Substrate-embedded pluggable receptacles for connecting clustered

Abstract

Obtains a large increase in the number of fiber optic inputs/output (I/O) lines connectable to a module by enabling edge connection of multiple clusters of optical fibers to be connected around a module. Each connector connects a cluster of optical fibers in a small dimension of space on the module. Many distinct pluggable connectors may be provided along one or more edges of a module. The optical-fiber cluster connectors are embedded in indentations around the edges of a multilayer glass/ceramic (MLGC) multi-chip module (MCM), which may be a thermal conduction module (TCM), containing an integrated photonic receiver and/or transmitter for each fiber. Each connector supports a large number of fibers from a single cable, and a large number of connectors may be provided in a single module. Easy plugging and unplugging is obtained for each connector without interferring with any existing cooling apparatus or I/O pins of the module. Receptacle and plug assemblies which hold the fibers in respective key V-grooves etched in silicon members which carry and interlock each fiber in each receptacle. Alignment and locking means is provided in each connector for aligning a plug's array of fibers with corresponding receptacle fibers in one or more angled groove(s) in a receiving receptacle. Thermal coefficients of expansion match between the silicon receptacle and the glass-ceramic substrate to guarantee the preservation of opto-mechanical alignments.