Optical module and method for manufacturing same

An optical module comprising:

• an optical semiconductor section including a first lead, a second lead with one end portion opposed to one end portion of the first lead, an optical semiconductor element bonded onto the first lead, and a first molded body in which the optical semiconductor element, the one end portion of the first lead, and the one end portion of the second lead are embedded;
• an optical element section including a third lead, a fourth lead with one end portion opposed to one end portion of the third lead, and a second molded body in which the one end portion of the third lead and the one end portion of the fourth lead are embedded and which can converge at least one of emitted light from the optical semiconductor element and incident light on the optical semiconductor element;
• and
• a ferrule guide portion including a fitting portion fitted with the second molded body and a through hole in which an optical fiber can be inserted,
• the other end portion of the first lead and the other end portion of the second lead protruding from the first molded body in directions opposite to each other,
• the other end portion of the third lead and the other end portion of the fourth lead protruding from the second molded body in directions opposite to each other,
• the protruding first lead and the protruding third lead being joined to form a metal junction,
• the protruding second lead and the protruding fourth lead being joined to form a metal junction, and
• at least one of the first and second leads and the third and fourth leads having a bent portion which is convex outward.

A method for manufacturing an optical module, comprising:

• bonding an optical semiconductor element onto a first lead of a first lead frame region which includes the first lead, a second lead with one end portion opposed to one end portion of the first lead, and a frame portion supporting the first and second lead;
• forming a first molded body so that the one end portion of the first lead, the one end portion of the second lead, and the optical semiconductor element are embedded therein and that the other end portion of the first lead and the other end portion of the second lead protrude therefrom in directions opposite to each other;
• forming a second molded body, on a second lead frame region which includes a third lead, a fourth lead with one end portion opposed to one end portion of the third lead, and a frame portion supporting the third and fourth lead, so that the one end portion of the third lead and the one end portion of the fourth lead are embedded therein and that the other end portion of the third lead and the other end portion of the fourth lead protrude therefrom in directions opposite to each other;
• forming a metal junction by joining the first and third leads with the second and fourth leads while aligning a guide hole provided in the frame portion of the first lead frame region with a guide hole provided in the frame portion of the second lead frame region;
• cutting the first and second leads away from the frame portion of the first lead frame region;
• and
• cutting the third and fourth leads away from the frame portion of the second lead frame region.