Self-aligning optical connector assembly

US9235019B2 · kind B2 · utility

Assignee

• Cisco Technology, Inc. · US

Inventors

• Kalpendu Shastri · Orefield, US
• Soham Pathak · Allentown, US
• Utpal Kumar Chakrabarti · Allentown, US
• Vipulkumar Patel · Emmaus, US
• Bipin Dama · Bound Brook, US
• Ravinder Kachru · Los Altos Hills, US
• Kishor Desai · Fremont, US

Key dates

• Filing date: Sep 26, 2014
• Grant date: Jan 12, 2016
• Expiry date: Sep 26, 2034

Classification

• Technology area (CPC Y): Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
• CPC primary: Y10T29/4978
• WIPO field: Optics
• WIPO sector: Instruments

Abstract

An apparatus for providing self-aligned optical coupling between an opto-electronic substrate and a fiber array, where the substrate is enclosed by a transparent lid such that the associated optical signals enter and exit the arrangement through the transparent lid. The apparatus takes the form of a two-part connectorized fiber array assembly where the two pieces uniquely mate to form a self-aligned configuration. A first part, in the form of a plate, is attached to the transparent lid in the area where the optical signals pass through. The first plate includes a central opening with inwardly-tapering sidewalls surrounding its periphery. A second plate is also formed to include a central opening and has a lower protrusion with inwardly-tapering sidewalls that mate with the inwardly-tapering sidewalls of the first plate to form the self-aligned connectorized fiber array assembly. The fiber array is then attached to the second plate in a self-aligned fashion.