Method, Apparatus and Optical Interconnect Manufactured by 3D Printing

摘要

A method of manufacturing an optical interconnect includes 3D printing a plurality of non-intersecting and spaced apart optical waveguides from a material that guides electromagnetic waves in the optical spectrum after being cross-linked or polymerized in a region activated by the 3D printing. At least some of the optical waveguides change direction at least once by about 90°. The method further includes encasing at least each end of the optical waveguides with a material having a lower index of refraction than the material from which the optical waveguides are formed by 3D printing, to secure the optical waveguides. A corresponding 3D printing apparatus is also described.

主权项

1. A method of manufacturing an optical interconnect, the method comprising:
3D printing a plurality of non-intersecting and spaced apart optical waveguides from a material that guides electromagnetic waves in the optical spectrum after being cross-linked or polymerized in a region activated by the 3D printing, at least some of the optical waveguides changing direction at least once by about 90°; and encasing at least each end of the optical waveguides with a material having a lower index of refraction than the material from which the optical waveguides are formed by 3D printing, to secure the optical waveguides.