Optical subassembly for use in fiber optic data transmission and reception

摘要

An optical subassembly and a method of fabricating the same utilize a subassembly body that is formed by molding the subassembly body onto a substrate. Preferably, the subassembly body is constructed of a plastic material that can be molded into a precise shape. The subassembly body and the substrate become an integral unit when the molded plastic material is polymerized. The optical subassembly includes the subassembly body, the substrate, an optical element, an optoelectronic device, and a transmitter or receiver integrated circuit (IC) chip. The optoelectronic device and the transmitter/receiver IC chip are affixed to the substrate. Preferably, the substrate is a flexible circuit having a number of electrical traces. The flexible circuit may be composed of a polymer material. The optoelectronic device is positioned on the substrate such that the optoelectronic device is located within an opening in the subassembly body. The opening may become an enclosed cavity when the optical element is attached to the subassembly body.