Three-dimensional opto-electronic modules with electrical and optical interconnections and methods for making

Abstract

Three-dimensional opto-electronic modules having a plurality of opto-electronic (O/E) layers, with optical signals being routed between O/E layers within one or more three-dimensional volumes, are disclosed. In preferred embodiments, the O/E layers are disposed over and above one another with at least one of their edges aligned to one another. At least two of the O/E layers have waveguides with ends near the aligned edges. A plurality of Zconnector arrays are disposed between the O/E layers and within the three-dimensional volumes to provide a plurality of Zdirection waveguides. A first vertical optical coupler couples light from one waveguide in one O/E layer to a Z-direction waveguide, and a second vertical optical coupler couples the light from the Z-direction waveguide to a second waveguide in a second O/E layer. In further preferred embodiments, segments of the Z-connector arrays are held by a holding unit.