Optical waveguide structure
Methods and associated apparatuses are described that provide an optical waveguide structure configured for use within an optoelectronic connector. The optical waveguide structure includes a base member having a first surface defining a plurality of trenches including an optical transmission medium and one or more channels including an adhesive material. The optical waveguide structure includes a lid member having a first surface, where the first surface of the lid member is disposed against the first surface of the base member to form the optical waveguide structure. The one or more channels having the adhesive material serve to secure the lid member to the base member, and the plurality of trenches having an optical transmission medium allow optical signals to pass therethrough.
1. A method for manufacturing an optical waveguide structure for use within an optoelectronic connector, the method comprising:
forming a base member having a first surface, the first surface defining:
a plurality of trenches configured to receive an optical transmission medium,
one or more channels configured to receive an adhesive material,
a primary reservoir in fluid communication with the plurality of trenches, and
a secondary reservoir in fluid communication with the one or more channels;
forming a lid member having a first surface, wherein the first surface of the lid member is configured to be disposed against the first surface of the base member;
placing the lid member on the base member such that the lid member covers at least a portion of the plurality of trenches and at least a portion of the one or more channels;
introducing a liquid optical transmission medium into the primary reservoir such that the liquid optical transmission medium fills the plurality of trenches defined by the base member; and
introducing a liquid adhesive into the secondary reservoir such that the liquid adhesive fills the one or more channels defined by the base member, thereby affixing the lid member to the base member.
2. The method according to claim 1 , wherein the liquid optical transmission medium and the liquid adhesive fill the plurality of trenches and the one or more channels, respectively, via capillary flow.
3. The method according to claim 1 , wherein forming the base member comprises sizing the base member to be larger than the lid member, such that at least a portion of the base member extends beyond an edge of the lid member.
4. The method according to claim 3 , wherein the primary reservoir and the secondary reservoir are disposed on the portion of the base member which extends beyond the edge of the lid member.
5. The method according to claim 3 , further comprising removing the portion of the base member which extends beyond the edge of the lid member.
6. The method according to claim 5 , further comprising finishing an outer surface of the optical waveguide structure to facilitate transmission of optical signals therethrough.
7. The method according to claim 1 , further comprising forming through-holes on the optical waveguide structure, wherein the through-holes are configured to allow the optical waveguide structure to be received and secured within the optoelectronic connector.
8. The method according to claim 1 , wherein forming the lid member and forming the base member are achieved via a hot embossing process.
9. The method according to claim 1 , wherein the primary reservoir comprises two or more primary reservoirs and the secondary reservoir comprises two or more secondary reservoirs, wherein each primary reservoir and each secondary reservoir is in fluid communication with a portion of the plurality of trenches and a portion of the one or more channels, respectively.
10. The method according to claim 1 , wherein the base member further comprises at least one groove and the lid member further comprises at least one corresponding groove such that the optical waveguide structure is configured to receive an engagement element when the lid member is placed on the base member.