Optional waveguide, optional waveguide module, and a method for fabricating optional waveguide module

An optical waveguide module comprising:

• a planar type optical waveguide having at least one core;
• an optical fiber for connecting with the core of the optical waveguide optically;
• and
• an optical element for connecting with the core of the optical waveguide optically,
• wherein the optical waveguide includes a groove for allowing an optical fiber to be inserted thereinto and aligning the optical fiber with the core to connect the optical fiber and the core optically;
• wherein a first edge of the optical waveguide is tapered, said first edge traversing the core, and an edge of the core is formed as a reflection surface, said edge being exposed in the first edge of the optical waveguide;
• and
• wherein a planar type optical element is mounted as the optical element at a position that is opposite to the reflection surface to connect the planar type optical element with the core optically through the reflection surface.

An optical waveguide module comprising:

• a planar type optical waveguide having at least one core;
• and
• an optical fiber for connecting with the core of the optical waveguide optically,
• wherein the optical waveguide includes a groove for allowing an optical fiber to be inserted thereinto and aligning the optical fiber with the core to connect the optical fiber and the core optically and a closing member for closing the groove by attaching it to the optical waveguide over an opening of the groove and fixing the optical fiber inserted into the groove;
• and
• wherein the closing member is made of material having a thermal expansion coefficient corresponding to a thermal expansion coefficient of material of which the optical waveguide is made.

A method for fabricating an optical waveguide module, the method comprising the steps of:

• mounting a planar type optical element on a mounting recess portion of a mounting substrate and performing electric connection thereon;
• aligning an optical waveguide with the mounting substrate to connect the planar type optical element with the optical waveguide optically and adhering and fixing the optical waveguide to the mounting substrate;
• and
• aligning an optical fiber with a core of the optical waveguide by inserting the optical fiber into a groove for allowing the optical fiber to be inserted thereinto and aligning the optical fiber with the core and adhering and fixing the optical fiber.