion  3335 , substrate  3334 , adhesive  3344  and substrate  3304  and a layer  3305 , which are substantially transparent to this light. It is noted that the index of refraction of adhesive  3344  is close to but not identical to that of substrates  3304  and  3334 . In the embodiment of  FIG. 12A , the operation of curved layer  3336  and reflective surface  3340  is to focus light exiting from end  3350  of core  3328  onto the electro-optic component  3320 . 
         [0157]    Reference is now made to  FIG. 12B , which is an enlarged simplified optical illustration of a portion of  FIG. 11  in accordance with a further embodiment of the present invention. In this embodiment, the curvature of curved layer  3336  produces collimation rather than focusing of the light exiting from end  3350  of core  3328  onto the electro-optic component  3320 . 
         [0158]    Reference is now made to  FIG. 12C , which is an enlarged simplified optical illustration of a portion of  FIG. 11  in accordance with yet another embodiment of the present invention wherein a reflective grating  3360  replaces reflective surface  3340  ( FIG. 12A ). A preferred method of fabrication of mirror assembly  3330  with grating  3360  is described hereinbelow with reference to  FIGS. 32A-32G . The additional provision of grating  3360  causes separation of light impinging thereon according to its wavelength, such that multispectral light existing from end  3350  of core  3328  is focused at multiple locations on electro-optic component  3320  in accordance with the wavelengths of components thereof. 
         [0159]    It is appreciated that, even though the illustrated embodiments of  FIGS. 9C-12C  utilize the mirror assemblies whose fabrications are described hereinbelow with reference to  FIGS. 28A-29F  and  30 A- 32 H, any of the mirror assemblies whose fabrications are described hereinbelow with reference to  FIGS. 28A-34H  may alternatively be utilized. 
         [0160]    Reference is now made to  FIG. 13 , which is a simplified pictorial illustration corresponding to sectional illustration  FIG. 9D .  FIG. 13  illustrates the wafer of  FIG. 9A , with partially flat and partially concave mirror assembly  3230  mounted thereon, parallel to one of the rough inclined surfaces  3232  defined by notch  3224 , as described hereinabove with reference to  FIG. 9D . It is appreciated that mirror assembly  3230  extends along the entire length of substrate  3102 . 
         [0161]    Reference is now made to  FIGS. 14A ,  14 B,  14 C,  14 D,  14 E and  14 F, which are simplified pictorial and sectional illustrations of a fourth plurality of stages in the manufacture of the packaged electro-optic circuit of  FIGS. 6A and 6B .  FIG. 14A  shows the wafer of  FIG. 13  turned over.  FIG. 14B  is a sectional illustration of the wafer of  FIG. 14A  along lines XIVB-XIVB.  FIG. 14C  illustrates the formation of holes  3402  by conventional techniques, such as the use of lasers or photolithography, which communicate with electrical circuits  3120  ( FIG. 7A ) on substrate  3102 .  FIG. 14D  shows the formation of solder bumps  3404  in holes  3402 . 
         [0162]    Following the formation of solder bumps  3404  in holes  3402 , the wafer, as shown in  FIG. 14E , is preferably diced, providing a plurality of packaged electro-optic circuit chips  3406 , as illustrated in  FIG. 14F . Following dicing of substrate  3102  into a plurality of packaged electro-optic circuit chips  3406 , an optical edge surface  3407  of each of the plurality of packaged electro-optic circuit chips  3406  is polished to provide an optical quality planar surface. It is appreciated that the planar surface defined by the polishing may be either parallel, or at any suitable angle, to the plane defined by the dicing. 
         [0163]    Reference is now made to  FIG. 15 , which shows packaged electro-optic circuit chips  3406  mounted on a conventional electrical circuit board  3408  and being interconnected by a conventional optical fiber ribbon  3410  and associated conventional optical fiber connectors  3416 . 
         [0164]    Reference is now made to  FIG. 16 , which is a simplified pictorial illustration of an initial stage in the production of an electro-optic integrated circuit, constructed and operative in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention. As seen in  FIG. 16 , one or more electrical circuits  4200  are preferably formed onto a first surface  4202  of an optional epitaxial layer  4203  of a substrate  4204 . The epitaxial layer  4203  is typically formed of silicon and has a thickness of between 2-10 microns, while the substrate  4204  is typically formed of silicon and has a thickness of 200-1000 microns. Electrical circuits  4200  are preferably formed onto substrate  4204  by conventional photolithographic and thin film processing techniques employed in the production of integrated circuits. Circuits  4200  preferably include transistors  4205  formed in layer  4203 , covered by a dielectric layer  4206 , over which is typically formed a plurality of metal conductive layers  4207  interspersed with dielectric layers  4208 , covered by a top passivation layer  4210 . The dielectric layers are preferably transparent to light preferably in both the visible and the infrared bands within at least part of the wavelength range of 400-1650 nm. Vias  4211 , connected to at least one conductive layer  4207 , extend through layer  4210  to the top surface  4212 . 
         [0165]    Preferably light detector arrays  4213  are also formed on surface  4202  of substrate  4204  and connected to electrical circuits  4200 . The light detector arrays  4213  are preferably formed by chemical deposition and lithography and may comprise, for example, poly-silicon, amorphous silicon, lead sulfide, lead selenide and HgCdTe. The light detector arrays  4213  may advantageously be employed to monitor individual outputs of individual lasers in a laser array embedded in a packaged electro-optic integrated circuit and connector chip, such as chips  1000 ,  1500 ,  2000  and  2500 , in the embodiments of  FIGS. 1A-1D ,  2 A- 2 D,  3 A- 3 D and  4 A- 4 D, respectively. 
         [0166]    Reference is now made to  FIGS. 17A ,  17 B,  17 C,  17 D and  17 E, which are simplified illustrations of the initial stages in the production of an electro optical integrated circuit in accordance with the embodiment of  FIG. 16 .  FIG. 17A  shows the substrate of  FIG. 16  after it has been turned over. 
         [0167]    As seen in  FIG. 17B , an opening  4216  is formed by removing portions of substrate  4204  at locations not underlying vias  4211 . Preferably, the entire thickness of the substrate  4204  is removed, leaving dielectric layers  4206 ,  4208 , conductive layers  4207  and top passivation layer  4210  intact. Alternatively, dielectric layer  4206  may also be removed, leaving some or all of dielectric layers  4208  and top passivation layer  4210  intact. The removal of substrate  4204  may be achieved by using conventional etching techniques and, preferably, provides a volume of dimensions of around 100 to 200 microns in width and 1000 to 3000 microns in length. 
         [0168]    As seen in  FIG. 17C , the openings  4216  are filled by a suitable transparent optical adhesive  4217 , such as OG 146, manufactured by Epoxy Technology, 14 Fortune Drive, Billerica, Mass. 01821, USA, whose refractive index preferably is precisely matched to that of cores of conventionally manufactured optical fibers, commercially available from manufacturers, such as Dow Corning of the U.S.A. 
         [0169]    As seen in  FIG. 17D , conductive bumps  4218 , preferably metal bumps, such as solder bumps, are preferably formed onto the exposed surfaces of vias  4211 . As seen in  FIG. 17E , conductive bumps  4220 , preferably metal bumps, such as solder bumps, are preferably formed onto the surfaces of integrated circuit chips  4222 , which are preferably located below openings  4216 . Integrated circuit chips  4222  are in conductive engagement with vias  4211  by the soldering of bumps  4218  to bumps  4220 . 
         [0170]    Reference is now made to  FIG. 18 , which is a simplified illustration of an integrated circuit of the type referenced in  FIGS. 17A-17E , including a laser light source  4224  formed on an integrated circuit chip  4226 , located below an opening  4228  formed in an integrated circuit substrate  4230 . 
         [0171]    Reference is now made to  FIG. 19 , which is a simplified illustration of an integrated circuit of the type referenced in  FIGS. 17A-17E , including an optical detector  4232  formed on an integrated circuit chip  4234 , located below an opening  4236  formed in an integrated circuit substrate  4238 . 
         [0172]    Reference is now made to  FIG. 20 , which is a simplified illustration of an integrated circuit of the type referenced in  FIGS. 17A-17E , including multiple elements  4240  located below multiple openings  4242  formed within a substrate  4244 . These elements may by any suitable electrical or electro-optic element. 
         [0173]    Reference is now made to  FIGS. 21A ,  21 B,  21 C and  21 D, which are simplified pictorial illustrations of further stages in the production of a packaged electro-optic integrated circuit.  FIG. 21A  shows the substrate of  FIG. 16  after it has been turned over. Openings  4246  are formed on portions of substrate  4204  and filled by a transparent optical adhesive  4250 , such as OG 146, manufactured by Epoxy Technology, 14 Fortune Drive, Billerica, Mass. 01821, USA, whose refractive index preferably is precisely matched to that of cores of optical fibers, commercially available from manufacturers such as Dow Corning of the U.S.A. Openings  4246  preferably extend from a second surface  4248  of substrate  4204 , which is opposite first surface  4212 , to dielectric layer  4206 . Alternatively, openings  4246  extend through dielectric layer  4206  and partially or fully through dielectric layers  4208  to passivation layer  4210 . After openings  4246  are filled with optical adhesive  4250 , multiple electro-optical elements are assembled onto integrated circuit substrate  4204 , as described hereinabove with reference to  FIGS. 17E-20 . 
         [0174]      FIG. 21B  shows an array of parallel, spaced, elongated optical fiber positioning elements  4252  that is preferably formed, such as by conventional photolithographic and etching techniques, over second surface  4248  of substrate  4204 . Preferably, positioning elements  4252  are disposed intermediate openings  4246  filled with optical adhesive  4250 . 
         [0175]    As seen in  FIG. 21C , an array of optical fibers  4256  is disposed over surface  4248  of substrate  4204 , each fiber being positioned between adjacent positioning elements  4252 . The fibers  4256  are fixed in place, relative to positioning elements  4252  and to surface  4248  of substrate  4204 , by means of a suitable adhesive  4258 , preferably epoxy, as seen in  FIG. 21D , and preferably overlie openings  4246  filled with optical adhesive  4250 . 
         [0176]    Reference is now made to  FIGS. 22A ,  22 B,  22 C, and  22 D, which are simplified sectional illustrations, taken along the lines XXII-XXII in  FIG. 21D , of additional stages in the production of a packaged electro-optic integrated circuit. As seen in  FIG. 22A , electro-optic components  4260 , such as diode lasers, are mounted onto electrical circuits  4200  ( FIG. 16 ). It is appreciated that electro-optic components  4260  may include any suitable electro-optic components, such as laser diodes, diode detectors, waveguides, array waveguide gratings or semiconductor optical amplifiers. As described hereinabove with reference to  FIG. 21A , optical opening  4246  is formed by removing portions of substrate  4204  across the entire thickness of the substrate  4204 , and filling the opening  4246  with transparent optical adhesive  4250 , such as OG 146, manufactured by Epoxy Technology, 14 Fortune Drive, Billerica, Mass. 01821, USA, whose refractive index preferably is precisely matched to that of cores  4262  of the optical fibers  4256 . 
         [0177]    As shown in  FIG. 22B , a transverse notch  4264  is preferably formed, at least partially overlapping the locations of the electro-optic components  4260  and extending through the adhesive  4258 , entirely through each optical fiber  4256  and partially into both substrate  4204  and the optical adhesive  4250  in opening  4246 . Specifically, the notch  4264  extends partly through openings  4246 , defining an optical via  4266  filled with optically clear epoxy at the bottom of the notch  4264 . It is appreciated that the surfaces  4270  defined by the notch  4264  are relatively rough, as shown. 
         [0178]    Turning now to  FIG. 22C , it is seen that a partially flat and partially concave mirror  4268  is preferably mounted parallel to one of the rough inclined surfaces  4270  defined by notch  4264 . Mirror  4268  preferably comprises a glass substrate  4272  having formed thereon a curved portion  4274  over which is formed a curved metallic layer or a dichroic filter layer  4275 . A glass cover  4276  is attached to the back of curved portion  4274 , preferably by a suitable adhesive  4277 . As seen in  FIG. 22D , preferably, the mirror  4268  is securely held in place partially by any suitable adhesive  4278 , such as epoxy, and partially by an optical adhesive  4280 , such as OG 146, manufactured by Epoxy Technology, 14 Fortune Drive, Billerica, Mass. 01821, USA, whose refractive index preferably is precisely matched to that of the cores  4262  of the optical fibers  4256 . It is appreciated that optical adhesive  4280  may be employed throughout instead of adhesive  4278 . Optical adhesive  4280  preferably fills the interstices between the roughened surface  4270  defined by notch  4264  and a surface  4282  of mirror  4268 . 
         [0179]    Reference is now made to  FIG. 23A , which is an enlarged simplified optical illustration of a portion of  FIG. 22D . Here it is seen that a generally uninterrupted optical path is defined for light, preferably in the wavelength range of 400-1650 nm, from an end  4284  of core  4262  of fiber  4256 , through adhesive  4280 , substrate  4272  and curved portion  4274  to a reflective surface  4286  of layer  4275  and thence through curved portion  4274 , adhesive  4280 , optical via  4266  and layers  4206 ,  4208  and  4210  which are substantially transparent to this light. It is noted that the index of refraction of adhesive  4280  is identical to that of optical via  4266  and precisely matched to the index of refraction of the core  4262 . In the embodiment of  FIG. 23A , the operation of the curved reflective surface  4286  is to focus light exiting from end  4284  of core  4262  onto the electro-optic component  4260  or similarly to focus light exiting from the electro-optic component  4260  onto the end  4284  of core  4262 . 
         [0180]    Reference is now made to  FIG. 23B , which is an enlarged simplified optical illustration of a portion of  FIG. 22D , in accordance with a further embodiment of the present invention. In this embodiment, the curvature of curved layer  4274  produces collimation rather than focusing of the light exiting from end  4284  of core  4262  onto the electro-optic component  4260 . 
         [0181]    Reference is now made to  FIG. 23C , which is an enlarged simplified optical illustration of a portion of  FIG. 22D , in accordance with yet another embodiment of the present invention, wherein a grating  4288  is added to curved portion  4274 . The additional provision of grating  4288  causes separation of light impinging thereon according to its wavelength, such that multi-spectral light exiting from end  4284  of core  4262  is focused at multiple locations on electro-optic component  4260  in accordance with the wavelengths of components thereof. 
         [0182]    Reference is now made to  FIG. 24 , which is a simplified sectional illustration of A packaged electro-optic integrated circuit constructed and operative in accordance with yet another preferred embodiment of the present invention. The embodiment of  FIG. 24  corresponds generally to that described hereinabove with respect to  FIG. 22D , other than in that a mirror with multiple concave reflective surfaces is provided rather than a mirror with a single such reflective surface. As seen in  FIG. 24 , light from an optical fiber  4316 , having a core  4318 , is directed onto an electro-optic component  4320  by a partially flat and partially concave mirror assembly  4330 , preferably mounted parallel to one of the rough inclined surfaces  4332  defined by a notch  4333  in a substrate  4334 . 
         [0183]    Mirror assembly  4330  preferably comprises a glass substrate  4335  having formed thereon a plurality of curved portions  4336  over which is formed a curved metallic layer or a dichroic filter layer  4337 . A glass cover  4338  is attached to the back of plurality of curved portions  4336 , preferably by a suitable adhesive  4339 . Mirror assembly  4330  also defines a reflective surface  4340 , which is disposed on a planar surface  4342  generally opposite layer  4337 . Preferably, the mirror assembly  4330  is securely held in place partially by any suitable adhesive  4343 , such as epoxy, and partially by an optical adhesive  4344 , such as OG 146, manufactured by Epoxy Technology, 14 Fortune Drive, Billerica, Mass. 01821, USA, whose refractive index preferably is precisely matched to that of core  4318  of the optical fiber  4316  and identical to an adhesive used to fill an optical via  4346 . It is appreciated that optical adhesive  4344  may be employed throughout instead of adhesive  4343 . The optical adhesive  4344  preferably fills the interstices between the roughened surface  4332  defined by notch  4333  and surface  4342  of mirror assembly  4330 . 
         [0184]    Reference is now made to  FIG. 25A , which is an enlarged simplified optical illustration of a portion of  FIG. 24 . Here it is seen that a generally uninterrupted optical path is defined for light, preferably in the wavelength range of 400-1650 nm, from an end  4350  of core  4318 , through adhesive  4344 , substrate  4335  and first curved portion  4336 , to a curved reflective surface  4352  of layer  4337  and thence through first curved portion  4336  and substrate  4335  to reflective surface  4340 , from reflective surface  4340  through substrate  4335  and second curved portion  4336  to another curved reflective surface  4354  of layer  4337  and thence through second curved portion  4336 , substrate  4335 , adhesive  4344 , optical via  4346  and dielectric layers  4356 ,  4358  and  4360 , which are substantially transparent to this light. 
         [0185]    It is noted that the index of refraction of adhesive  4344  is close to but not identical to that of substrate  4335 . In the embodiment of  FIG. 25A , the operation of curved layer  4337  and reflective surface  4340  is to focus light exiting from end  4350  of core  4318  onto the electro-optic component  4320 . 
         [0186]    Reference is now made to  FIG. 25B , which is an enlarged simplified optical illustration of a portion of  FIG. 24 , in accordance with a further embodiment of the present invention. In this embodiment, the curvature of curved layer  4337  produces collimation rather than focusing of the light exiting from end  4350  of core  4318  onto the electro-optic component  4320 . 
         [0187]    Reference is now made to  FIG. 25C , which is an enlarged simplified optical illustration of a portion of  FIG. 24 , in accordance with yet another embodiment of the present invention, wherein a reflective grating  4362  replaces reflective surface  4340  ( FIG. 24 ). The additional provision of grating  4362  causes separation of light impinging thereon according to its wavelength, such that multi-spectral light exiting from end  4350  of core  4318  is focused at multiple locations on electro-optic component  4320  in accordance with the wavelengths of components thereof. 
         [0188]    Reference is now made to  FIGS. 26A ,  26 B,  26 C,  26 D and  26 E, which are simplified pictorial illustrations of stages in the production of a packaged electro-optic integrated circuit, constructed and operative in accordance with still another preferred embodiment of the present invention. 
         [0189]    As seen in  FIG. 26A , one or more semiconductor functional blocks  4400  are preferably formed onto a first surface  4402  of an optional epitaxial layer  4403  of a substrate  4404 . The epitaxial layer  4403  is typically formed of silicon and has a thickness of between 2-10 microns, while the substrate  4404  is typically formed of silicon and has a thickness of 200-1000 microns. Semiconductor functional blocks  4400  are preferably formed onto substrate  4404  by conventional photolithographic and thin film processing techniques employed in the production of integrated circuits. Semiconductor functional blocks  4400  preferably include transistors  4405  formed in layer  4403 , covered by a dielectric layer  4406 , over which are typically formed a plurality of metal conductive layers  4407  interspersed with dielectric layers  4408 , covered by a top passivation layer  4410 . The dielectric layers are preferably transparent to light preferably in both the visible and the infrared bands within at least part of the wavelength range of 400-1650 nm. Vias  4411 , connected to at least one conductive layer  4407 , extend through layer  4410  to the top surface  4412 . One or more semiconductor functional blocks  4400  are preferably formed on substrate  4404 . 
         [0190]      FIG. 26A  also shows locations  4414  of openings  4416  formed, as shown in  FIG. 26B , by removing portions of substrate  4404 . It is noted that locations  4414  do not underlie vias  4411 . Preferably, the entire thickness of the substrate  4404  is removed at locations  4414 , leaving dielectric layers  4406  and  4408  and conductive layers  4407  intact. Alternatively, dielectric layer  4406  may also be removed, leaving some or all of dielectric layers  4408  intact. The removal of substrate  4404  may be achieved by using conventional etching techniques and, preferably, provides a volume of dimensions of around 100 to 200 microns in width and 1000 to 3000 microns in length. The openings  4416  are filled with an optical adhesive  4418 , such as OG 146, manufactured by Epoxy Technology, 14 Fortune Drive, Billerica, Mass. 01821, USA, whose refractive index preferably is precisely matched to that of the cores of optical fibers, commercially available from manufacturers such as Dow Corning of the U.S.A. 
         [0191]    As seen in  FIG. 26C , integrated circuit chips  4420  are preferably located above openings  4416 . These chips may be operatively engaged with vias (not shown) by being soldered to bumps (not shown), as illustrated for example in  FIG. 17E , thus creating an optoelectronic integrated circuit, wherein integrated circuit chips  4420  reside above the substrate of the integrated circuit. 
         [0192]    As seen in  FIG. 26D , one or more fibers  4422  are fixed underneath a bottom surface  4424  of substrate  4404 , preferably by an adhesive (not shown), similarly to that shown in  FIGS. 21C and 21D . Multiple fibers  4422  may be identical, similar or different and need not be arranged in a mutually aligned spatial relationship. 
         [0193]    As shown in  FIG. 26E , it is seen that a mirror  4430 , typically of the type illustrated in any of  FIGS. 22C-25C , is preferably mounted in operative engagement with each fiber  4422 . 
         [0194]    Reference is now made to  FIG. 27 , which is a simplified functional illustration of a preferred embodiment of the structure of  FIG. 26E . As seen in  FIG. 27 , a high frequency optical signal  4480 , typically of frequency 10 to 40 GHz, passes through an optical fiber  4482  and is reflected by a mirror  4484  through a recess  4486  onto a diode  4488 , which is located above the recess  4486 . An output electrical signal  4490  from diode  4488  may be supplied to an amplifier  4492 , which may be formed on the silicon substrate circuitry. The amplified output  4494  of amplifier  4492  may be provided to a serializer/deserializer  4496 , which may be formed on the silicon substrate circuitry. 
         [0195]    An output signal  4498  from serializer/deserializer  4496  is preferably fed to one or more semiconductor functional blocks  4500  for further processing. A laser  4502 , which may be located above a recess  4504 , may employ an electrical output  4506  from functional block  4500  to produce a modulated light beam  4508 , which is reflected by a mirror  4510  through recess  4504  to pass through a fiber  4512 . It is appreciated that electro-optic integrated circuit devices  4488  and  4502  may be configured to operate as either a light transmitter or a light receiver or both. 
         [0196]    It is appreciated that in addition to the substrate materials described hereinabove, the substrates may comprise silicon, silicon germanium, silicon on sapphire, silicon on insulator (SOI), gallium arsenide, indium phosphide or any other suitable material. 
         [0197]    Reference is now made to  FIGS. 28A ,  28 B,  28 C,  28 D and  28 E, which are simplified illustrations of a method for fabricating micro optical elements employed in the embodiments of  FIGS. 16-27  and  FIGS. 35A-41  in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.  FIG. 28A  shows a glass substrate  4800 , typically of thickness 200-400 microns. Substrate  4800  has formed thereon an array of microlenses  4802 , typically formed of photoresist, as seen in  FIG. 28B . The microlenses  4802  preferably have an index of refraction that is identical or very close to that of substrate  4800 . The microlenses may be formed by one or more conventional techniques, such as photolithography and thermal reflow, photolithography using of a grey scale mask, jet printing and pattern transfer onto the substrate by etching. 
         [0198]    A thin metal layer  4804 , typically aluminum, is formed over the substrate  4800  and microlenses  4802  as seen in  FIG. 28C , typically by evaporation or sputtering. A glass cover layer  4806  is preferably formed over the array of microlenses  4802  and sealed thereover by an adhesive  4808 , as seen in  FIG. 28D . The substrate  4800 , the metal layer  4804  formed thereon and the glass cover layer  4806  and associated adhesive  4808  are then diced by conventional techniques, as shown in  FIG. 28E , thereby defining individual optical elements  4809 , each including a curved portion defined by microlens  4802 . 
         [0199]    Reference is now made to  FIGS. 29A ,  29 B,  29 C,  29 D,  29 E and  29 F, which are simplified illustrations of a method for fabricating optical elements employed in the embodiments of  FIGS. 16-27  and  FIGS. 35A-41  in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention. A glass substrate  4810 , typically of thickness 200-400 microns, seen in  FIG. 29A , has formed thereon an array of microlenses  4812 , typically formed of photoresist, as seen in  FIG. 29B . The microlenses  4812  preferably have an index of refraction that is identical or very close to that of substrate  4810 . The microlenses may be formed by one or more conventional techniques, such as photolithography and thermal reflow, photolithography using of a grey scale mask, jet printing and pattern transfer onto the substrate by etching. 
         [0200]    A thin metal layer  4814 , typically aluminum, is formed over the substrate  4810  and microlenses  4812  as seen in  FIG. 29C , typically by evaporation or sputtering. A glass cover layer  4816  is preferably formed over the array of microlenses  4812  and sealed thereover by an adhesive  4818 , as seen in  FIG. 29D . The substrate  4810  is then notched from underneath by conventional techniques. As seen in  FIG. 29E , notches  4819  are preferably formed at locations partially underlying microlenses  4812 . 
         [0201]    Following notching, the substrate  4810 , the microlenses  4812 , the metal layer  4814  formed thereon, the glass cover layer  4816  and the adhesive  4818  are diced by conventional techniques, as shown in  FIG. 29F , at locations intersecting inclined walls of the notches  4819 , thereby defining individual optical elements  4820 , each including a curved portion defined by part of microlens  4812 . 
         [0202]    Reference is now made to  FIGS. 30A ,  30 B,  30 C,  30 D,  30 E,  30 F and  30 G, which are simplified illustrations of a method for fabricating optical elements employed in the embodiments of  FIGS. 16-27  and  FIGS. 35A-41  in accordance with yet another embodiment of the present invention. A glass substrate  4821 , typically of thickness 200-400 microns, seen in  FIG. 30A , has formed thereon an array of microlenses  4822 , typically formed of photoresist, as seen in  FIG. 30B . The microlenses  4822  preferably have an index of refraction that is identical or very close to that of substrate  4821 . The microlenses may be formed by one or more conventional techniques, such as photolithography and thermal reflow, photolithography using of a grey scale mask, jet printing and pattern transfer onto the substrate by etching. 
         [0203]    A thin metal layer  4824 , typically aluminum, is formed over the substrate  4821  and microlenses  4822  as seen in  FIG. 30C , typically by evaporation or sputtering. An additional metal layer  4825 , typically aluminum, is similarly formed on an opposite surface of substrate  4821 . Metal layers  4824  and  4825  are patterned typically by conventional photolithographic techniques to define respective reflective surfaces  4826  and  4827  as seen in  FIG. 30D . A glass cover layer  4828  is preferably formed over the array of microlenses  4822  and sealed thereover by an adhesive  4829  as seen in  FIG. 30E . 
         [0204]    The substrate  4821  is notched from underneath by conventional techniques. As seen in  FIG. 30F , notches  4830  need not be at locations partially underlying microlenses  4822 . Following notching, the substrate  4821 , the microlenses  4822 , the metal layers  4824  and  4825  ( FIG. 30C ), the glass cover layer  4828  and the adhesive  4829  are diced by conventional techniques, as shown in  FIG. 30G , at locations intersecting inclined walls of the notches  4830 , thereby defining individual optical elements  4831 , each including curved reflective portion  4826  defined by a pair of microlenses  4822 , as well as flat reflective surface  4827 . 
         [0205]    Reference is now made to  FIGS. 31A ,  31 B,  31 C,  31 D,  31 E,  31 F and  31 G, which are simplified illustrations of a method for fabricating optical elements employed in the embodiments of  FIGS. 16-27  and  FIGS. 35A-41  in accordance with still another embodiment of the present invention. A glass substrate  4832 , typically of thickness 200-400 microns, seen in  FIG. 31A , has formed thereon an array of pairs of microlenses  4833 , typically formed of photoresist, as seen in  FIG. 31B . The microlenses  4833  preferably have an index of refraction that is identical or very close to that of substrate  4832 . The microlenses may be formed by one or more conventional techniques, such as photolithography and thermal reflow, photolithography using of a grey scale mask, jet printing and pattern transfer onto the substrate by etching. 
         [0206]    A thin metal layer  4834 , typically aluminum, is formed over the substrate  4832  and pairs of microlenses  4833 , as seen in  FIG. 31C , typically by evaporation or sputtering. An additional metal layer  4835 , typically aluminum, is similarly formed on an opposite surface of substrate  4832 . Metal layers  4834  and  4835  are patterned, typically by conventional photolithographic techniques, to define respective reflective surfaces  4836  and  4837  as seen in  FIG. 31D . A glass cover layer  4838  is preferably formed over the array of microlenses  4833  and sealed thereover by an adhesive  4839  as seen in  FIG. 31E . 
         [0207]    The substrate  4832  is notched from underneath by conventional techniques, defining notches  4840 , as seen in  FIG. 31F . Following notching, the substrate  4832 , the microlenses  4833 , the metal layers  4834  and  4835  ( FIG. 31C ), the glass cover layer  4838  and the adhesive  4839  are diced by conventional techniques, as shown in  FIG. 31G , at locations intersecting inclined walls of the notches  4840 , thereby defining individual optical elements  4841 , each including curved reflective surface  4836  defined by a pair of microlenses  4833 , as well as flat reflective surface  4837 . 
         [0208]    Reference is now made to  FIGS. 32A ,  32 B,  32 C,  32 D,  32 E,  32 F,  32 G and  32 H, which are simplified illustrations of a method for fabricating optical elements employed in the embodiments of  FIGS. 16-27  and  FIGS. 35A-41  in accordance with a further embodiment of the present invention. A glass substrate  4842 , typically of thickness 200-400 microns, seen in  FIG. 32A , has formed in an underside surface thereof an array of reflective diffraction gratings  4843 , as seen in  FIG. 32B , typically by etching. Alternatively, the gratings  4843  may be formed on the surface of the substrate  4842 , typically by lithography or transfer. An array of pairs of microlenses  4844 , typically formed of photoresist, is formed on an opposite surface of substrate  4842 , as seen in  FIG. 32C . The microlenses  4844  preferably have an index of refraction that is identical or very close to that of substrate  4842 . The microlenses may be formed by one or more conventional techniques, such as photolithography and thermal reflow, photolithography using of a grey scale mask, jet printing and pattern transfer onto the substrate by etching. 
         [0209]    A thin metal layer  4845 , typically aluminum, is formed over the substrate  4842  and pairs of microlenses  4844  as seen in  FIG. 32D , typically by evaporation or sputtering. Metal layer  4845  is preferably patterned, typically by conventional photolithographic techniques, to define a reflective surface  4846 , as seen in  FIG. 32E . A glass cover layer  4847  is preferably formed over the array of microlenses  4844  and sealed thereover by an adhesive  4848  as seen in  FIG. 32F . 
         [0210]    The substrate  4842  is notched from underneath by conventional techniques, defining notches  4849 , as seen in  FIG. 32G . Following notching, the substrate  4842 , the microlenses  4844 , the metal layer  4845  ( FIG. 32D ), the glass cover layer  4847  and the adhesive  4848  are diced by conventional techniques, as shown in  FIG. 32H , at locations intersecting inclined walls of the notches  4849 , thereby defining individual optical elements  4850 , each including curved reflective portion  4846  defined by a pair of microlenses  4844  as well as flat reflective grating  4843 . 
         [0211]    Reference is now made to  FIGS. 33A ,  33 B,  33 C,  33 D,  33 E,  33 F,  33 G and  33 H, which are simplified illustrations of a method for fabricating optical elements employed in the embodiments of  FIGS. 16-27  and  FIGS. 35A-41  in accordance with yet a further embodiment of the present invention. A glass substrate  4851 , typically of thickness 200-400 microns, seen in  FIG. 33A , has formed in an underside surface thereof an array of reflective diffraction gratings  4852 , as seen in  FIG. 33B , typically by etching. Alternatively, the gratings  4852  may be formed on the surface of the substrate  4851 , typically by lithography or transfer. An array of pairs of microlenses  4853 , typically formed of photoresist, is formed on an opposite surface of substrate  4851 , as seen in  FIG. 33C . The microlenses  4853  preferably have an index of refraction that is identical or very close to that of substrate  4851 . The microlenses may be formed by one or more conventional techniques, such as photolithography and thermal reflow, photolithography using of a grey scale mask, jet printing and pattern transfer onto the substrate by etching. 
         [0212]    A thin metal layer  4854 , typically aluminum, is formed over the substrate  4851  and pairs of microlenses  4853  as seen in  FIG. 33D , typically by evaporation or sputtering. An additional metal layer  4855  is similarly formed on an opposite surface of the substrate  4851 . Metal layers  4854  and  4855  are preferably patterned, typically by conventional photolithographic techniques, to define respective reflective surfaces  4856  and  4857 , as seen in  FIG. 33E . A glass cover layer  4858  is preferably formed over the array of microlenses  4853  and sealed thereover by an adhesive  4859  as seen in  FIG. 33F . 
         [0213]    The substrate  4851  is notched from underneath by conventional techniques, defining notches  4860 , as seen in  FIG. 33G . Following notching, the substrate  4851 , the microlenses  4853 , the metal layers  4854  and  4855  ( FIG. 33D ), the glass cover layer  4858  and the adhesive  4859  are diced by conventional techniques, as shown in  FIG. 33H , at locations intersecting inclined walls of the notches  4860 , thereby defining individual optical elements  4861 , each including curved reflective surface  4856  defined by a pair of microlenses  4853  as well as flat reflective grating  4852  and flat reflective surfaces  4857 . 
         [0214]    Reference is now made to  FIGS. 34A ,  34 B,  34 C,  34 D,  34 E,  34 F,  34 G and  34 H, which are simplified illustrations of a method for fabricating optical elements employed in the embodiments of  FIGS. 16-27  and  FIGS. 35A-41  in accordance with still a further embodiment of the present invention. A glass substrate  4862 , typically of thickness 200-400 microns, seen in  FIG. 34A , has formed therein an array of reflective diffraction gratings  4863 , as seen in  FIG. 34B , typically by etching. Alternatively, the gratings  4863  may be formed on the surface of the substrate  4862 , typically by lithography or transfer. An array of microlenses  4864 , typically formed of photoresist, is formed on the same surface of substrate  4862 , as seen in  FIG. 34C . The microlenses  4864  preferably have an index of refraction which is identical or very close to that of substrate  4862 . The microlenses may be formed by one or more conventional techniques, such as photolithography and thermal reflow, photolithography using of a grey scale mask, jet printing and pattern transfer onto the substrate by etching. 
         [0215]    A thin metal layer  4865 , typically aluminum, is formed over the substrate  4862  and microlenses  4864  as seen in  FIG. 34D , typically by evaporation or sputtering. An additional metal layer  4866  is similarly formed on an opposite surface of the substrate  4862 . Metal layers  4865  and  4866  are preferably patterned, typically by conventional photolithographic techniques, to define respective reflective surfaces  4867  and  4868 , as seen in  FIG. 34E . A glass cover layer  4869  is preferably formed over the array of microlenses  4864  and sealed thereover by an adhesive  4870  as seen in  FIG. 34F . 
         [0216]    The substrate  4862  is notched from underneath by conventional techniques, defining notches  4871 , as seen in  FIG. 34G . Following notching, the substrate  4862 , the microlenses  4864 , the metal layers  4865  and  4866  ( FIG. 34D ), the glass cover layer  4869  and the adhesive  4870  are diced by conventional techniques, as shown in  FIG. 34H , at locations intersecting inclined walls of the notches  4871 , thereby defining individual optical elements  4872 , each including curved reflective surface  4867  defined by microlens  4864  as well as flat reflective grating  4863  and a flat reflective surface  4868 . 
         [0217]    It is appreciated that the provision of the glass cover layers  4806 ,  4816 ,  4828 ,  4838 ,  4847 ,  4858  and  4869  ( FIGS. 28A-34H ) provides enhanced mechanical and environmental protection for the micro optical elements  4809 ,  4820 ,  4831 ,  4841 ,  4850 ,  4861  and  4872  ( FIGS. 28A-34H ), respectively. Additionally, provision of the glass cover layers  4806 ,  4816 ,  4828 ,  4838 ,  4847 ,  4858  and  4869  ( FIGS. 28A-34H ) and adhesives  4808 ,  4818 ,  4829 ,  4839 ,  4848 ,  4859  and  4870  ( FIGS. 28A-34H ) enable the micro optical elements  4809 ,  4820 ,  4831 ,  4841 ,  4850 ,  4861  and  4872  ( FIGS. 28A-34H ), to withstand temperatures above the melting temperature of the microlenses  4802 ,  4812 ,  4822 ,  4833 ,  4844 ,  4853  and  4864 , ( FIGS. 28A-34H ). 
         [0218]    It is appreciated that cover layers  4806 ,  4816 ,  4828 ,  4838 ,  4847 ,  4858  and  4869  ( FIGS. 28A-34H ), may alternatively be formed of any suitable heat-resistant material, such as glass, silicon, alumina and ceramic. 
         [0219]    Reference is now made to  FIGS. 35A and 35B , which are simplified pictorial illustrations of a packaged electro-optic integrated circuit  5100 , having integrally formed therein an optical connector and electrical connections, alone and in conjunction with a conventional optical connector. 
         [0220]    As seen in  FIGS. 35A and 35B , a packaged electro-optic integrated circuit  5100  is provided in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention, preferably in accordance with the teachings presented hereinabove with reference to  FIGS. 1A-27 , and includes a semiconductor substrate  5102 , typically silicon, silicon germanium, gallium arsenide or indium phosphide. Electrical circuitry (not shown) is formed, as by conventional photolithographic and thin film processing techniques generally used for the manufacturing production of CMOS and other integrated circuits, over one surface of substrate  5102  and is encapsulated by a layer  5104  of a protective material such as silicon dioxide, silicon nitride, silicon oxy-nitride, or BCB, commercially available from Dow Corning of the U.S.A., or any other suitable passivation layer. An array  5106  of electrical connections, preferably in the form of conventional solder bumps, communicates with the electrical circuitry via conductive pathways (not shown) extending through the protective material of layer  5104 . 
         [0221]    Formed on a surface of substrate  5102  opposite to that adjacent layer  5104  there are defined optical pathways (not shown) which communicate with an array of optical fibers  5108 , whose ends are aligned along an edge  5110  of the substrate  5102 . Preferably, physical alignment bores  5112  are aligned with the array of optical fibers  5108 . The bores  5112  are preferably defined by cylindrical elements, which, together with the optical fibers  5108  and the optical pathways, are encapsulated by a layer  5114  of protective material, preferably epoxy. 
         [0222]      FIG. 35B  shows a conventional MT type optical connector  5116 , such as an MT connector manufactured by SENKO Advanced Components, Inc. of Marlborough, Mass., USA, arranged for mating contact with the packaged electro-optic circuit  5100 , wherein alignment pins  5118  of connector  5116  are arranged to seat in alignment bores  5112  of the electro-optic circuit  5100 . Optical fiber ends (not shown) of connector  5116  are arranged in butting aligned relationship with the ends of the array  5108  of optical fibers in packaged electro-optic circuit  5100 . 
         [0223]    Reference is now made to  FIGS. 36A ,  36 B,  36 C,  36 D,  36 E,  36 F and  36 G, which are simplified pictorial and sectional illustrations of a plurality of stages in the manufacture of the packaged electro-optic circuit of  FIGS. 35A and 35B . Turning to  FIG. 36A , it is seen that electrical circuits  5120  are preferably formed onto a first surface  5122  of substrate  5102 . Substrate  5102  is preferably of thickness between 200-1000 microns. The electrical circuits  5120  are preferably formed by conventional photolithographic and other thin film techniques employed in the production of CMOS and other integrated circuits. 
         [0224]    Preferably light detector arrays  5123  are also formed on surface  5122  of substrate  5102  and connected to electrical circuits  5120 . The light detector arrays  5123  are preferably formed by chemical deposition and lithography and may comprise, for example, poly-silicon, amorphous silicon, lead sulfide, lead selenide and HgCdTe. The light detector arrays  5123  may advantageously be employed to monitor individual outputs of individual lasers in a laser array embedded in a packaged electro-optic integrated circuit and connector chip, such as chips  1000 ,  1500 ,  2000  and  2500 , in the embodiments of  FIGS. 1A-1D ,  2 A- 2 D,  3 A- 3 D and  4 A- 4 D, respectively. The substrate shown in  FIG. 36A  is turned over, as indicated by an arrow  5124 , and as shown in  FIG. 36B , an array of holes  5125  extending partially or totally through the semiconductor substrate  5102  is formed, such as by conventional photolithographic techniques, on a second surface  5128 , opposite surface  5122  of substrate  5102 . Following an etching process, the holes are filled with an optical adhesive (not shown), such as OG 146, manufactured by Epoxy Technology, 14 Fortune Drive, Billerica, Mass. 01821, USA, whose refractive index preferably is precisely matched to that of cores of conventionally manufactured optical fibers. This results in an array of optical vias, formed as described hereinabove with reference to  FIGS. 17A-17C , through the substrate  5102 , which are transparent to light within at least part of the wavelength range of 400-1650 nm n. 
         [0225]    As shown in  FIG. 36C , an array of parallel, spaced, elongated optical fiber positioning elements  5126  is preferably formed, such as by conventional photolithographic techniques, over second surface  5128  of substrate  5102 . Turning to  FIG. 36D , which is a simplified sectional illustrations, taken along the lines XXXVID-XXXVID in  FIG. 36C , it is appreciated that the positions of the arrays of optical adhesive filled holes  5125  and positioning elements  5126  on surface  5128  are preferably precisely coordinated with the positions of the electrical circuits  5120  on first surface  5122  of the substrate  5102 . 
         [0226]    Turning to  FIG. 36E , it is seen that notches  5130  are preferably formed on surface  5128 , as by means of a dicing blade  5132 , to precisely position and accommodate alignment bore defining cylinders  5134 , as shown in  FIG. 36F .  FIG. 36F  illustrates that the centers of alignment bore defining cylinders  5134  preferably lie in the same plane as the centers  5136  of optical fibers  5108  which are precisely positioned between elements  5126  on surface  5128 .  FIG. 36G  illustrates encapsulation of the fibers  5108 , the cylinders  5134  and the positioning elements  5126  by layer  5114  of protective material, preferably epoxy. 
         [0227]    Reference is now made to  FIGS. 37A ,  37 B,  37 C,  37 D and  37 E, which are simplified pictorial and sectional illustrations of a further plurality of stages in the manufacture of the packaged electro-optic circuit of  FIGS. 35A and 35B .  FIG. 37A  shows the wafer of  FIG. 36G  turned over. 
         [0228]      FIG. 37B  is a sectional illustration of the wafer of  FIG. 37A  along lines XXXVIIB-XXXVIIB. As shown in  FIG. 37B , a multiplicity of bumps  5140 , preferably gold or solder bumps, are formed onto electrical circuits  5120  lying on surface  5122 . 
         [0229]    A plurality of integrated circuits  5152  are mounted onto the multiplicity of bumps  5140  by standard flip chip attachment techniques, as seen in  FIG. 37C . Integrated circuits  5152  may be electrical or electro-optic integrated circuits, as appropriate. 
         [0230]      FIG. 37D  illustrates the application of underfill material  5154 , such as OG 146, manufactured by Epoxy Technology, 14 Fortune Drive, Billerica, Mass. 01821, USA, at the gap between integrated circuits  5152  and electrical circuits  5120  as well as substrate  5102 . If integrated circuits  5152  include electro-optic devices, the underfill material  5154  should be transparent as appropriate. 
         [0231]    As shown in  FIG. 37E , an encapsulation layer  5156 , such as a layer of BCB or solder mask or other encapsulating material, is preferably formed over integrated circuits  5152 , electrical circuits  5120 , substrate  5102  and underfill material  5154 . 
         [0232]    For the purposes of the following discussion, it is assumed that at least some, if not all, of the integrated circuits  5152  are electro-optic devices. It is appreciated that additional integrated circuits (not shown), which are not electro-optic devices, may be electrically connected to the electrical circuits  5120  on substrate  5102  either by flip chip or by other techniques, such as wire bonding. 
         [0233]    Reference is now made to  FIG. 38 , which is a simplified pictorial illustration corresponding to sectional illustration  FIG. 22B .  FIG. 38  illustrates the wafer of  FIG. 37E , turned over and notched along lines extending perpendicularly to the array of optical fibers  5108 , producing notches  5160 , which have an inclined cut  5162  extending entirely through at least a core  5164 , of each fiber  5108  and extending at least partially through cylindrical elements  5134 , and optical adhesive filled holes  5125 . 
         [0234]    Reference is now made to  FIG. 39 , which is a simplified pictorial illustration corresponding to sectional illustrations of  FIGS. 22C ,  22 D and  24 .  FIG. 39  illustrates the wafer of  FIG. 38 , with partially flat and partially concave mirror assembly  5230  mounted thereon, parallel to one of the inclined cuts  5162  defined by notch  5160 , as described hereinabove with reference to  FIG. 38 . It is appreciated that mirror assembly  5230  extends along the entire length of substrate  5102 . 
         [0235]    Reference is now made to  FIGS. 40A ,  40 B,  40 C,  40 D,  40 E and  40 F, which are simplified pictorial and sectional illustrations of a further plurality of stages in the manufacture of the packaged electro-optic circuit of  FIGS. 35A and 35B .  FIG. 40A  shows the wafer of  FIG. 39  turned over.  FIG. 40B  is a sectional illustration of the wafer of  FIG. 40A  along lines XLB-XLB.  FIG. 40C  illustrates the formation of holes  5402  by conventional techniques, such as the use of lasers or photolithography, which communicate through layer  5156  with electrical circuits  5120  on substrate  5102 .  FIG. 40D  shows the formation of solder bumps  5404  in holes  5402 . 
         [0236]    Following the formation of solder bumps  5404  in holes  5402 , the wafer, a section of which is shown in  FIG. 40E , is preferably diced, providing a plurality of packaged electro-optic circuit chips  5406 , as illustrated in  FIG. 40F . Following dicing of substrate  5102  into a plurality of packaged electro-optic circuit chips  5406 , an optical edge surface  5407  of each of the plurality of packaged electro-optic circuit chips  5406  is polished to provide an optical quality planar surface. It is appreciated that the planar surface defined by the polishing may be either parallel to the plane defined by the dicing, or at any suitable angle. 
         [0237]    Reference is now made to  FIG. 41 , which shows packaged electro-optic integrated circuit chips  5406  mounted on a conventional electrical circuit board  5408  and being interconnected by a conventional optical fiber ribbon  5410  and associated conventional optical fiber connectors  5416 . 
         [0238]    It will be appreciated by persons skilled in the art that the present invention is not limited by what has been particularly shown and described hereinabove. Rather the scope of the present invention includes both combinations and sub combinations of the various features described hereinabove as well as variations and modifications which would occur to persons skilled in the art upon reading the specification and which are not in the prior art.