Optical receiver using a photodetector with a self-aligned lens

A constructed photodetector for use in an optical receiver, the constructed photodetector comprising:

• an optoelectronic element having an active area that converts light having a wavelength of interest into electrical signals and a substrate supporting the active area, wherein the substrate is non-transparent to light having the wavelength of interest;
• a lens-chip that is at least partially transparent to light having the wavelength of interest, wherein the lens-chip comprises a first side and an opposing second side, wherein the first side of the lens-chip comprises an integrated lens, and wherein the second side of the lens-chip comprises one or more electrical traces;
• at least one connector that provides a physical and electrical connection between the optoelectronic element and the lens-chip;
• and
• a secondary optical element mounted to the at least one connector and aligned with the integrated lens of the lens-chip with a plurality of solder bumps provided on the at least one connector.

A transceiver unit in an optical communication system, comprising:

• a constructed element configured to receive or produce light having a wavelength of interest, the constructed element comprising:
• an optoelectronic element having a first face including an active area that converts the light into electrical signals or electrical signals into light and an opposing second face, wherein the second face is substantially opaque to light having the wavelength of interest;
• a lens-chip that is at least partially transparent to light having the wavelength of interest, wherein the lens-chip comprises a first side and an opposing second side, wherein the first side of the lens-chip comprises an integral lens, and wherein the second side of the lens-chip comprises one or more electrical traces;
• and
• at least one connector that provides a physical connection between the first face of the optoelectronic element and the second side of the lens-chip;
• a circuit carrier onto which the constructed element is mounted;
• and
• a secondary optical element that is also mounted to the circuit carrier and which is optically aligned with the active area via one or more alignment elements.