JP2003098321A - Optical function element, optical transceiver module using the same, and method of manufacturing the same - Google Patents

Abstract

(57) [Problem] To provide an optical coupling method capable of reducing the size and cost in an optical transmitting and receiving module for transmitting and receiving light transmitted bidirectionally by an optical fiber. SOLUTION: A transparent substrate 13 having an interference filter 12 formed on a surface thereof is inserted into a groove T formed such that a plane including the center point of the spherical lens 11 becomes one side surface, whereby a filter film integrated type is formed. A spherical lens is formed. The filter film-integrated spherical lens that allows light 34a of the first wavelength to pass in the optical axis direction on the optical axis of the optical fiber 36 and totally reflects light 35a of the second wavelength to the optical axis. In addition to fixing, the light emitting element 37 and the light receiving element 38 are arranged in the optical axis direction and the reflecting direction, respectively, and these members are fixed and supported by connecting members, so that the number of parts is small, the size is small, the cost is low, and the reliability is high. An optical transceiver module is provided.

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an optical functional element and an optical transmitter / receiver module using the same, and more particularly to transmitting and receiving light bidirectionally transmitted by an optical fiber in an optical device applied to an optical communication system or the like. The present invention relates to an optical transmitter / receiver module.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art In recent years, high speed facsimiles, video telephones,
Optical transmission systems using optical fiber communication have been widely used in various fields such as broadband home services such as CATV and high-speed remote control of large-capacity memory.

In such an optical transmission system, when bidirectional transmission is performed between at least two persons A and B using one optical fiber, for example, the transmission light emitted from the light emitting element on the transmission side A is transmitted. The light emitting element and one end of the optical fiber are optically coupled so as to guide the light to the optical fiber, and on the other hand, the received light emitted from the optical fiber toward the receiving side B is guided to the light receiving element. , The other end of the optical fiber must be optically coupled to the light receiving element.

Various methods have been proposed for this coupling method. As an example, Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2000-1
There is a method described in Japanese Patent No. 80671. FIG. 8 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the optical transceiver module in the conventional optical signal transmission system described in the above publication. In this optical transceiver module, as shown in FIG.
The light of the first wavelength λ1 is passed in the optical axis direction from the front end surface of the ferrule 89 containing the optical fiber 88 to the optical axis,
A prism type wavelength multiplexing / demultiplexing coupler 86 for reflecting the light of the second wavelength λ2 in the direction perpendicular to the optical axis is fixed, and the light emitting element 82 and the light receiving element 83 are respectively arranged in the optical axis direction and in the direction perpendicular to the optical axis. Are arranged and fixedly supported in a single case member 81.

The wavelength multiplexing / demultiplexing coupler 86 and the light emitting element 8 are also provided.
2. Single lenses 84 and 87 are arranged on the respective optical axes between the light receiving element 83 and the light receiving element 83. The transmission light (wavelength λ1) from the light emitting element 82 passes through the wavelength multiplexing / demultiplexing coupler 86 as it is in the optical axis direction and is transmitted to the optical fiber 88. on the other hand,
The received light (wavelength λ2) from the optical fiber 88 is reflected by the wavelength multiplexing / demultiplexing coupler 86 in the direction perpendicular to the optical axis, and the light receiving element 83
To be received.

Further, conventionally, in an optical multiplexer / demultiplexer using an optical functional element similar to the wavelength multiplexing coupler 86, a filter film is integrally formed with a lens for the purpose of downsizing the device. Has been proposed (JP-A-61-2122).
08, JP-A-5-215935, etc.). Figure 7
Shows a cross-sectional view of this filter film integrated spherical lens, in which the glass ball lens 71 is cut along a plane including its center point, and a dielectric multilayer film 72 is formed on one of the cut surfaces, and then the original shape is obtained. It can be obtained by bonding.

[0007]

However, although the optical device using the conventional spherical filter lens integrated with a filter film can achieve miniaturization as an apparatus, light passes through the dielectric multilayer film 72 or It is necessary to precisely position the filter film integrated spherical lens or the dielectric multilayer film 72, the mounting angle, etc. so that the light can be reflected and accurately reach the optical axis of the optical fiber or the light receiving element. There is a problem in that it is complicated in construction and not suitable for mass production.

The manufacturing process of the spherical filter lens integrated with the filter film itself is also complicated, and the glass ball lens 71 is used.
Is cut at a plane including the center point, and the surface of the glass ball lens 71 needs to be polished and removed by the film thickness of the dielectric multilayer film 72 formed on this cut surface, so that the manufacturing process is complicated. In addition, there is a problem that the shape of the spherical lens is varied, and the optical characteristics are varied due to the variation in the thickness of the formed dielectric film.

Further, in the above conventional optical transceiver module, the light emitting element 82, the light receiving element 83 and the optical fiber 88 are provided.
In order to accurately perform optical coupling with the two lenses 84,
87 and ferrule 89 need to be fine-tuned,
Since the light emitting element 82 and the light receiving element 83 are mounted in a cylindrical package and fixed in a case, it is difficult to miniaturize the module.

The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and an object of the present invention is to provide an optical functional element which is easy to manufacture and has high precision positioning with less variation in optical characteristics.

It is another object of the present invention to provide an optical transmission / reception module using an optical functional element which can be easily miniaturized and can be positioned with high precision.

[0012]

In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, an optical functional element of the present invention is a spherical lens having at least a part of a spherical surface and a plane including a center point on a virtual spherical shape formed by the spherical surface. And an optical film formed on the plane and having an optical constant different from that of the spherical lens. Further, the optical functional element of the present invention, a spherical lens, a groove disposed in the spherical lens, the groove having a plane including the center point of the spherical lens as one side surface, and abutting on the one side surface of the groove. And an optical film having an optical constant different from that of the spherical lens.

According to this structure, one side surface of the groove becomes the surface of the optical film as it is, the positioning of the spherical lens and the optical film becomes extremely easy, and the position of the spherical lens with respect to the optical axis of the spherical lens is accurately adjusted. It is possible to obtain an optical functional element including an optical film that is controlled.

Further, in the optical functional element of the present invention, a spherical lens, a groove disposed in the spherical lens and having a plane including a center point of the spherical lens as one side surface, and an optical member on the surface of the transparent substrate are provided. An optical substrate having a film formed thereon, wherein the optical substrate is inserted in the groove so that the optical film surface abuts the one side surface of the groove.

According to this structure, the optical film is provided so as to come into contact with the groove by forming the groove on the spherical lens so that the plane including the center point of the spherical surface is one side surface. By interposing the substrates, the optical film can be installed with extremely high positional accuracy, and the highly accurate and highly reliable optical functional element can be easily formed.

Further, in the optical functional element of the present invention, the optical substrate is provided with a protruding portion protruding from the surface of the spherical lens.

According to this structure, since the projection portion projecting from the surface of the spherical lens is provided, the reference surface of the spherical lens can be easily detected, and the optical alignment can be facilitated. Therefore, it becomes possible to form an optical element that can be easily aligned during mounting.

For example, a transparent substrate having an interference filter made of a dielectric film formed on the surface is inserted into a groove having a plane including the center point of the spherical lens as one side surface, whereby a plane including the center point of the spherical lens is inserted. The surface of the transparent substrate and the surface of the transparent substrate are flush with each other, and the substrate surface of the transparent substrate protruding from the outer periphery of the spherical lens is used as a reference surface, whereby the spherical lens with a filter film can be easily and accurately positioned. It will be possible.

Therefore, the optical device using the filter film integrated spherical lens can be downsized.
When the spherical filter lens integrated with the filter film is mounted on the optical device, it is possible to manufacture without requiring complicated positioning work due to the device configuration, and it is possible to improve mass productivity.

Further, in the present invention, the optical substrate includes an optical film made of a dielectric film formed on the surface of the translucent substrate, and with respect to the light of the first wavelength incident from the first direction. It is characterized by comprising an interference filter which is transmissive and totally reflects the light of the second wavelength which is incident from the second direction opposite to the first direction.

Further, according to the present invention, the spherical lens, the groove disposed in the spherical lens and having a plane including the center point of the spherical lens as one side surface, and the dielectric film on the surface of the transparent substrate are formed. An optical film is formed, and the optical film surface is inserted into the groove so as to contact the one side surface of the groove, and transmits light of a first wavelength incident from a first direction. And a filter film-integrated spherical lens, which has an optical property and constitutes an interference filter that totally reflects light of a second wavelength that is incident from a second direction opposite to the first direction, and the optical axis on the optical axis. The light emitting element arranged along the first direction and the light receiving element arranged along the reflecting direction of the light of the second wavelength are fixedly supported by a connecting member.

According to this structure, the light of the first wavelength is allowed to pass in the optical axis direction on the optical axis of the optical fiber, and the light of the second wavelength is totally reflected on the optical axis. The number of parts is small because the filter film integrated spherical lens is fixed, and the light emitting element and the light receiving element are arranged in the optical axis direction and the reflection direction, respectively, and these members are fixed and supported by the connecting member. A compact and highly reliable optical transceiver module can be provided at low cost.

Further, according to the present invention, the connection member is a solid body made of a resin material for fixedly supporting the filter film integrated type spherical lens for multiplexing / demultiplexing / condensing transmitted / received light and mounting the light emitting element and the light receiving element. A circuit board, wherein the optical substrate comprises a protrusion protruding from the surface of the spherical lens, and one surface of the three-dimensional circuit board is configured to abut one surface of the protrusion. To do.

According to this structure, a three-dimensional circuit board formed by resin molding is provided as a connecting member for fixing and supporting the filter film integrated type spherical lens and mounting the light emitting element and the light receiving element, and the projecting portion has the three-dimensional circuit board. The filter film integrated spherical lens can be easily and accurately arranged by bringing the filter film integrated spherical lens into contact with the surface of the filter film, and the relative relationship between the filter film integrated spherical lens and the light emitting element and the light receiving element mounted on the three-dimensional circuit board. Position accuracy is improved, and it is possible to easily provide highly accurate and highly reliable optical coupling.

The present invention is characterized in that the projecting portion has a reference surface which is on the same plane as the plane including the center point of the spherical lens.

According to this structure, the center of the spherical lens is formed by inserting the light-transmitting substrate having the interference filter made of a dielectric film on the surface into the groove having the plane including the center point of the spherical lens as one side surface. The plane including the point and the transparent substrate surface are flush with each other, and the substrate surface of the transparent substrate protruding from the outer circumference of the spherical lens is used as a reference plane to lock the protrusion in a desired direction. As a result, it becomes possible to easily and accurately position the filter film integrated spherical lens.

In the present invention, the three-dimensional circuit board is housed in an airtight package, transmits the light of the first wavelength passing through the filter film integrated lens along the optical axis, and An optical fiber arranged to transmit the light of the second wavelength and guide it to the filter film integrated spherical lens is optically connected to the airtight package.

According to this structure, the resin film-integrated spherical lens is fixed and supported, and the resin molded three-dimensional circuit board for mounting the light emitting element and the light receiving element is covered with the airtight package having the opening, and the optical fiber is hermetically sealed. The structure is to be optically connected to the package. Therefore, the optical coupling between the light emitting element and the light receiving element and the optical fiber by the filter film integrated type spherical lens can be realized only by adjusting the position of the optical fiber, and the optical connection with the external fiber cable or the like can be easily performed. It becomes possible to form an optical transceiver module having high properties.

The present invention comprises the steps of preparing a spherical lens,
Forming a groove having a desired depth on the spherical lens and having a plane including a center point as one side surface; and forming an optical film having an optical constant different from that of the spherical lens on at least the one side surface of the groove. It is characterized by including and.

According to this structure, a groove is formed on the spherical lens so that the plane including the center point is one side surface, and the optical film is formed on the side surface of the groove by coating or vapor deposition. By doing so, the surface of the optical film coincides with the side surface of the groove, the positional accuracy becomes extremely good, and the highly accurate and highly reliable optical functional element can be easily formed.

The present invention comprises the steps of preparing a spherical lens,
An optical substrate is formed by forming a groove of a desired depth having a plane including the center point as one side surface on the spherical lens and forming an optical film having a desired optical constant on the surface of the transparent substrate. It is characterized by including a step of preparing and interposing the optical substrate in the groove of the spherical lens so that the surface of the optical film contacts the one side surface of the groove, and integrating the optical substrate.

According to this structure, a groove is formed on the spherical lens so that the plane including the center point of the spherical lens is one side surface, and the substrate having the optical film is inserted so as to be in contact with the groove. By doing so, it becomes possible to install the optical film with extremely high positional accuracy, and it is possible to easily form an optical functional element with high accuracy and high reliability.

In the present invention, the optical film means a film having a desired optical constant, and here, a film having an optical constant different from that of the spherical lens constituent member (material) is shown, and only the optical dielectric reflection film is used. Of course, a metal reflective film may be used, and a semi-transmissive film, a reflective film, and other films having optical characteristics are also shown. Furthermore, this optical film is formed by laminating layers having a thickness of several nm to several tens of nm in a multilayer structure.

Further, not only a substrate having an optical film is inserted in the groove, but an optical film is directly formed on one side surface of the groove formed by position adjustment, or surface treatment such as doping. It also includes an optical film formed by. Further, the center point of the spherical lens here indicates the center of the sphere when the spherical lens is a true sphere, but may be the focus when it is not a true sphere.

[0035]

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 shows a filter film-integrated spherical lens that is an optical function element according to the first embodiment of the present invention. The filter film integrated type spherical lens 16 is a spherical lens having a spherical shape as a whole, and an optical substrate 20 in which a dielectric interference filter 12 made of a dielectric multilayer film is formed on the surface of a transparent substrate 13 and a center of the optical substrate 20. There is a groove T whose one side surface is a plane including the dielectric interference filter 12 in the groove T.
Light transmitted through the dielectric interference filter 12
4 and a spherical lens 11 that collects the reflected light 15. Here, in the first embodiment of the present invention, a spherical lens is used for description, but a lens having a partial spherical surface may be used instead of the entire spherical surface.

Here, the optical substrate 20 is a dielectric substance obtained by vapor-depositing a transparent dielectric thin film having a multilayer structure having a desired refractive index on the plane of a transparent substrate 13 which is a flat substrate made of a plate glass material having a flat surface. The interference filter 12 is formed. The dielectric interference filter 12 transmits without loss when the light beam 14a having the first wavelength is incident at a predetermined incident angle, and the light beam 15a having the second wavelength is incident at the predetermined incident angle. If it is totally reflected. Therefore, the light beam 14a is transmitted straight in the optical axis direction and emitted as the light beam 14b, and the light beam 15a is totally reflected at a predetermined angle with respect to the optical axis direction and emitted as the light beam 15b.

On the other hand, the spherical lens 11 has a groove T whose one side surface is a plane including the center point thereof.
The optical substrate using the transparent substrate 13 as a base material in the groove so that the surface of the dielectric interference filter 12 formed on the surface of the transparent substrate 13 on the plane including the center point of Two
0 is inserted. The spherical lens 11 receives an incident light beam 14 (14a, 14b) and an incident light beam 15 (15
The elevation angle of the surface of the dielectric interference filter 12 made of a dielectric thin film is arranged at a predetermined angle with respect to the optical axis directions of a and 15b). Further, the light beam 14a having the first wavelength (for example, wavelength λ1 = 1550 nm or so) incident on the spherical lens 11 and the light beam 15a for the second wavelength (for example, wavelength λ2 = 1310 nm or so) are spherically converged light fluxes. Light beams 14b and 15b are emitted from the end surface of the lens 11. Here, basically, the optical constants such as the light transmittance and the refractive index of the plate glass material forming the optical substrate 20 are preferably the same as or about the same as the optical constants of the spherical lens 11. Examples of the material include BK7 and SK2 of SCHOTT GLAS, which are classified as borosilicate glass.

Next, the manufacturing process of the filter film integrated type spherical lens of the embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. First, as shown in FIG. 2A, the ball lens 11 is set on the holding table 22 of the ball lens 11 having the conical recess R, and the dicing tape 23 is attached to the ball lens 11 and the holding table 22. Fix it.

Then, as shown in FIG. 2 (b), positioning is performed so that one side surface of the blade (thickness of about 0.3 mm or less) 24 of the dicing saw is aligned with the plane including the center point of the spherical lens 11. I do. The blade 24 rotating at high speed is pressed against the ball lens 11 fixed to the holding table 22 by the dicing tape 23, and the groove width of the ball lens 11 is about 0.2 to
A groove T of 0.3 mm is processed. The surface roughness of the inner surface of the groove T is preferably λ / 4 or less. (At this time, He-Ne (λ = 632.8 nm) is used as a measurement system laser.)

Then, vapor deposition is sequentially performed from a plurality of evaporation sources on the surface of the transparent substrate 13 to form a dielectric thin film having a multi-layer structure, so that the dielectric interference filter 12 having the characteristics arbitrarily set on the surface is obtained. The formed optical substrate 20 is obtained. By changing the stacking conditions such as the material, thickness, and number of stacked layers of this dielectric thin film, the required specifications such as the wavelength of light, light transmittance, and reflectance can be set variously. is there.

After that, as shown in FIG. 2C, an ultraviolet curable adhesive 26 is applied to the groove of the grooved ball lens 11. The ultraviolet curable adhesive 26 used here is preferably one that has a small curing shrinkage, a good light-transmitting property, and a light transmittance, a refractive index, and a thermal expansion coefficient close to those of glass. The adhesive is not limited to the ultraviolet curable adhesive, and a thermosetting adhesive or a two-liquid mixed adhesive may be used. Further, with respect to light having a wavelength of 500 nm to 1600 nm, when the thickness (t) of the adhesive layer is, for example, 0.1 mm, the light transmittance is 90% or more, and the thickness (t) of the adhesive layer and the light It is desirable that the transmittance is inversely proportional to the series.

Then, the optical substrate 20 is inserted into the groove T so that the surface of the dielectric interference filter 12 formed on the surface of the transparent substrate 13 contacts the plane including the center point of the spherical lens 11.

Then, as shown in FIG. 2D, the spherical lens 11 is irradiated with ultraviolet rays to bond and fix the spherical lens 11 and the optical substrate 20. Here, the optical substrate 20 is formed so that the long side is larger than the diameter of the spherical lens 11 and the short side is larger than the depth of the groove T. Therefore, as shown in FIG. The ball lens 11 is fixed so as to project from T. That is, the filter film integrated spherical lens 16 according to the embodiment of the present invention has a shape in which a part of the optical substrate 20 projects from the outer periphery of the spherical lens 11.

Therefore, the substrate surface of the optical substrate 20 can be used as the reference surface. Therefore, it becomes possible to easily and accurately position the filter film integrated spherical lens 16. Further, since the substrate surface of the optical substrate 20 constitutes the same plane as the surface including the center point of the spherical lens 11, the surface of the optical lens 20 serves as a reference plane and the center point of the spherical lens is easily included by aligning. The surfaces can be aligned so that they can maintain the desired orientation and positional accuracy. That is, when the optical transmission / reception module is configured using the filter film integrated spherical lens 16, a (slanted) surface corresponding to the reference surface is formed and a positioning stopper (surface or structure) is formed on the attachment object. By doing so, the direction and position can be easily and highly accurately determined, and positioning can be performed extremely easily.

As described above, according to the first embodiment of the present invention, when the light of the first wavelength is incident, the first light is transmitted and the transmission of the first light is transmitted. A dielectric interference filter 12 made of a dielectric film that totally reflects the second light when the light of the second wavelength is incident from the direction is formed on the surface of the translucent substrate 13, and the center point of the spherical lens 11 is A groove T is formed so that one side surface is located in the plane including the filter, and the filter film integrated spherical lens 16 having a structure in which the optical substrate 20 is inserted into the groove T is configured.

According to this structure, an optical device such as an optical transceiver module using the filter film integrated spherical lens 16 can be miniaturized and the filter film integrated spherical lens 16 is mounted on the optical device. In that case, mass productivity can be improved without having to perform a complicated operation in terms of the apparatus configuration. Although the spherical ball lens 11 having a spherical shape is used as the lens of the filter lens integrated spherical lens 16 in the above description,
Any lens may be used as long as it is a lens portion of the optical substrate 20 on the side where the dielectric interference filter 12 comes into contact, and a certain range centered on the optical axis has at least a spherical surface.

Next, FIG. 3 shows an optical transmission / reception module 40 as a second embodiment of the present invention. In FIG. 3, the filter film integrated type spherical lens 16 has a function of condensing transmitted / received light in the optical transmitter / receiver module 40 for transmitting / receiving light transmitted bidirectionally through the optical fiber 36.
It is formed in the same manner as described in the first embodiment, and is composed of a spherical lens 11 and an optical substrate 20 having a dielectric interference filter 12 carried on the surface thereof, as shown in FIG. ing. Then, on the side facing the optical fiber emission end face with respect to the filter film integrated type spherical lens 16, the first
A light emitting element 37 that emits a light beam 34a having a wavelength of is provided. The light beam 34a passes through the filter film-integrated spherical lens and is incident on the optical fiber 36 as the light beam 34b (white arrow). On the contrary, the optical fiber 3
The light beam 35a (black arrow) having the second wavelength emitted from the light source 6 is totally reflected by the surface of the dielectric interference filter 12 of the optical substrate 20 through the filter film integrated spherical lens 16 and is reflected as a light beam 35b. Light receiving element 3 located on the axis
It is incident on 8. Further, a monitor light receiving element 39 is arranged behind the light emitting element 37 in the outgoing direction of the transmitted light. At this time, the center of the spherical lens 11 and the emission optical axis of the light emitting element 37 are basically located on the optical axis of the optical fiber 36.

The operation of the optical transmission / reception module 40 configured as above will be described. The light beam 34 of the first wavelength emitted from the light emitting element 37 is incident on the spherical lens 11, and the spherical lens 11 and the translucent substrate 13 are kept as they are.
It is incident on the dielectric interference filter 12 through the. In the dielectric interference filter 12, the light beam 34 of the first wavelength
a is a ball lens 11 that is transmitted straight in the optical axis direction.
Are focused and emitted as a light beam 34b, and are directly guided to the optical fiber 36 and optically coupled. On the other hand, the light beam 35 of the second wavelength emitted from the optical fiber 36
The light a is incident on the spherical lens 11, passes through the spherical lens 11 as it is, and is incident on the dielectric interference filter 12. In the dielectric interference filter 12, the light beam 35 of the second wavelength is totally reflected at a predetermined angle with respect to the optical axis direction, and the spherical lens 11
The light beam 35b is converged and emitted as a light beam 35b, and is optically coupled to the light receiving element 38 as it is.

Therefore, the light emitted from the light emitting element 37 and the optical fiber 36 is condensed by the spherical lens 11 and optically coupled to the optical fiber 36 and the light receiving element 38, respectively, so that high optical coupling efficiency can be obtained. . The light emitted from the optical fiber 36 is condensed by the spherical lens 11, the condensing point is located on the light receiving surface of the light receiving element 38, and the light emitted by the light emitting element 37 is condensed by the spherical lens 11. The relative positions of the optical fiber 36, the light emitting element 37 and the light receiving element 38, and the filter film integrated spherical lens 16 are determined so that the condensing point is located on the end surface of the optical fiber 36.

Although the light emitting element 37 also emits light to the rear with respect to the outgoing direction of the transmitted light, the output current of the light receiving element 39 that receives the backward emitted light is monitored, and this output current is the largest and constant. As described above, by controlling the bias current of the light emitting element 37, the output light level is controlled to be constant.

Further, these members are fixedly supported by a single member of a single element as a connecting member (not shown), so that the filter film integrated spherical lens 16,
Relative displacement between the light emitting element 37, the light receiving element 38, and the optical fiber 36 is unlikely to occur, and deterioration of the optical coupling efficiency characteristics can be prevented even under high temperature and high humidity.
Even a connecting member formed by joining a plurality of members may be used as long as the same degree of accuracy as a single member can be secured.

As described above, in the structure of the optical transceiver module 40 for transmitting and receiving the light transmitted bidirectionally through the optical fiber, the light of the first wavelength is passed along the optical axis of the optical fiber in the optical axis direction. And the filter film integrated spherical lens 16 that totally reflects the light of the second wavelength with respect to the optical axis is fixed, and the light emitting element 37 and the light receiving element 38 are arranged in the optical axis direction and the reflection direction, respectively. By adopting a structure in which these members are fixedly supported by the connecting member, the transmission light emitted from the light emitting element 37 is optically coupled to the optical fiber 36, and the received light emitted from the optical fiber 36 is received by the light receiving element 37. Can be combined with.

In the second embodiment of the present invention, since the optical function element has the function of condensing light because it has the light emitting element 37 and the light receiving element 38, the light emitting element 37 Only two light receiving elements 38 or two light receiving elements 38 can be used to operate the optical function elements for multiplexing or demultiplexing.

Next, FIG. 4 shows an optical transmitter / receiver module according to a third embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 4 shows an optical transceiver module 4 including a connecting member according to the third embodiment of the present invention.
In this example, as shown in FIG. 4, the three-dimensional circuit board 43 and the filter film integrated spherical lens 16 for multiplexing / demultiplexing and condensing transmitted / received light are fixedly supported and the light emission is performed. The element 37 and the light receiving element 38 are integrally mounted and mounted, and a desired circuit pattern is formed on a resin molded product formed by resin molding by a method such as sticking or vapor deposition. That is, the three-dimensional circuit board 43 has a first flat surface 43 a on which the light emitting element 37 for transmission is mounted and a second inclined surface 43 on which the transparent substrate 13 of the filter film integrated spherical lens 16 is mounted (fixed and supported).
b, a third flat surface 43c for mounting the light receiving element 38 and a fourth flat surface 43d for mounting the monitor light receiving element 39, and each element is provided at a joint point point with high positional accuracy provided on each flat surface. By joining them together, an optical transmitter / receiver module that is highly accurately aligned is formed. Here, each element is connected to the circuit pattern via a bonding wire W. Note that each element can be connected by flip chip bonding using solder bumps or the like, or by a conductive adhesive.

Here, the second slope 43b forms a predetermined angle with the first plane 43a. Since the filter film integrated spherical lens 16 of the present embodiment has a shape in which a part of the transparent substrate 13 projects from the outer circumference of the spherical lens 11, the substrate surface of the transparent substrate 13 should be used as a reference surface. The spherical surface lens 16 integrated with the filter film can be easily and accurately positioned on the three-dimensional circuit board 43 by being supported on the second inclined surface 43b and fixed by an adhesive such as epoxy.

Further, the second inclined surface 43b is hollowed out at the center, and a third flat surface 43c parallel to the first flat surface 43a is formed inside the second flat surface 43b. The light receiving element for reception is provided on the third flat surface 43c. 38 has been implemented. The filter film integrated spherical lens 16 and the optical fiber 36 are located in this order in the emission direction of the light emitting element 37. Further, the monitor light receiving element 39 of the light emitting element 37 is mounted on the fourth plane that is perpendicular to the first plane on which the light emitting element 37 is mounted.

Next, a mounting process of the optical transmitter / receiver module 40a including the connecting member having this structure will be described. First,
The light emitting element 37, the light receiving element 38, and the monitor light receiving element 39 are mounted on the three-dimensional circuit board 43 with high positional accuracy, and then electrically connected so that power can be supplied. This mounting is achieved by performing wire bonding after die bonding, as in the case of mounting a normal semiconductor chip. Alternatively, it can be mounted with a conductive adhesive.

Next, the filter film integrated spherical lens is positioned and flatly mounted so that the substrate surface of the transparent substrate 13 serves as a reference surface and the reference surface abuts the second slope 43b. At this time, another end surface (a surface crossing the reference surface, etc.) different from the reference surface of the translucent substrate 13 (the second slope 43
It is installed so as to be in contact with the second reference surface (the surface intersecting with b is the second reference surface). Finally, the optical fiber 36 is optically coupled to the light emitting element 37, the light receiving element 38, and the monitor light receiving element 39. First, the light emitting element 37 is caused to emit light, and the position of the optical fiber 36 with respect to the three-dimensional circuit board 43 is slightly adjusted. While adjusting, the output light of the optical fiber 36 is monitored, and when the output of the optical fiber 36 becomes maximum, the optical fiber 36 is fixed to the three-dimensional circuit board 43.

Here, an ultraviolet curable resin such as an epoxy resin or an acrylic resin is applied in a high viscosity state, and the light emitting element 3
7 and the light receiving element 38 are temporarily fixed at the point where the output of the optical fiber 36 becomes the largest, and then the ultraviolet ray is irradiated to cure the ultraviolet ray curing resin.
The three-dimensional circuit board 43 on which the light emitting element 37 and the light receiving element 38 are mounted and the optical fiber 36 are fixed to each other.

Thus, the light receiving element 38 is the light emitting element 37.
Since it is mounted with high precision, the optical coupling between the light emitting element 37 and the light receiving element 38 and the optical fiber 36 can be realized simultaneously through the filter film integrated spherical lens 16.

As described above, according to the embodiment of the present invention, the light emitting element 37 and the light receiving element 38 are fixed while the filter film integrated spherical lens 16 for condensing (combining / demultiplexing) transmitted / received light is fixedly supported. By providing the three-dimensional circuit board 43 made of resin as the connecting member (single member) to be mounted, the positioning becomes extremely easy. In this way, the optical transceiver module 40a can be integrated and miniaturized, and the filter film integrated spherical lens 16 can be easily and accurately arranged. Furthermore, since the relative positional accuracy between the filter film integrated spherical lens 16 and the light emitting element 37 and the light receiving element 38 mounted on the three-dimensional circuit board 43 is improved, precise optical coupling can be obtained.

Next, FIG. 5 and FIG. 6 show an optical transceiver module (package type) 45 according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 6, the ferrule 63 having the optical fiber 66 is fixed to the three-dimensional circuit board 43, and the optical transmission / reception module 44 having the transmission line and having a so-called pigtail type is formed.

FIG. 5 shows a mounted state of the optical transmitter / receiver module (package type) 45, and FIG. 6 shows a pigtail type which uses the optical transmitter / receiver module (package type) 45 of FIG. 5 and is further connected to a transmission line. The optical transceiver module 44 is configured. In this example, as shown in FIG.
On the stem 511 provided with the lead terminal 510, the three-dimensional circuit board 43 on which the filter film integrated spherical lens 50 is fixedly supported and the light emitting element 47 and the light receiving element 48 are mounted is mounted, and the three-dimensional circuit board 43 and the lead 510 are It is electrically connected by wire bonding or the like. Further, the stem 5 on which the three-dimensional circuit board 43 is further mounted
A cap 58 having an optical opening window 59 formed of glass or the like having a high light transmittance is formed on the stem 11, and the stem 511 and the cap 58 are formed by projection welding or the like in an atmosphere of an inert gas such as nitrogen. Are hermetically sealed to protect the filter film integrated spherical lens 50 (optical functional element) and the optical transceiver module 40a from the outside air. Figure 6
Shows a configuration of a pigtail type optical transmission / reception module 44 in which the optical transmission / reception module 44 described in the fourth embodiment of the present invention is connected to an optical fiber 66.
The cap 58 having the opening window 59 fixedly supports the filter film integrated spherical lens 50 and hermetically seals the three-dimensional circuit board 43 on which the light emitting element 47 and the light receiving element 48 are mounted, and finally, the optical fiber 66, The airtight package 61 is optically connected. Specifically, a cylindrical package holder 65 made of stainless steel or the like is hermetically sealed and fixed to the airtight package 61 of the optical transceiver module 44 by YAG welding or the like. Here, the light emitting element 47
Is connected to the three-dimensional circuit board 43 via a heat sink 54.

Further, the ferrule assembly is a ferrule 63 made of ceramic, stainless steel or the like, and is embedded in the ferrule 63, and the end face thereof is the ferrule 6.
Optical fiber 6 arranged so as to be flush with the end face of 3
6, and a cylindrical holder 64 made of stainless steel or the like is attached to the outer periphery of the ferrule 63 for YAG welding.

Further, the airtight package 6 of the ferrule 63
In order to avoid the deterioration of the optical characteristics of the light transmitting and receiving module 44 due to the return light of the light emitting element 47 due to the end surface facing the opening window 59 of No. 1, the end surface is at an angle of about 6 to 8 ° with respect to the vertical direction of the optical axis. Polished diagonally. For the airtight package 61 of the optical transceiver module 44,
The ferrule assembly with the optical fiber 66 attached is aligned along the optical axis, and after the alignment, the package holder 65 attached to the hermetic package 61 and the ferrule holder 64 in the ferrule assembly are welded and connected with a YAG laser to hermetically seal.

In the optical transmission / reception module 44 completed by combining the above-mentioned respective assemblies, the light emitting element 47 is provided.
The light beam of the first wavelength emitted from the laser beam passes through the dielectric interference filter 42a in the filter film integrated spherical lens 50 as it is (goes straight), is condensed by the spherical lens 41, and is collected in the core portion of the optical fiber 66. Incident on. On the other hand, the light beam of the second wavelength emitted from the optical fiber 66 is the dielectric interference filter 42 in the filter film integrated spherical lens 50.
The light is totally reflected in a predetermined direction with respect to the optical axis by a, is condensed by the spherical lens, and is incident on the light receiving element 48.

As described above, according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention, the three-dimensional circuit board 43 on which the light-emitting element 47 and the light-receiving element 48 are mounted with the filter film-integrated spherical lens 50 fixedly supported and the opening window 59 is provided. And the optical fiber 66 is covered with the airtight package 61.
The optical connection between the light emitting element 47 and the light receiving element 48 and the optical fiber 66 by the filter film integrated spherical lens 50 can be realized only by adjusting the position of the optical fiber 66, and the external fiber cable is connected. It becomes easy and reliable to make optical connection with etc.

Further, since the chips of the light emitting element 47 and the light receiving element 48 are hermetically sealed by the airtight package 61, the generation of leak current can be prevented, the light emitting element 47 and the light receiving element 48 can be prevented from being broken, and the nitrogen can be prevented. Since it is hermetically sealed with an inert gas such as, it has a long life and high reliability. Furthermore, the light emitting element 47 and the light receiving element 48
In many cases, the chip size is 0.5 mm square or less, and the probe inspection at the chip level is poor in workability. However, according to the present invention, since it is packaged, whether or not a specified optical output is obtained. Alternatively, it becomes extremely easy to inspect whether or not the specified photocurrent is output.

In the fourth embodiment,
Although the optical transceiver module was explained using the example of a resin molded three-dimensional circuit board, it is possible to use cold forging, hot forging, sintering, casting, etc. Also, not only resin or metal but also ceramic or the like may be used, and the same can be applied to an optical transceiver module in which a stem is manufactured and a filter film integrated spherical lens and an optical functional element are mounted and mounted on the stem.

In addition, in the fourth embodiment,
Although the example in which the optical transmission / reception module 44 of the pigtail type is configured has been described, the optical connection of the optical transmission / reception module to the optical fiber may be configured in the receptacle type in the same manner.

Furthermore, in the fourth embodiment,
Although the optical substrate 42 is inserted in the groove formed in the spherical lens 41, the present invention is not limited to this, and a reflective film such as a multilayer dielectric film is formed on the groove surface by a sputtering method, a plating method, an evaporation method, or the like. Alternatively, a permeable membrane may be formed. According to this structure, a part of the groove is in a hollow state, so that the inside of the groove may be filled with a resin material having a desired optical constant.

In addition, in the fourth embodiment, the optical substrate 42 has a rectangular shape and is inserted in the groove of the spherical lens 41. However, an optical substrate having a shape such as a fan shape along the spherical surface is used. It goes without saying that it may be used. Further, the positioning and fixing means of the optical substrate 42 may be a bonding using a connecting member, instead of the bonding.

The optical film is not limited to the reflective film having a multi-layer structure, but a translucent film may be used and an optical film having optical characteristics for shifting the phase may be used.

The optical functional element of the present invention is not limited to a field of optical communication as a combination of a lens and a reflection film (optical film), and is not limited to a reading element such as a CD or a DVD, a reading element of a copying machine, It can be applied to various optical devices such as medical devices and door phones.

[0075]

As described above, according to the present invention, a translucent substrate having an interference filter made of a dielectric film formed on the surface thereof is provided.
Provided is an optical function element capable of easily and accurately positioning a spherical filter lens integrated with a filter film by inserting the spherical lens in a groove formed so that one side surface is located in a plane including the center point of the spherical lens. be able to.

Further, in the structure of the optical transceiver module for transmitting and receiving the light transmitted bidirectionally by the optical fiber,
A filter film-integrated spherical lens that allows light of a first wavelength to pass in the optical axis direction and totally reflects light of a second wavelength to the optical axis is fixed on the optical axis of the optical fiber. By arranging the light emitting element and the light receiving element in the axial direction and the reflection direction, respectively, and fixing and supporting these members by the connecting member, positioning is easy, the number of parts is small, and the compact and highly reliable optical transceiver module is reduced. It can be provided at a cost.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram showing a filter film integrated spherical lens (optical functional element) according to a first embodiment of the present invention. (A) Side view seen from the side with respect to the optical axis, (b) Front view seen in the optical axis direction

FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a flow chart of an assembling process of the filter film integrated spherical lens in the first embodiment of the present invention. (A) Explanatory drawing showing a fixed state of a spherical lens, (b) Explanatory drawing of groove processing by a blade of a dicing saw, (c) Explanatory drawing showing a state in which an optical substrate is inserted into a groove of a spherical lens, (d) Ultraviolet irradiation Explanatory drawing of optical board fixing by

FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an optical transceiver module according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a shape of a three-dimensional circuit board of an optical transceiver module according to a third embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a sectional view of a key portion showing the configuration of an optical transceiver module according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention. (A) A side view of the optical transceiver module (package type) viewed from the side, and (b) A side cross-sectional view of the optical transceiver module (package type) viewed from another lateral direction to the optical axis.

FIG. 6 is a sectional view showing an overall configuration of an optical transceiver module according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 7 is a side sectional view of a conventional filter film integrated spherical lens.

FIG. 8 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a conventional optical transceiver module.

[Explanation of symbols]

11, 41 spherical lens 12, 42a dielectric interference filter 13, 33 translucent substrate 14, 34 first wavelength light 15, 35 second wavelength light 16, 50 filter film integrated spherical lens (optical functional element ) 20, 42 Optical substrate 22 Holding table 23 Dicing tape 24 Dicing blade 26 Adhesive 27 Ultraviolet irradiator 36, 46 Optical fiber 37, 47 Light emitting element 38, 48 Light receiving element 39, 49 Monitor light receiving element 40, 40a Optical transceiver module 43 three-dimensional circuit board 44 pigtail type optical transceiver module 45 optical transceiver module (package type) 54 heat sink 58 cap 59 opening window 510 lead terminal 511 stem 61 airtight package 63 ferrule 64 ferrule holder 65 package holder

   ─────────────────────────────────────────────────── ─── Continued front page    (72) Inventor Ninmaro Togo             3-1, Tsunashima-Higashi 4-chome, Kohoku-ku, Yokohama-shi, Kanagawa             Matsushita Communication Industry Co., Ltd. F term (reference) 2H037 AA01 BA03 BA12 CA14 CA37                 2H042 AA03 AA06 AA16 AA18 AA30                 2H048 FA05 FA07 FA09 FA11 FA22                       FA23 FA24 GA04 GA11 GA24                       GA26 GA60 GA62

Claims (11)

[Claims] 1. A spherical lens having at least a part of a spherical surface and a plane including a virtual spherical center point formed by the spherical surface, and an optical film formed on the plane and having an optical constant different from that of the spherical lens. An optical functional element comprising: 2. A spherical lens, at least a part of which is a spherical surface, a groove which is disposed in the spherical lens and has a plane including a center point of the spherical surface of the spherical lens as one side surface, and the one of the grooves. An optical functional element, which is arranged so as to abut against a side surface, and which comprises an optical film having an optical constant different from that of the spherical lens. 3. A spherical lens, an groove provided in the spherical lens, having a side surface that is a plane including the center point of the spherical lens, and an optical substrate formed with an optical film on the surface of the transparent substrate. The optical functional element is characterized in that: the optical substrate is inserted into the groove so that the surface of the optical film contacts the one side surface of the groove. 4. The optical functional element according to claim 3, wherein the optical substrate comprises a protrusion protruding from the surface of the spherical lens. 5. The optical substrate comprises an optical film made of a dielectric film formed on the surface of a transparent substrate, and is transparent to light of a first wavelength that is incident in a first direction. At the same time, the optical function element according to claim 3 or 4, comprising an interference filter that reflects light of a second wavelength that is incident from a second direction opposite to the first direction. . 6. A spherical lens, a groove disposed inside the spherical lens, having a plane including a center point of the spherical lens as one side surface, and an optical film made of a dielectric film on a surface of a transparent substrate. The surface of the optical film is inserted into the groove so that the surface of the optical film contacts the one side surface of the groove, and the optical film has transparency to the light of the first wavelength incident from the first direction. , Second incident from a second direction opposite to the first direction
A spherical film lens integrated with a filter film, which constitutes an interference filter that reflects light of the second wavelength, a light emitting element arranged in the first direction along the optical axis, and a light emitting element of the second wavelength. An optical transceiver module, wherein a light receiving element arranged in a reflection direction is fixedly supported by a connecting member. 7. The three-dimensional circuit board made of a resin material for fixedly supporting the filter film integrated spherical lens for multiplexing / demultiplexing / condensing transmitted / received light and mounting the light emitting element and the light receiving element. The optical substrate comprises a protrusion protruding from the surface of the spherical lens, and one surface of the three-dimensional circuit board is configured to abut one surface of the protrusion. The optical transceiver module described. 8. The optical transceiver module according to claim 7, wherein the protrusion comprises a reference plane that is flush with a plane including the center point of the spherical lens. 9. The three-dimensional circuit board is housed in an airtight package, transmits the light of the first wavelength that has passed through the filter film integrated lens along the optical axis, and the second circuit board. 9. The optical transmitter / receiver according to claim 8, wherein an optical fiber arranged to transmit the light having the wavelength of 5 to guide to the filter film integrated spherical lens is optically connected to the airtight package. module. 10. A step of preparing a spherical lens, a step of forming a groove of a desired depth having a plane including a center point as one side surface on the spherical lens, and the spherical surface on at least one side surface of the groove. And a step of forming an optical film having an optical constant different from that of the lens. 11. A step of preparing a spherical lens, a step of forming a groove of a desired depth having a plane including a center point as one side surface on the spherical lens, and a desired optical constant on a surface of a transparent substrate. A step of preparing an optical substrate by forming an optical film having, so that the optical film surface is in contact with the one side surface of the groove, the optical substrate is inserted into the groove of the spherical lens, A method of manufacturing an optical functional element, which comprises a step of integrating.