Connection of optical waveguides to optical devices

Abstract

An optical assembly has a socket for receiving a fibre termination ferrule. A PIN diode is on a lead frame encapsulated in a transparent body. As a fibre ferrule is pushed into the socket the electronic output from the diode is monitored to determine optimum insertion distance.

1 - 21 . (canceled)  
   
   
       22 . An optical assembly for connection to a fiber termination, the assembly comprising: 
 a body,    a socket in the body to receive a fiber termination,    an optical device supported by the body in fixed position in relation to the socket,    a mirror for direction of light between the optical device and the socket,    wherein the body is of transparent material, and    wherein the mirror is located for reflection of light within the body.    
   
   
       23 . The optical assembly as claimed in  claim 22 , wherein the optical device is embedded in the body.  
   
   
       24 . The optical assembly as claimed in  claim 22 , wherein the optical device is embedded in the body, and is in a plane parallel to a fiber axis of the socket.  
   
   
       25 . The optical assembly as claimed in  claim 22 , wherein the mirror is embedded in the body and lies along a surface of the body.  
   
   
       26 . The optical assembly as claimed in  claim 22 , further comprising a lead frame comprising splayed-out terminals and being electrically connected to the optical device.  
   
   
       27 . The optical assembly as claimed in  claim 22 , wherein the optical device is a transmitter.  
   
   
       28 . The optical assembly as claimed in  claim 22 , wherein the socket is of open V-shaped configuration.  
   
   
       29 . The optical assembly as claimed in  claim 22 , wherein the socket is shaped for a friction fit of a fiber termination.  
   
   
       30 . The optical assembly as claimed in  claim 22 , wherein the socket is blind, having an end face; and wherein the body comprises a vent for excess fiber-bonding epoxy during insertion of a fiber.  
   
   
       31 . The optical assembly as claimed in  claim 22 , wherein the socket is blind, having an end face; and wherein the body comprises a vent for excess fiber-bonding epoxy during insertion of a fiber; and wherein the vent extends at right angles to the axial direction of the blind socket.  
   
   
       32 . The optical assembly as claimed in  claim 22 , wherein the socket is blind, having an end face; and wherein the body comprises a vent for excess fiber-bonding epoxy during insertion of a fiber; and wherein the vent is in a shape of an elongate slot extending for at least part of the length of the blind socket.  
   
   
       33 . The optical assembly as claimed in  claim 22 , wherein the socket is of circular cross-section having a diameter matching that of a fiber termination for a friction fit, and the cross-sectional shape is uniform along the length of the blind socket.  
   
   
       34 . The optical assembly as claimed in  claim 22 , wherein the optical device is mounted on an electrical lead frame, and the lead frame supports an insulation plate, and the optical device is mounted on the insulation plate.  
   
   
       35 . The optical assembly as claimed in  claim 22 , wherein the optical device is mounted on an electrical lead frame, and the lead frame supports at least one decoupling capacitor embedded within the body.  
   
   
       36 . The optical assembly as claimed in  claim 22 , wherein the optical device is mounted on an electrical lead frame, and the lead frame is of generally rectangular overall shape, and there is a decoupling capacitor at two corners of the lead frame.  
   
   
       37 . An optical fiber product comprising an assembly as claimed in  claim 22  and an optical fiber having a termination inserted in the socket and secured in place by a bonding agent.  
   
   
       38 . A method of connecting a fiber termination to the optical assembly as claimed in  claim 30 , the method comprising the steps of: 
 applying a bonding composition to one of the fiber termination and the blind socket,    pushing the fiber termination into the blind socket until an optimum position is reached at which optical coupling between the fiber and the optical device in the assembly is satisfactory, and    curing the bonding composition while retaining the fiber termination at an optimum position.    
   
   
       39 . The method as claimed in  claim 38 , wherein the optical device is an opto-electronic receiver device, a test optical signal is directed through the fiber, and an electronic signal output of said device is monitored to determine the optimum fiber termination position.  
   
   
       40 . The method as claimed in  claim 38 , wherein the optical device is an opto-electronic receiver device, a test optical signal is directed through the fiber, and an electronic signal output of said device is monitored to determine the optimum fiber termination position; and wherein the optical device is a transmitter, and light output at the far end of the fiber is monitored to determine the optimum fiber termination position.