Optical waveguide optical connector using same, and manufacturing method thereof

An optical connector, comprising:

• an optical waveguide;
• and
• a ferrule having an alignment structure and provided with a predetermined through hole,
• wherein said optical waveguide includes cores for transmitting light, an under cladding layer provided under the cores, and an over cladding layer provided over the cores, the optical waveguide having a longitudinal end portion configured to be inserted and fixed in the through hole provided in the ferrule for connection to another optical connector, said under cladding layer having a width less than the width of said through hole, each of said cores being in the form of a ridge continuing in the longitudinal direction and including a photolithographic member made of a photosensitive resin, said over cladding layer including a photolithographic member made of a photosensitive resin and provided with respect to the positions of said cores or positioning alignment marks, said over cladding layer covering said cores and said under cladding layer including widthwise end surfaces thereof,
• wherein said optical waveguide has at least one end portion inserted and fixed in a first insertion opening of said through hole provided in said ferrule,
• wherein the at least one end portion of said optical waveguide has a longitudinal distal end surface revealed from a second exit opening of said through hole, and
• wherein while each of said cores has a longitudinal end portion positioned in place, the whole width of said optical waveguide formed with the widthwise end portions of said over cladding layer and the whole width of said through hole coincide with each other.