Raised rib waveguide ribbon for precision optical interconnects

摘要

The invention provides a waveguide connector assembly for the precision interconnection of mating arrays of parallel optical waveguides which are preferably photolithographically formed on substrates. The connector assembly has a base with several parallel channel walls cut along a surface of the base. A waveguide assembly is positioned on the base. The waveguide assembly comprises a substrate and several transparent, polymeric waveguides on and raised from a surface of the substrate. The waveguides have a polygonal cross section with flat edges. The waveguide assembly is positioned on the base such that each of the waveguides is set in one of the channels and contacts the walls of the channel at two or more points. A cover plate holds the waveguide assembly on the base.