Method and apparatus for interfacing optical fibers from optical fiber ribbons and cables with an optical integrated circuit

摘要

The present invention provides a method and apparatus for interfacing optical fiber cables with an optical integrated circuit. The apparatus comprises a flexible substrate having optical fibers fixedly arranged therein in a predetermined manner such that the distal ends of the optical fibers are disposed in groups on the outer periphery of the substrate to facilitate joining of the fibers with optical fibers of the optical fiber cables or ribbons using mass joining techniques. Once the optical fibers have been arranged in the substrate, the optical integrated circuit is mounted in the substrate. The substrate has an opening formed therein for receiving the optical integrated circuit. Once the optical integrated circuit has been mounted in the substrate, the proximal ends of the fibers fixed in the substrate are optically coupled to the ports of the optical integrated circuit.