Lens array for use in parallel optics modules for fiber optics communications

An assembly for use in optical communications, comprising:

• a) an optical ferrule for supporting a set of optical fibers disposed in a linear array;
• b) an optical transmitter subassembly for transmitting photonic signals to said fibers including a set of semiconductor lasers disposed in a linear array;
• and
• c) a lens platform including a set of optical lenses having greater height than width and extended common boundaries which are contiguously positioned in a linear array corresponding to said fibers and lasers.

An assembly for use in optical communications, comprising:

• a) an optical ferrule for supporting a set of optical fibers disposed in a linear array;
• b) a optical receiver subassembly for receiving photonic signals from said fibers including a set of semiconductor PIN diodes disposed in a linear array;
• and
• c) a lens platform including a set of optical lenses having greater height than width and extended common boundaries which are contiguously positioned in a linear array corresponding to said fibers and diodes.

An assembly for use in optical communications, comprising:

• a) an optical ferrule for supporting a set of optical fibers disposed in a linear array;
• b) a optical transmitter subassembly for transmitting photonic signals to said fibers including a set of VCSELs disposed in a linear array;
• and
• c) a one-piece lens platform including a plurality asymmetric biconvex lenses which are:
• 1) collinearly and contiguously positioned in a lateral direction parallel with said linear array of lasers, and
• 2) truncated in said lateral direction so that the lenses intersect along the centerlines between them and have greater height than width.

An assembly for use in optical communications, comprising:

• a) an optical ferrule for supporting a set of optical fibers disposed in a linear array;
• b) a optical receiver subassembly for receiving photonic signals from said fibers including a set of semiconductor PIN diodes disposed in a linear array;
• and
• c) a lens platform including a plurality asymmetric biconvex lenses which are:
• 1) collinearly and contiguously positioned in a lateral direction parallel with said linear array of diodes, and
• 2) truncated in said lateral direction so that the lenses intersect along the centerlines between them and have greater height than width.

A lens and alignment frame for use in optically and mechanically interfacing an integrated circuit chip having a set of photoactive components which is attached to a carrier assembly with a set of optical fibers supported in a ferrule having a set of alignment holes precisely positioned with respect to said fibers, said frame including:

• a planar base adapted for being mounted on said carrier assembly;
• an array of collinear lenses each of which have greater height than lateral width mounted for focusing light between said array of fibers and said array of photoactive components;
• and
• a set of guide pins projecting forward of said base for mating with said alignment holes in said ferrule in order to position said ferrule and fibers with respect to said frame, carrier assembly and said integrated circuit chip.