FLEXIBLE OPTIC CONNECTOR ASSEMBLY

摘要

A self-aligned optical coupler (12) for conducting light from and to vertical and/or horizontal ports (19, 22) on optical devices or optoelectric integrated circuits. The device or circuit having the respective port has keys (28) and/or slots (27) on the device or circuit for self-aligning an end of the optical coupler (12) to the port. The end has corresponding slots (27) and/or keys (28). Visual alignment marks may be used instead so as to permit automatic alignment with machine vision devices. The coupler may have one or a plurality of waveguides (20). One of the ends of the coupler may have a connector for a self-aligning optical connection to a connector receptacle of a module or a backplane.