Passively aligned LD/PD array submodules by using micro-capillaries

A passive alignment technique using micro-capillaries has been developed fo r multichannel optical interconnection modules. The technique is applicable when coupling a four-channel LD array to a hemispherically lensed fiber ar ray, or a four-channel PD array to a slant-polished fiber array. Alignment time was reduced to less than 1/20 that of conventional active alignment by simply positioning the fiber array through capillaries in V grooves in the Si-platform, while obtaining high coupling efficiency of -3.4 +/- 0.5 dB f ur LD submodules and -0.4 +/- 0.1 dB for PD submodules.