Optical multi-channel connector for rigid waveguide and fiber connection

We propose a newly developed optical multi-channel card edge connector to connect a rigid optical waveguide array fabricated onto a substrate and an optical fiber array for an on-board optical interconnection. The receptacle is placed at the edge of the waveguide and is mechanically aligned to alignment studs directly formed precisely onto the optical waveguide. The plug terminates the optical fiber ribbon using a plastic ferrule, and the ferrule is pushed to the end face of the waveguide using springs for physical contact. The plug is inserted into the housing and is latched by a single action. The connection losses of 12 channel optical card edge connector are 0.8 dB on the waveguide in the GI-50/125 fiber direction, and 1.1 dB on the fiber in the waveguide direction.