INTEGRATED COUPLING MODULES FOR HIGH-BANDWIDTH FIBER-OPTIC SYSTEMS

摘要

This invention provides an integrated and modular coupling module for coupling light between optical devices, such as an optical fiber connector and optoelectronic device. In a coupling module of the present invention, beam-shaping elements (32) and alignment elements (33, 34) are integrated on a single alignment plate (30) in such a way that they maintain a precise physical relationship. Moreover, the relative physical arrangement between the beam-shaping elements and the alignment elements are configured such that once the alignment elements are engaged with the peripheral devices, accurate optical alignment between the peripheral devices and the coupling module is also attained. The beam-shaping elements (32), such as optical lenses, are securely embedded in the alignment plate (30) in such a way that they effectively become an integral part of the alignment plate.