Apparatuses and methods for integrating opto-electric components into the optical pathways of routing substrates with precision optical coupling and compact electrical interconnection

Abstract

Disclosed are apparatuses and methods for fast and reliable integration of opto-electric components onto optical routing substrates. Accurate alignment of optical signals to and from the opto-electric components, and short electrical interconnect paths to the components to reduce signal delays to the devices on the components are enabled. In an exemplary embodiment, an attachment area is set out on the optical routing substrate to receive each component. One or more optical waveguides for coupling optical signals with the component are located adjacent to the attachment area. A plurality of conductive pads are located within the attachment area, and are for interconnecting to the component by way of bodies of solder, conductive adhesive, or the like. Interspersed between the conductive pads are a plurality of spacers that set a spacing distance between the attachment area and the opposing surface of the component, resulting in accurate alignment of optical signals.