WO2025117195A1

WO2025117195A1 - Optical devices and expanded beam connection systems having expanded beam connectors

Info

Publication number: WO2025117195A1
Application number: PCT/US2024/055907
Authority: WO
Inventors: Lars Martin Otfried BRUSBERG; Jie Liu; Ying Liu; Qi Wu; Zheng XIONG; Lei Yuan
Original assignee: Corning Inc
Current assignee: Corning Inc
Priority date: 2023-11-27
Filing date: 2024-11-14
Publication date: 2025-06-05
Anticipated expiration: 2026-05-27

Abstract

An optical device comprises a base substrate comprising a substrate end facet and waveguide integrally formed therein and an expanded beam connector comprising a spacer plate directly attached to the substrate end facet of the base substrate, the spacer plate comprising a spacer plate end facet, and a lens directly attached to the spacer plate end facet and comprising a lens facet, wherein the waveguide propagates an optical signal along an optical path through the substrate end facet, from the substrate end facet and through the spacer plate end facet, and from the spacer plate end facet and through the lens facet and wherein the lens collimates the optical signal between the lens facet and the waveguide of the base substrate.

Description

OPTICAL DEVICES AND EXPANDED BEAM CONNECTION SYSTEMS HAVING EXPANDED BEAM CONNECTORS

CROSS-REFERNCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application claims the benefit of priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63/602,808 filed on November 27, 2023, the content of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety for all purposes.

BACKGROUND

Field

[0002] The present disclosure generally relates to optical devices and expanded beam connection systems, and more specifically, to optical devices and expanded beam connection systems having expanded beam connectors and methods for manufacturing the same, for use associated with, for example, optical interconnection between optical fibers and waveguides.

Technical Background

[0003] Both single- and multi-mode waveguides can be fabricated by ion-exchange (“IOX”) in glass sheets and integrated into conventional circuit boards. Optical coupling between optical fibers (for example, single-mode fibers or multi-mode fibers) and IOX waveguides may be achieved by end-face coupling with physical contact or otherwise permanent attachment of fiber array units (“FAUs”). However, mechanisms for providing such physical contact or permanent attachment (for example, in low loss coupling between a waveguide and a single-mode fiber) may require a high level of mating force (by, for example, using mechanical alignment features such as guide pins), be sensitive to debris (for example, dust), be sensitive to external contact or forces, and have low tolerance ranges of lateral alignment (for example, +/- 1 pm). Further, providing optical coupling with such high levels of mating force, protection against debris, and lateral alignment tolerances may increase difficulty, part counts, and costs of manufacturing optical devices that provide such optical coupling. Accordingly, a need exists for optical connection mechanisms which may reduce any, some, or all of a level of mating force, a sensitivity to debris, and/or lateral alignment sensitivity. SUMMARY

[0004] According to a first aspect Al, an optical device may comprise: a base substrate comprising a substrate end facet and waveguide integrally formed within the base substrate, wherein the waveguide propagates an optical signal along an optical path through the substrate end facet; and an expanded beam connector comprising: a spacer plate directly attached to the substrate end facet of the base substrate, the spacer plate comprising a spacer plate end facet, wherein the optical path extends from the substrate end facet and through the spacer plate end facet, and a lens directly attached to the spacer plate end facet and comprising a lens facet, wherein the optical path extends from the spacer plate end facet and through the lens facet and wherein the lens collimates the optical signal between the lens facet and the waveguide of the base substrate.

[0005] A second aspect A2 includes the optical device according to the first aspect Al , wherein the waveguide may propagate the optical signal along a waveguide axis; the lens may propagate the optical signal along a lens axis; and the waveguide axis and the lens axis may define an offset angle less than or equal to 1 degree and greater than or equal to 0 degrees.

[0006] A third aspect A3 includes the optical device according to the first aspect Al or the second aspect A2, wherein the optical device may further comprise a reflector positioned on a reflector facet of the spacer plate and along the optical path between the spacer plate end facet and the substrate end facet, wherein: the waveguide may propagate the optical signal along a waveguide axis; the lens may propagate the optical signal along a lens axis; the waveguide axis and the lens axis may define anaxial angle greater than or equal to 75 degrees and less than or equal to 105 degrees; and the reflector may redirect the optical signal such that, between the waveguide and the reflector, the optical path extends along the waveguide axis and, between the lens facet and the reflector, the optical path extends along the lens axis.

[0007] A fourth aspect A4 includes the optical device according to any of the aspects Al -A3, wherein the lens may be a spherical lens or a non-spherical lens.

[0008] A fifth aspect A5 includes the optical device according to any of the aspects Al - A4, wherein the waveguide may be a single-mode waveguide or a multi-mode waveguide.

[0009] A sixth aspect A6 includes the optical device according to any of the aspects A1-A5, wherein the lens may comprise a UV-curable resin, an acrylic -based resin, or any combination thereof. [0010] According to a seventh aspect B 1 , a method for manufacturing an optical device using two-photon polymerization additive manufacturing may comprise: depositing a first additive manufacturing material on a base substrate comprising a substrate end facet and a waveguide integrally formed within the base substrate, wherein the waveguide propagates an optical signal along an optical path through the substrate end facet; fabricating, from the first additive manufacturing material and using two-photon polymerization, a spacer plate directly attached to the substrate end facet of the base substrate, the spacer plate comprising a spacer plate end facet, wherein the optical path extends from the substrate end facet and through the spacer plate end facet; depositing a second additive manufacturing material on the spacer plate end facet; and fabricating, from the second additive manufacturing material and using two- photon polymerization, a lens directly attached to the spacer plate end facet and comprising a lens facet, wherein the optical path extends from the spacer plate end facet and through the lens facet and wherein the lens collimates the optical signal between the lens facet and the waveguide of the base substrate.

[0011] An eighth aspect B2 includes the method according to the seventh aspect Bl, wherein the waveguide may propagate the optical signal along a waveguide axis; the lens may propagate the optical signal along a lens axis; and the waveguide axis and the lens axis may define an offset angle less than or equal to 1 degree and greater than or equal to 0 degrees.

[0012] A ninth aspect B3 includes the method according to the seventh aspect Bl or the eighth aspect B2, wherein the spacer plate may further comprise a reflector positioned on a reflector facet of the spacer plate and along the optical path between the spacer plate end facet and the substrate end facet, and the method may further comprise fabricating a reflector positioned on the reflector facet and along the optical path between the spacer plate end facet and the substrate end facet, wherein: the waveguide may propagate the optical signal along a waveguide axis; the lens may propagate the optical signal along a lens axis; the waveguide axis and the lens axis may define an axial angle greater than or equal to 75 degrees and less than or equal to 105 degrees; and the reflector may redirect the optical signal such that the optical path extends, between the waveguide and the reflector, along the waveguide axis and, between the lens facet and the reflector, along the lens axis.

[0013] A tenth aspect B4 includes the method according to any of the aspects B1-B3, wherein the method may further comprise fabricating the base substrate. [0014] An eleventh aspect B5 includes the method according to the tenth aspect B4, wherein the method may further comprise fabricating the waveguide by ion exchange, laserwriting, deposition, electron-beam lithography, or any combination.

[0015] A twelfth aspect B6 includes the method according to any of the aspects B1-B5, wherein the method may further comprise, prior to depositing the second additive manufacturing material, laser-singulating or polishing the spacer plate end facet.

[0016] A thirteenth aspect B7 includes the method according to any of the aspects Bl- B6, wherein the method may further comprise: depositing a support additive manufacturing material; and fabricating, from the support additive manufacturing material, a support block.

[0017] A fourteenth aspect B8 includes the method according to any of the aspects Bl- B7, wherein the lens may be a spherical lens or a non-spherical lens.

[0018] A fifteenth aspect B9 includes the method according to any of the aspects BIBS, wherein the waveguide may be a single-mode waveguide or a multi-mode waveguide.

[0019] A sixteenth aspect B10 includes the method according to any of the aspects B 1 - B9, wherein the first additive manufacturing material and the second additive manufacturing material may be the same material.

[0020] According to a seventeenth aspect Cl, an expanded beam connection system may comprise: an array of optical fibers; an optical device comprising a first plurality of connectors and a base substrate comprising a substrate end facet and a plurality of waveguides integrally formed within the base substrate, wherein: each connector of the first plurality of connectors is an expanded beam connector optically coupled to a respective waveguide of the plurality of waveguides, each expanded beam connector of the first plurality of connectors optically couples a respective optical fiber of the array of optical fibers to the respective waveguide of the plurality of waveguides to which the expanded beam connector is optically coupled, each waveguide of the plurality of waveguides propagates a respective optical signal of the waveguide to or from the respective optical fiber of the array of optical fibers to which the waveguide is optically coupled and along a respective optical path of the waveguide through the substrate end facet, and each expanded beam connector of the first plurality of connectors comprises: a spacer plate directly attached to the substrate end facet of the base substrate, the spacer plate comprising a spacer plate end facet, wherein the respective optical path of the respective waveguide to which the expanded beam connector is optically coupled extends from the substrate end facet and through the spacer plate end facet, and a lens directly attached to the spacer plate end facet and comprising a lens facet, wherein the respective optical path of the respective waveguide to which the expanded beam connector is optically coupled extends from the spacer plate end facet and through the lens facet and wherein the lens collimates the respective optical signal of the respective waveguide to which the expanded beam connector is optically coupled between the lens facet and the respective waveguide to which the expanded beam connector is optically coupled; and a second plurality of connectors, wherein: each connector of the second plurality of connectors is optically coupled to a respective optical fiber of the array of optical fibers, and each connector of the second plurality of connectors is optically coupled to a respective waveguide of the plurality of waveguides such that the optical path of each waveguide of the plurality of waveguides extends between the respective expanded beam connector of the first plurality of connectors to which the waveguide is optically coupled and the respective connector of the second plurality of connectors to which the waveguide is optically coupled.

[0021] An eighteenth aspect C2 includes the system of the seventeenth aspect Cl, wherein each waveguide of the plurality of waveguides may propagate the respective optical signal of the waveguide along a respective waveguide axis of the waveguide; the lens of each expanded beam connector of the first plurality of connectors may propagate the respective optical signal of the respective waveguide to which the expanded beam connector is optically coupled along a respective lens axis of the expanded beam connector; the respective lens axis of each expanded beam connector may define a respective offset angle between the respective lens axis and the respective waveguide axis of the respective waveguide to which the expanded beam connector is optically coupled; and each respective offset angle may be less than or equal to 1 degree and greater than or equal to 0 degrees.

[0022] A nineteenth aspect C3 includes the system of the seventeenth aspect Cl or the eighteenth aspect C2, wherein each expanded beam connector of the first plurality of connectors may comprise a reflector positioned on a reflector facet of the spacer plate of the expanded beam connector and along the respective optical path of the respective waveguide to which the expanded beam connector is optically coupled between the spacer plate end facet of the optical device and the substrate end facet of the expanded beam connector; each waveguide of the plurality of waveguides may propagate the respective optical signal of the waveguide along a respective waveguide axis of the waveguide; the lens of each expanded beam connector of the first plurality of connectors may propagate the respective optical signal of the respective waveguide to which the expanded beam connector is optically coupled along a respective lens axis of the expanded beam connector; the respective lens axis of each expanded beam connector may define a respective axial angle between the respective lens axis of the expanded beam connector and the respective waveguide axis of the respective waveguide to which the expanded beam connector is optically coupled; each respective axial angle may be greater than or equal to 75 degrees and less than or equal to 105 degrees; and the reflector of each expanded beam connector of the first plurality of connectors may redirect the respective optical signal of the respective waveguide to which the expanded beam connector is optically coupled such that the respective optical path of the respective waveguide extends, between the respective waveguide and the reflector, along the respective waveguide axis of the respective waveguide and, between the reflector and the lens facet of the expanded beam connector comprising the reflector, along the respective lens axis of the expanded beam connector.

[0023] A twentieth aspect C4 includes the system of any of the aspects Cl -C3, wherein the array of optical fibers may comprise 48 optical fibers, 96 optical fibers, 144 optical fibers, 256 optical fibers, or 1024 optical fibers.

[0024] A twenty-first aspect C5 includes the system of any of the aspects C1-C4, wherein each optical fiber of the array of optical fibers may be a single-mode fiber or a multimode fiber.

[0025] A twenty-second aspect C6 includes the system of any of the aspects C1-C5, wherein each lens of each expanded beam connector may be a spherical lens or a non-spherical lens.

[0026] A twenty-third aspect C7 includes the system of any of the aspects C1-C6, wherein each waveguide of the plurality of waveguides may be a single -mode waveguide or a multi-mode waveguide.

[0027] A twenty-fourth aspect C8 includes the system of any of the aspects C1-C7, wherein each lens of each expanded beam connector may comprise a UV-curable resin, an acrylic-based resin, or any combination thereof.

[0028] Additional features and advantages of the aspects described herein will be set forth in the detailed description which follows, and in part will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art from that description or recognized by practicing the aspects described herein, including the detailed description, which follows, the claims, as well as the appended drawings.

[0029] It is to be understood that both the foregoing general description and the following detailed description describe various aspects and are intended to provide an overview or framework for understanding the nature and character of the claimed subject matter. The accompanying drawings are included to provide a further understanding of the various aspects, and are incorporated into and constitute a part of this specification. The drawings illustrate the various aspects described herein, and together with the description serve to explain the principles and operations of the claimed subject matter.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0030] The embodiments set forth in the drawings are illustrative and exemplary in nature and not intended to limit the subject matter defined by the claims. The following detailed description of the illustrative embodiments can be understood when read in conjunction with the following drawings, wherein like structure is indicated with like reference numerals and in which:

[0031] FIG. 1A schematically depicts a first expanded beam connection system including a first optical device having a first expanded beam connector, according to one or more embodiments shown and described herein;

[0032] FIG. IB schematically depicts a portion of the first expanded beam connection system of FIG. 1 A, according to one or more embodiments shown and described herein;

[0033] FIG. 2A schematically depicts an embodiment of the first expanded beam connector of FIGS. 1A-1B, according to one or more embodiments shown and described herein;

[0034] FIG. 2B schematically depicts an embodiment of the first expanded beam connector of FIG. 2A optically coupled to a connector, according to one or more embodiments shown and described herein;

[0035] FIG. 2C schematically depicts an embodiment of the first expanded beam connector of FIGS. 1 A-1B having an offset distance between a waveguide axis and a lens axis, according to one or more embodiments shown and described herein;

[0036] FIG. 2D schematically depicts an embodiment of the first expanded beam connector of FIGS. 1A-1B having an offset angle between a waveguide axis and a lens axis, according to one or more embodiments shown and described herein; [0037] FIG. 3A schematically depicts a second expanded beam connection system including a second optical device having a second expanded beam connector, according to one or more embodiments shown and described herein;

[0038] FIG. 3B schematically depicts a portion of the second expanded beam connection system of FIG. 3 A, according to one or more embodiments shown and described herein;

[0039] FIG. 4A schematically depicts an embodiment of the second expanded beam connector of FIGS. 3A-3B, according to one or more embodiments shown and described herein;

[0040] FIG. 4B schematically depicts an embodiment of the second expanded beam connector of FIG. 4A optically coupled to a connector, according to one or more embodiments shown and described herein;

[0041] FIG. 5 is a flow diagram of a first method for manufacturing an optical device, according to one or more embodiments shown and described herein;

[0042] FIG. 6 schematically depicts an illustrative additive manufacturing system, according to one or more embodiments shown and described herein;

[0043] FIG. 7A schematically depicts a step of a first embodiment of the method of FIG. 6, according to one or more embodiments shown and described herein;

[0044] FIG. 7B schematically depicts a step of a first embodiment of the method of FIG. 6, according to one or more embodiments shown and described herein;

[0045] FIG. 7C schematically depicts a step of a first embodiment of the method of FIG. 6, according to one or more embodiments shown and described herein;

[0046] FIG. 7D schematically depicts a step of a first embodiment of the method of FIG. 6, according to one or more embodiments shown and described herein;

[0047] FIG. 7E schematically depicts a step of a first embodiment of the method of FIG. 6, according to one or more embodiments shown and described herein;

[0048] FIG. 7F schematically depicts a step of a first embodiment of the method of FIG. 6, according to one or more embodiments shown and described herein;

[0049] FIG. 7G schematically depicts a step of a first embodiment of the method of FIG. 6, according to one or more embodiments shown and described herein; [0050] FIG. 8A schematically depicts a step of a second embodiment of the method of FIG. 6, according to one or more embodiments shown and described herein;

[0051] FIG. 8B schematically depicts a step of a second embodiment of the method of FIG. 6, according to one or more embodiments shown and described herein;

[0052] FIG. 8C schematically depicts a step of a second embodiment of the method of FIG. 6, according to one or more embodiments shown and described herein;

[0053] FIG. 8D schematically depicts a step of a second embodiment of the method of FIG. 6, according to one or more embodiments shown and described herein;

[0054] FIG. 8E schematically depicts a step of a second embodiment of the method of FIG. 6, according to one or more embodiments shown and described herein;

[0055] FIG. 8F schematically depicts a step of a second embodiment of the method of FIG. 6, according to one or more embodiments shown and described herein;

[0056] FIG. 8G schematically depicts a step of a second embodiment of the method of FIG. 6, according to one or more embodiments shown and described herein;

[0057] FIG. 8H schematically depicts a step of a second embodiment of the method of FIG. 6, according to one or more embodiments shown and described herein;

[0058] FIG. 8J schematically depicts a step of a second embodiment of the method of FIG. 6, according to one or more embodiments shown and described herein;

[0059] FIG. 9A is a plot of intensity relative to the x- and z-directions (y-axis: x- position (pm); x-axis: z-position (mm); grayscale: intensity (dB)) of an optical signal propagated between an expanded beam connector and a connector at y = 1 pm, according to one or more embodiments described herein;

[0060] FIG. 9B is a plot of intensity relative to the y- and x-directions (y-axis: y- position (pm); x-axis: x-position (pm); grayscale: intensity (W/m²)) of an optical signal propagated between an expanded beam connector and a connector at z = 0.3 mm, according to one or more embodiments described herein;

[0061] FIG. 10A is a plot of loss versus lens to lens distance (y-axis: loss (dB); x-axis: lens to lens distance (mm)) of optical signals propagated between lenses at various longitudinal distances apart, according to one or more embodiments described herein; [0062] FIG. 10B is a plot of loss versus lateral offset distance (y-axis: loss (dB); x-axis: lateral offset distance (pm)) of optical signals propagated between lenses and waveguides having various lateral offset differences, according to one or more embodiments described herein;

[0063] FIG. 10C is a plot of loss versus tilt angle (y-axis: loss (dB); x-axis: tilt angle (degrees)) of optical signals propagated between a lenses and waveguides having various tilt angles, according to one or more embodiments described herein;

[0064] FIG. 11A is a plot of intensity relative to the x- and z-directions (y-axis: x- position (pm); x-axis: z-position (mm); grayscale: intensity (dB)) of a Gaussian beam optical signal propagated between an expanded beam connector and a connector at y = 1 pm, according to one or more embodiments described herein;

[0065] FIG. 1 IB is a plot of beam intensity versus x-position (y-axis: intensity (dB); x- axis: x-coordinate (pm)) of an optical signal propagated through an expanded beam connector, according to one or more embodiments shown and described herein;

[0066] FIG. 12A is a plot of coupling loss versus axial separation (y-axis: coupling loss (dB); x-axis: axial separation (mm)) of optical signals propagated between lenses at various longitudinal distances apart, according to one or more embodiments described herein;

[0067] FIG. 12B is a plot of coupling loss versus lateral offset distance (y-axis: loss (dB); x-axis: lateral offset distance (pm)) of optical signals propagated between lenses and waveguides having various lateral offset differences, according to one or more embodiments described herein; and

[0068] FIG. 12C is a plot of coupling loss versus angular offset (y-axis: loss (dB); x- axis: angular offset (degrees)) of optical signals propagated between a lenses and waveguides having various angular offsets, according to one or more embodiments described herein.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0069] The present disclosure, in one form, is related to optical devices and expanded beam connection systems for providing optical connection between fibers and waveguides and, in particular, for optical connection between ion-exchanged (“IOX”) waveguides (that is to say, waveguides fabricated via ion-exchange processes) and single-mode optical fibers (“SMFs”) and/or multi-mode optical fibers (“MMFs”). The optical devices, expanded beam connection systems, and methods for manufacturing the same described herein may include expanded beam connectors that include a micro-scaling coupling components that are attached to a laser-cut or polished end-facet of a glass waveguide (for example, an IOX waveguide) substrate. In embodiments, the micro-scaling coupling components may be lenses directly attached to (for example, by being directly written by laser on or directly printed on) a facet of an IOX waveguide substrate. The optical devices and expanded beam connection systems described herein may include a base substrate and an expanded beam connector comprising a spacer plate directly attached to a substrate end facet of the base substrate and a lens directly attached to a spacer plate end facet of the spacer plate.

[0070] It should be understood that the term “directly attached” as used herein with respect to the attachment of at least one first component and/or device to at least one second component and/or device includes the at least one first component directly contacting the at least one second component without an intervening component. That is, the at least one first component is directly attached to the at least one second component when an attaching device or material (for example, an adhesive) is not positioned between the at least one first component and the at least one second component.

[0071] The various embodiments described herein improve upon conventional solutions in that lenses directly attached to (by, for example, being directly written by a laser upon or directly printed upon) a facet of a waveguide substrate or a spacer plate may be manufactured by more simplified processes (when compared to, for example, optical connection mechanisms that require physical contact or permanent attachment). Further, embodiments described herein may reduce lateral alignment thresholds and, thereby, avoid cumbersome active alignment mechanisms, which may reduce manufacturing complexity and/or cost. Embodiments described herein may exhibit such advantages without decreasing reliability and/or throughput (when compared to, for example, optical connection mechanisms that require physical contact or permanent attachment) of optical connection mechanisms formed therefrom, thereby, in embodiments, providing cheaper and more stable optical connection mechanisms without providing an associated decrease in performance or reliability in the optical connection mechanisms.

[0072] Embodiments described herein may utilize two-photon polymerization (“TPP”) additive manufacturing processes to form micro-optical elements (for example, lenses) and components on either substrates (for example, glass or silicon substrates) or tips of optical fibers. In embodiments, manufacturing micro-optical elements or other components using TPP additive manufacturing processes may provide extremely high printing resolution (for example, on the order of 100 nm) and small feature sizes (when compared to, for example, other micro/nanofabrication technologies). Further, in embodiments, TPP additive manufacturing processes may enable the manufacture of various lenses with flexible parameters such that, for example, lenses manufactured therefrom can be adjusted to create spherical and/or non-spherical shapes and/or have flexibility in other parameters such as thickness, radius of curvature, lens sagitta (“lens sag”), a lens diameter, and/or other such lens parameters. In embodiments, lenses manufactured from TPP additive manufacturing processes may also be adjustable in design to be compatible with beams of various commercial fiber connectors (for example, US Conec MXC® connectors and/or PRIZM® connectors).

[0073] Embodiments described herein may not include physical contact between connectors by, for example, utilizing expanded beam connectors. Instead, in embodiments, by using a direct-attached lens and/or expanded beam connection mechanisms, optical connection mechanisms formed therefrom may have a decreased size and/or higher density of connectors within a single optical device or connection system. Further, utilization of direct-attached lenses and/or expanded beam connection mechanisms may reduce the sensitivity of optical connection mechanisms formed therefrom to physical displacement by, for example, external contact and/or forces.

[0074] Turning now to the drawings, FIG. 1 depicts a first expanded beam connection system 100. The first expanded beam connection system 100 includes a first array of optical fibers 110 and a first optical device 120. In embodiments, the first optical device 120 includes a base substrate 121 and a plurality of waveguides 122. In embodiments, any, some, or all of the waveguides of the plurality of waveguides 122 may be integrally formed within the base substrate 121. In embodiments, the base substrate 121 may be formed from one or more materials. The one or more materials forming the base substrate 121 may include a glass (including, in embodiments, any, some, or all of lithium potassium borosilicate glass, silica glass, and/or an inorganic glass), a ceramic (including, in embodiments, any, some, or all of a polycrystalline ceramic, a polycrystalline inorganic material, a polycrystalline aluminum oxide, alumina, and/or silica), a glass-ceramic (including, in embodiments, Coming 9606® cordierite glass-ceramic), a polymer, (including, in embodiments, polycarbonate and/or Topas®), a polycrystalline ceramic, a single crystal ceramic (including, in embodiments, sapphire), and/or any combination thereof.

[0075] In embodiments, the first array of optical fibers 110 may include any number of optical fibers, such as 4 or more optical fibers, 8 or more optical fibers, 12 or more optical fibers, 16 or more optical fibers, 24 or more optical fibers, 36 or more optical fibers, 48 or more optical fibers, or even substantially more than 48 optical fibers, such as, in embodiments, 96 or more optical fibers, 144 or more optical fibers, 256 or more optical fibers, or even 1,024 or more optical fibers. In embodiments the plurality of waveguides 122 may include any number of waveguides, such as 4 or more waveguides, 8 or more waveguides, 12 or more waveguides, 16 or more waveguides, 24 or more waveguides, 36 or more waveguides, 48 or more waveguides, or even substantially more than 48 waveguides, such as, in embodiments, 96 or more waveguides, 144 or more waveguides, 256 or more waveguides, or even 1,024 or more waveguides. In embodiments, the plurality of waveguides 122 may include a number of waveguides equal to a number of optical fibers of the first array of optical fibers 110.

[0076] In embodiments, each waveguide of the plurality of waveguides 122 may propagate an optical signal and, in certain such embodiments, each waveguide of the plurality of waveguides 122 may propagate an optical signal along an optical path through a substrate end facet 123 of the base substrate 121. In embodiments, each optical fiber of the first array of optical fibers 110 may also propagate an optical signal. Accordingly, in embodiments, each waveguide of the plurality of waveguides 122 may be optically coupled to a respective optical fiber of the first array of optical fibers 110. The term “optically coupled,” as used herein with reference to one or more first optical devices (for example, a waveguide of the plurality of waveguides 122) and one or more second optical devices (for example, an optical fiber of the array of optical fibers 110) are positioned, oriented, and/or designed such that the one or more first optical devices and the one or more second optical devices can send optical signals (for example, electromagnetic waves) therebetween. Further, devices and/or components may be said to be “optically coupled” when each device and/or component is within the same optical path of an optical signal transmitted between and/or through the devices and/or components. Accordingly, the term “optical path” as used herein is the path of an optical signal transmitted by, between, and/or through one or more devices and/or components.

[0077] In embodiments, each waveguide of the plurality of waveguides 122 may be optically coupled to a respective optical fiber of the first array of optical fibers 110. In embodiments, only some waveguides of the plurality of waveguides 122 may be optically coupled to a respective optical fiber of the first array of optical fibers 110, and, in certain such embodiments, some waveguides of the plurality of waveguides 122 may be optically coupled to optical fibers of an array of optical fibers distinct from the first array of optical fibers 110. In embodiments, only some optical fibers of the first array of optical fibers 110 may be optically coupled to a respective waveguide of the plurality of waveguides 122, and, in certain such embodiments, some optical fibers of the first array of optical fibers 110 may be optically coupled to either or both of a plurality of waveguides of the first optical device 120 distinct from the plurality of waveguides 122 and/or waveguides of an optical device distinct from the first optical device 120.

[0078] In embodiments, a first plurality of optical device connectors 130 are attached to the substrate end facet 123 of the base substrate 121. In embodiments, each connector of the first plurality of optical device connectors 130 may be optically coupled to a respective waveguide of the plurality of waveguides 122, and each connector of a first plurality of optical fiber connectors 140 may be attached (and, thereby, optically coupled) to a respective optical fiber of the first array of optical fibers 110. Further, in embodiments, each connector of the first plurality of optical device connectors 130 may also be optically coupled to a respective waveguide of the plurality of waveguides 122 by, for example, being optically coupled to a respective connector of the first plurality of optical device connectors 130 which is optically coupled to the respective waveguide of the plurality of waveguides 122 to which the connector of the first plurality of optical device connectors 130 is optically coupled. Accordingly, in embodiments, each waveguide of the plurality of waveguides 122 may be optically coupled to one or more respective optical fibers of the first array of optical fibers 110.

[0079] In embodiments, a number of connectors of the first plurality of optical device connectors 130 may be equal to a number of waveguides of the plurality of waveguides 122, a number of connectors of the first plurality of optical fiber connectors 140, and/or a number of optical fibers of the first array of optical fibers 110. Similarly, in embodiments, a number of connectors of the first plurality of optical fiber connectors 140 may be equal to a number of waveguides of the plurality of waveguides 122, a number of connectors of the first plurality of optical device connectors 130, and/or a number of optical fibers of the first array of optical fibers 110.

[0080] In embodiments, any, some, or all of the connectors of the first plurality of optical device connectors 130 may be expanded beam connectors, such as those described in further detail herein. Similarly, in embodiments, any, some, or all of the connectors of the first plurality of optical fiber connectors 140 may be expanded beam connectors, such as those described in further detail herein. For example, in embodiments, the first plurality of optical device connectors 130 may include a first expanded beam connector 150 optically coupled to a first waveguide 124, and a first optical fiber connector 160 of the first plurality of optical fiber connectors 140 may be attached (and, thereby, optically coupled) to a first optical fiber 111 of the first array of optical fibers 110. In embodiments, the first optical fiber 111 may thereby be optically coupled by the first expanded beam connector 150 and the first optical fiber connector 160. In embodiments, any, some, or all of the connectors of the first plurality of optical fiber connectors 140 (including, in embodiments, the first optical fiber connector 160) may be expanded beam connectors, as described in further detail herein. Accordingly, in embodiments, any, some, or all of the connectors of the first plurality of optical fiber connectors 140 (including, in embodiments, the first optical fiber connector 160) may comprise substantially similar components as the first expanded beam connector 150 or a second expanded beam connector 350 (as described in further detail herein and as depicted in, for example, FIGS. 3A-4B). In other embodiments, any, some, or all of the connectors of the first plurality of optical fiber connectors 140 (including, in embodiments, the first optical fiber connector 160) may be another type of connector, as may be known in the art.

[0081] In embodiments, any, some, or all of the waveguides of the plurality of waveguides 122 (including, in embodiments, the first waveguide 124) may be fabricated by IOX (that is to say, any, some, or all of the waveguides of the plurality of waveguides 122 may be IOX waveguides), laser-writing, deposition (for example, by an additive manufacturing process), electron-beam lithography, and/or any combination thereof. In embodiments, any, some, or all of the waveguides of the plurality of waveguides 122 (including, in embodiments, the first waveguide 124) may be single-mode waveguides. In embodiments, any, some, or all of the waveguides of the plurality of waveguides 122 (including, in embodiments, the first waveguide 124) may be multi-mode waveguides. In embodiments, any, some, or all of the optical fibers of the first array of optical fibers 110 (including, in embodiments, the first optical fiber 111) may be single-mode fibers (“SMFs”). In embodiments, any, some, or all of the optical fibers of the first array of optical fibers 110 (including, in embodiments, the first optical fiber 111) may be multi-mode fibers (“MMFs”).

[0082] Referring to FIG. 1 B, the first expanded beam connector 150 and the first optical fiber connector 160 are depicted in a more close-up view than in FIG. 1A, such that subcomponents thereof are more readily visible. In embodiments, the first expanded beam connector 150 includes a spacer plate 151 attached to the substrate end facet 123 of the base substrate 121. A lens 153 is positioned on a spacer plate end facet 152 of the spacer plate 151. Accordingly, in embodiments, the spacer plate end facet 152 may be laser-singulated and/or polished such that, for example, the spacer plate end facet 152 (and, thereby, in embodiments, region(s) of the spacer plate 151 between the substrate end facet 123 and the lens 153) provides a flat and at least substantially optically transparent interface between the substrate end facet 123 and the lens 153. Similarly, in embodiments, the substrate end facet 123 may be laser- singulated and/or polished such that, for example, the substrate end facet 123 (and, thereby, in embodiments, region(s) of the base substrate 121 between the first waveguide 124 and the substrate end facet 123) provides a flat and at least substantially optically transparent interface between the first waveguide 124 and the spacer plate 151.

[0083] In embodiments, the spacer plate 151 may be directly attached to the substrate end facet 123. In embodiments, the spacer plate 151 may be fabricated by ion exchange, laserwriting, deposition, electron-beam lithography, two-photon polymerization additive manufacturing processes, and/or other additive manufacturing methods or modalities. In embodiments, the spacer plate 151 may be fabricated by curing a glass power and/or a glass nanocomposite. In embodiments, the spacer plate 151 may be formed from a polymer, a resin (for example, a UV-curable resin, an acrylic -based resin, and/or a UV-curable acrylic -based resin), a glass powder, a glass nanocomposite, other materials, and/or any combination thereof. In embodiments, the spacer plate 151 may be formed from a glass (including, in embodiments, any, some, or all of lithium potassium borosilicate glass, silica glass, and/or an inorganic glass), a ceramic (including, in embodiments, any, some, or all of a polycrystalline ceramic, a polycrystalline inorganic material, a polycrystalline aluminum oxide, alumina, and/or silica), a glass-ceramic (including, in embodiments, Coming 9606® cordierite glass-ceramic), a polymer, (including, in embodiments, polycarbonate and/or Topas®), a polycrystalline ceramic, a single crystal ceramic (including, in embodiments, sapphire), and/or any combination thereof.

[0084] In embodiments, the lens 153 may be directly attached to the spacer plate end facet 152. In embodiments, the lens 153 may be fabricated by ion exchange, laser-writing, deposition, electron-beam lithography, two-photon polymerization additive manufacturing processes, and/or other additive manufacturing methods or modalities. In embodiments, the lens 153 may be fabricated by curing a glass power and/or a glass nanocomposite. In embodiments, the lens 153 may be a spherical lens. In embodiments, the lens 153 may be a non-spherical lens, such as, for example, a cylindrical lens, a triangular lens, a planar lens, a non-planar lens, or another shape. In embodiments, the lens 153 may be formed from a polymer, a resin (for example, a UV-curable resin, an acrylic-based resin, and/or a UV-curable acrylic-based resin), a glass powder, a glass nanocomposite, other materials, and/or any combination thereof. In embodiments, the lens 153 may be formed from a glass (including, in embodiments, any, some, or all of lithium potassium borosilicate glass, silica glass, and/or an inorganic glass), a ceramic (including, in embodiments, any, some, or all of a polycrystalline ceramic, a polycrystalline inorganic material, a polycrystalline aluminum oxide, alumina, and/or silica), a glass-ceramic (including, in embodiments, Coming 9606® cordierite glassceramic), a polymer, (including, in embodiments, polycarbonate and/or Topas®), a polycrystalline ceramic, a single crystal ceramic (including, in embodiments, sapphire), and/or any combination thereof.

[0085] In embodiments, the lens 153 may have a refractive index less than or equal to 1.54, less than or equal to 1.52, less than or equal to 1.50, less than or equal to 1.48, or even less than or equal to 1.46. In embodiments, the lens 153 may have a refractive index greater than or equal to 1.44, greater than or equal to 1.46, greater than or equal to 1.48, greater than or equal to 1.50, or even greater than or equal to 1.52. In embodiments, the lens 153 may have a refractive index less than or equal to 1.54 and greater than or equal to 1.44. In embodiments, the lens 153 may have a refractive index less than or equal to 1.54 and greater than or equal to 1.46. In embodiments, the lens 153 may have a refractive index less than or equal to 1.54 and greater than or equal to 1.48. In embodiments, the lens 153 may have a refractive index less than or equal to 1.54 and greater than or equal to 1.50. In embodiments, the lens 153 may have a refractive index less than or equal to 1.54 and greater than or equal to 1.52. In embodiments, the lens 153 may have a refractive index less than or equal to 1.52 and greater than or equal to 1.44. In embodiments, the lens 153 may have a refractive index less than or equal to 1.52 and greater than or equal to 1.46. In embodiments, the lens 153 may have a refractive index less than or equal to 1.52 and greater than or equal to 1.48. In embodiments, the lens 153 may have a refractive index less than or equal to 1.52 and greater than or equal to 1.50. In embodiments, the lens 153 may have a refractive index less than or equal to 1.50 and greater than or equal to 1.44. In embodiments, the lens 153 may have a refractive index less than or equal to 1.50 and greater than or equal to 1.46. In embodiments, the lens 153 may have a refractive index less than or equal to 1.50 and greater than or equal to 1.48. In embodiments, the lens 153 may have a refractive index less than or equal to 1.48 and greater than or equal to 1.44. In embodiments, the lens 153 may have a refractive index less than or equal to 1.48 and greater than or equal to 1.46. In embodiments, the lens 153 may have a refractive index less than or equal to 1.46 and greater than or equal to 1.44. In embodiments, the lens 153 may have a refractive index within any range within any of the ranges described herein. [0086] In embodiments, the lens 153 may have a lens sag (that is to say, a length of the lens 153 along the z-axis between the spacer plate end facet 352 and a point on the lens facet 154 furthest from the spacer plate end facet 352) of greater than or equal to 10 microns (pm), greater than or equal to 12 pm, greater than or equal to 14 pm, or even greater than or equal to 16 pm. In embodiments, the lens 153 may have a lens sag of less than or 24 pm, less than or equal to 22 pm, less than or equal to 20 pm, or even less than or equal to 18 pm. In embodiments, the lens 153 may have a lens sag greater than or equal to 10 pm and less than or equal to 24 pm. In embodiments, the lens 153 may have a lens sag greater than or equal to 10 pm and less than or equal to 22 pm. In embodiments, the lens 153 may have a lens sag greater than or equal to 10 pm and less than or equal to 20 pm. In embodiments, the lens 153 may have a lens sag greater than or equal to 10 pm and less than or equal to 18 pm. In embodiments, the lens 153 may have a lens sag greater than or equal to 12 pm and less than or equal to 24 pm. In embodiments, the lens 153 may have a lens sag greater than or equal to 12 pm and less than or equal to 22 pm. In embodiments, the lens 153 may have a lens sag greater than or equal to 12 pm and less than or equal to 20 pm. In embodiments, the lens 153 may have a lens sag greater than or equal to 12 pm and less than or equal to 18 pm. In embodiments, the lens 153 may have a lens sag greater than or equal to 14 pm and less than or equal to 24 pm. In embodiments, the lens 153 may have a lens sag greater than or equal to 14 pm and less than or equal to 22 pm. In embodiments, the lens 153 may have a lens sag greater than or equal to 14 pm and less than or equal to 20 pm. In embodiments, the lens 153 may have a lens sag greater than or equal to 14 pm and less than or equal to 18 pm. In embodiments, the lens 153 may have a lens sag greater than or equal to 16 pm and less than or equal to 24 pm. In embodiments, the lens 153 may have a lens sag greater than or equal to 16 pm and less than or equal to 22 pm. In embodiments, the lens 153 may have a lens sag greater than or equal to 16 pm and less than or equal to 20 pm. In embodiments, the lens 153 may have a lens sag greater than or equal to 16 pm and less than or equal to 18 pm.

[0087] In embodiments, the lens 153 may have a lens diameter (that is to say, a greatest extent of a diameter of the lens 153 along the x-axis, such as, in the embodiment of FIGS. 2A- 2B, at the interface between the spacer plate end facet 152 and the lens 153) of greater than or equal to 65 pm, greater than or equal to 70 pm, greater than or equal to 75 pm, or even greater than or equal to 80 pm. In embodiments, the lens 153 may have a lens diameter of less than or equal to 130 pm, less than or equal to 125 pm, less than or equal to 120 pm, less than or equal to 115 pm, less than or equal to 110 pm, less than or equal to 105 pm, less than or equal to 100 gm, less than or equal to 95 gm, or even less than or equal to 90 gm. In embodiments, the lens 153 may have a lens diameter of greater than or equal to 65 gm and less than or equal to 130 qm. In embodiments, the lens 153 may have a lens diameter of greater than or equal to 65 gm and less than or equal to 125 gm. In embodiments, the lens 153 may have a lens diameter of greater than or equal to 65 gm and less than or equal to 120 gm. In embodiments, the lens 153 may have a lens diameter of greater than or equal to 65 gm and less than or equal to 115 gm. In embodiments, the lens 153 may have a lens diameter of greater than or equal to 65 gm and less than or equal to 110 gm. In embodiments, the lens 153 may have a lens diameter of greater than or equal to 65 gm and less than or equal to 105 gm. In embodiments, the lens 153 may have a lens diameter of greater than or equal to 65 gm and less than or equal to 100 gm. In embodiments, the lens 153 may have a lens diameter of greater than or equal to 65 gm and less than or equal to 95 gm. In embodiments, the lens 153 may have a lens diameter of greater than or equal to 65 gm and less than or equal to 90 gm. In embodiments, the lens 153 may have a lens diameter of greater than or equal to 70 gm and less than or equal to 130 gm. In embodiments, the lens 153 may have a lens diameter of greater than or equal to 70 gm and less than or equal to 125 gm. In embodiments, the lens 153 may have a lens diameter of greater than or equal to 70 gm and less than or equal to 120 gm. In embodiments, the lens 153 may have a lens diameter of greater than or equal to 70 gm and less than or equal to 115 gm. In embodiments, the lens 153 may have a lens diameter of greater than or equal to 70 gm and less than or equal to 110 gm. In embodiments, the lens 153 may have a lens diameter of greater than or equal to 70 gm and less than or equal to 105 gm. In embodiments, the lens 153 may have a lens diameter of greater than or equal to 70 gm and less than or equal to 100 gm. In embodiments, the lens 153 may have a lens diameter of greater than or equal to 70 gm and less than or equal to 95 gm. In embodiments, the lens 153 may have a lens diameter of greater than or equal to 70 gm and less than or equal to 90 gm. In embodiments, the lens 153 may have a lens diameter of greater than or equal to 75 gm and less than or equal to 130 gm. In embodiments, the lens 153 may have a lens diameter of greater than or equal to 75 gm and less than or equal to 125 gm. In embodiments, the lens 153 may have a lens diameter of greater than or equal to 75 gm and less than or equal to 120 gm. In embodiments, the lens 153 may have a lens diameter of greater than or equal to 75 gm and less than or equal to 115 gm. In embodiments, the lens 153 may have a lens diameter of greater than or equal to 75 gm and less than or equal to 110 gm. In embodiments, the lens 153 may have a lens diameter of greater than or equal to 75 gm and less than or equal to 105 gm. In embodiments, the lens 153 may have a lens diameter of greater than or equal to 75 gm and less than or equal to 100 gm. In embodiments, the lens 153 may have a lens diameter of greater than or equal to 75 gm and less than or equal to 95 gm. In embodiments, the lens 153 may have a lens diameter of greater than or equal to 75 gm and less than or equal to 90 gm. In embodiments, the lens 153 may have a lens diameter of greater than or equal to 80 qm and less than or equal to 130 gm. In embodiments, the lens 153 may have a lens diameter of greater than or equal to 80 gm and less than or equal to 125 gm. In embodiments, the lens 153 may have a lens diameter of greater than or equal to 80 gm and less than or equal to 120 gm. In embodiments, the lens 153 may have a lens diameter of greater than or equal to 80 gm and less than or equal to 115 gm. In embodiments, the lens 153 may have a lens diameter of greater than or equal to 80 gm and less than or equal to 110 gm. In embodiments, the lens 153 may have a lens diameter of greater than or equal to 80 gm and less than or equal to 105 gm. In embodiments, the lens 153 may have a lens diameter of greater than or equal to 80 gm and less than or equal to 100 gm. In embodiments, the lens 153 may have a lens diameter of greater than or equal to 80 gm and less than or equal to 95 gm. In embodiments, the lens 153 may have a lens diameter of greater than or equal to 80 gm and less than or equal to 90 gm.

[0088] In embodiments, the lens 153 includes a lens facet 154. In embodiments, the lens 153 and/or the lens facet 154 may collimate a beam of an optical signal between the lens facet 154 and the first optical fiber connector 160. To collimate an optical signal, either or both of the lens 153 and/or the lens facet 154 may have one or more parameters selected to collimate the beam of the optical signal, such as, for example, a lens shape (for example, a spherical shape, a non-spherical shape, a cylindrical shape, a triangular shape, a planar shape, a non- planar shape, or other lens shape, as may be known in the art), a thickness, a radius of curvature, a lens sag, a lens diameter, or other lens parameter. In embodiments, the lens 153 may provide a collimated optical signal between first expanded beam connector 150 and the first optical fiber connector 160 (for example, in regions d2 and ds), thereby causing the first expanded beam connector 150 and the first optical fiber connector 160 to optically couple the first waveguide 124 to the first optical fiber 111. Accordingly, in embodiments, the first expanded beam connector 150 and the first optical fiber connector 160 may provide a contactless optical coupling between the first waveguide 124 and the first optical fiber 111, as a collimated optical signal transmitted therebetween may, in embodiments, traverse between the connectors 150, 160 without physical contact of the connectors 150, 160.

[0089] In embodiments, any, some, or all connectors of the first plurality of optical device connectors 130 may have distinct spacer plates (such as the spacer plate 151). However, in other embodiments, any, some, or all connectors of the first plurality of optical device connectors 130 may have shared spacer plates, by, for example, sharing a spacer plate with one or more neighboring connectors and having separate lenses (such as the lens 153) attached thereto optically coupled to each respective waveguide(s) of the plurality of waveguides 122 of each connector.

[0090] Referring to FIGS. 2A-2B, a cross-sectional view of the first optical device 120 is shown, depicting the first waveguide 124, the first optical fiber 111, and a first optical path 171 positioned therebetween. In embodiments, the first optical path 171 comprises, at least in part, four regions di, d2, d-„ d4, wherein a first optical signal 170 (for example, an electromagnetic wave) propagated or received by the first waveguide 124 may traverse the first optical path 171 between the first waveguide 124 and the first optical fiber 111. Accordingly, the first optical path 171 extends from the first waveguide 124 through the substrate end facet 123, from the substrate end facet 123 through the spacer plate 151 and to the spacer plate end facet 152, through the spacer plate end facet 152 and the lens 153 to the lens facet 154, through the lens facet 154 and to the first optical fiber connector 160, and through the first optical fiber connector 160 to the first optical fiber 111.

[0091] In embodiments, the first optical signal 170 may have a wavelength of 850 nanometers (“nm”). In embodiments, the first optical signal 170 may have a wavelength greater than or equal to 800 nm and less than or equal to 900 nm. In embodiments, the first optical signal 170 may have a wavelength of 1310 nm. In embodiments, the first optical signal 170 may have a wavelength greater than or equal to 1260 nm and less than or equal to 1360 nm. In embodiments, the first optical signal 170 may have a wavelength of 1550 nm. In embodiments, the first optical signal may have a wavelength greater than or equal to 1500 nm and less than or equal to 1600 nm. In embodiments, the first optical signal 170 may have a wavelength greater than or equal to 800 nm, greater than or equal to 1260 nm, or even greater than or equal to 1500 nm. In embodiments, the first optical signal 170 may have a wavelength less than or equal to 1600 nm, less than or equal to 1360 nm, or even less than or equal to 900 nm. In embodiments, the first optical signal 170 may have a wavelength greater than or equal to 800 nm and less than or equal to 1600 nm. In embodiments, the first optical signal 170 may have a wavelength greater than or equal to 800 nm and less than or equal to 1360 nm. In embodiments, the first optical signal 170 may have a wavelength greater than or equal to 800 nm and less than or equal to 900 nm. In embodiments, the first optical signal 170 may have a wavelength greater than or equal to 1260 nm and less than or equal to 1600 nm. [0092] In embodiments, the first optical signal 170 may be generated by, for example, a laser and/or other optical device (not depicted) optically coupled to the first waveguide 124, and, in embodiments, thereby propagated from the first waveguide 124 and to the first optical fiber 111. Accordingly, in embodiments, any, some, or all of the waveguides of the plurality of waveguides 122 may be optically coupled to, for example, one or more lasers and/or other optical devices, which may, in embodiments, generate one or more optical signals which may be propagated through any, some, or all of the waveguides of the plurality of waveguides 122. In embodiments, the first optical signal 170 may be generated by, for example, a laser and/or other optical device (not depicted) optically coupled to the first optical fiber 111, and, in embodiments, thereby propagated from the first optical fiber 111 and to the first waveguide 124. Accordingly, in embodiments, any, some, or all of the optical fibers of the first array of optical fibers 110 may be optically coupled to, for example, one or more lasers and/or other optical devices, which may, in embodiments, generate one or more optical signals which may be propagated through any, some, or all of the optical fibers of the first array of optical fibers 110.

[0093] In embodiments, the first waveguide 124 may have a mode field diameter (“MFD”) of 9.2 pm. In embodiments, the first waveguide 124 may have a MFD greater than or equal to 8 pm, greater than or equal to 8.6 pm, greater than or equal to 8.6 pm, greater than or equal to 9 pm, greater than or equal to 9.3 pm, or even greater than or equal to 9.5 pm. In embodiments, the first waveguide 124 may have a MFD less than or equal to 12 pm, less than or equal to 11.6 pm, less than or equal to 11.3 pm, less than or equal to 11 pm, less than or even less than or equal to 10.6 pm. In embodiments, the first waveguide 124 may have a MFD greater than or equal to 8 pm and less than or equal to 12 pm. In embodiments, the first waveguide 124 may have a MFD the first waveguide 124 greater than or equal to 8 pm and less than or equal to 11.6 pm. In embodiments, the first waveguide 124 may have a MFD greater than or equal to 8 pm and less than or equal to 11.3 pm. In embodiments, the first waveguide 124 may have a MFD greater than or equal to 8 pm and less than or equal to 11 pm. In embodiments, the first waveguide 124 may have a MFD greater than or equal to 8 pm and less than or equal to 10.6 pm. In embodiments, the first waveguide 124 may have a MFD greater than or equal to 8.3 pm and less than or equal to 12 pm. In embodiments, the first waveguide 124 may have a MFD greater than or equal to 8.3 pm and less than or equal to 11.6 pm. In embodiments, the first waveguide 124 may have a MFD greater than or equal to 8.3 pm and less than or equal to 11.3 pm. In embodiments, the first waveguide 124 may have a MFD greater than or equal to 8.3 gm and less than or equal to 11 gm. In embodiments, the first waveguide 124 may have a MFD greater than or equal to 8.3 gm and less than or equal to

10.6 gm. In embodiments, the first waveguide 124 may have a MFD greater than or equal to

8.6 qm and less than or equal to 12 gm. In embodiments, the first waveguide 124 may have a MFD greater than or equal to 8.6 gm and less than or equal to 11.6 gm. In embodiments, the first waveguide 124 may have a MFD greater than or equal to 8.6 gm and less than or equal to

11.3 gm. In embodiments, the first waveguide 124 may have a MFD greater than or equal to

8.6 gm and less than or equal to 11 gm. In embodiments, the first waveguide 124 may have a MFD greater than or equal to 8.6 gm and less than or equal to 10.6 gm. In embodiments, the first waveguide 124 may have a MFD greater than or equal to 9 gm and less than or equal to 12 gm. In embodiments, the first waveguide 124 may have a MFD greater than or equal to 9 gm and less than or equal to 11.6 gm. In embodiments, the first waveguide 124 may have a MFD greater than or equal to 9 gm and less than or equal to 11.3 gm. In embodiments, the first waveguide 124 may have a MFD greater than or equal to 9 gm and less than or equal to 11 gm. In embodiments, the first waveguide 124 may have a MFD greater than or equal to 9 gm and less than or equal to 10.6 gm. In embodiments, the first waveguide 124 may have a MFD greater than or equal to 9.3 gm and less than or equal to 12 gm. In embodiments, the first waveguide 124 may have a MFD greater than or equal to 9.3 gm and less than or equal to

11.6 gm. In embodiments, the first waveguide 124 may have a MFD greater than or equal to

9.3 gm and less than or equal to 11.3 gm. In embodiments, the first waveguide 124 may have a MFD greater than or equal to 9.3 gm and less than or equal to 11 gm. In embodiments, the first waveguide 124 may have a MFD greater than or equal to 9.3 gm and less than or equal to

10.6 gm. In embodiments, the first waveguide 124 may have a MFD greater than or equal to 9.5 gm and less than or equal to 12 gm. In embodiments, the first waveguide 124 may have a MFD greater than or equal to 9.5 gm and less than or equal to 11.6 gm. In embodiments, the first waveguide 124 may have a MFD greater than or equal to 9.5 gm and less than or equal to

11.3 gm. In embodiments, the first waveguide 124 may have a MFD greater than or equal to 9.5 gm and less than or equal to 11 gm. In embodiments, the first waveguide 124 may have a MFD greater than or equal to 9.5 gm and less than or equal to 10.6 gm. In embodiments, any, some, or all of the other waveguides of the plurality of waveguides 122 may also have MFDs within any, some, or all of the ranges described herein with respect to the first waveguide 124.

[0094] In embodiments, the first optical fiber 111 may have a MFD of 9.2 gm. In embodiments, the first optical fiber 111 may have a MFD greater than or equal to 8 gm, greater than or equal to 8.6 qm, greater than or equal to 8.6 qm, greater than or equal to 9 qm, greater than or equal to 9.3 qm, or even greater than or equal to 9.5 qm. In embodiments, the first optical fiber 111 may have a MFD less than or equal to 12 qm, less than or equal to 11.6 qm, less than or equal to 11.3 qm, less than or equal to 11 qm, less than or even less than or equal to 10.6 qm. In embodiments, the first optical fiber 111 may have a MFD greater than or equal to 8 qm and less than or equal to 12 qm. In embodiments, the first optical fiber 111 may have a MFD the first optical fiber 111 greater than or equal to 8 qm and less than or equal to 11.6 qm. In embodiments, the first optical fiber 111 may have a MFD greater than or equal to 8 qm and less than or equal to 11.3 qm. In embodiments, the first optical fiber 111 may have a MFD greater than or equal to 8 qm and less than or equal to 11 qm. In embodiments, the first optical fiber 111 may have a MFD greater than or equal to 8 qm and less than or equal to 10.6 qm. In embodiments, the first optical fiber 111 may have a MFD greater than or equal to 8.3 qm and less than or equal to 12 qm. In embodiments, the first optical fiber 111 may have a MFD greater than or equal to 8.3 qm and less than or equal to 11.6 qm. In embodiments, the first optical fiber 111 may have a MFD greater than or equal to 8.3 qm and less than or equal to 11.3 qm. In embodiments, the first optical fiber 111 may have a MFD greater than or equal to 8.3 qm and less than or equal to 11 qm. In embodiments, the first optical fiber 111 may have a MFD greater than or equal to 8.3 qm and less than or equal to 10.6 qm. In embodiments, the first optical fiber 111 may have a MFD greater than or equal to 8.6 qm and less than or equal to 12 qm. In embodiments, the first optical fiber 111 may have a MFD greater than or equal to 8.6 qm and less than or equal to 11.6 qm. In embodiments, the first optical fiber 111 may have a MFD greater than or equal to 8.6 qm and less than or equal to 11.3 qm. In embodiments, the first optical fiber 111 may have a MFD greater than or equal to 8.6 qm and less than or equal to 11 qm. In embodiments, the first optical fiber 111 may have a MFD greater than or equal to 8.6 qm and less than or equal to 10.6 qm. In embodiments, the first optical fiber 111 may have a MFD greater than or equal to 9 qm and less than or equal to 12 qm. In embodiments, the first optical fiber 111 may have a MFD greater than or equal to 9 qm and less than or equal to 11.6 qm. In embodiments, the first optical fiber 111 may have a MFD greater than or equal to 9 qm and less than or equal to 11.3 qm. In embodiments, the first optical fiber 111 may have a MFD greater than or equal to 9 qm and less than or equal to 11 qm. In embodiments, the first optical fiber 111 may have a MFD greater than or equal to 9 qm and less than or equal to 10.6 qm. In embodiments, the first optical fiber 111 may have a MFD greater than or equal to 9.3 qm and less than or equal to 12 qm. In embodiments, the first optical fiber 111 may have a MFD greater than or equal to 9.3 qm and less than or equal to 11.6 pm. In embodiments, the first optical fiber 111 may have a MFD greater than or equal to 9.3 pm and less than or equal to 11.3 pm. In embodiments, the first optical fiber 111 may have a MFD greater than or equal to 9.3 pm and less than or equal to 11 pm. In embodiments, the first optical fiber 111 may have a MFD greater than or equal to 9.3 pm and less than or equal to 10.6 pm. In embodiments, the first optical fiber 111 may have a MFD greater than or equal to 9.5 pm and less than or equal to 12 pm. In embodiments, the first optical fiber 111 may have a MFD greater than or equal to 9.5 pm and less than or equal to 11.6 pm. In embodiments, the first optical fiber 111 may have a MFD greater than or equal to 9.5 pm and less than or equal to 11.3 pm. In embodiments, the first optical fiber 111 may have a MFD greater than or equal to 9.5 pm and less than or equal to 11 pm. In embodiments, the first optical fiber 111 may have a MFD greater than or equal to 9.5 pm and less than or equal to

10.6 pm. In embodiments, any, some, or all of the other optical fibers of the first array of optical fibers 110 may also have MFDs within any, some, or all of the ranges described herein with respect to the first optical fiber 111.

[0095] In the region di, between the substrate end facet 123 and the lens facet 154, the first optical signal 170 may expand within the first expanded beam connector 150. By no longer being bound within the first waveguide 124, the first optical signal 170 may continuously expand (that is to say, a beam diameter of the first optical signal 170 may increase in the region di) until contacting the lens facet 154. Upon contacting the lens facet 154, the first optical signal 170 may collimate, such that the first optical signal 170 is collimated in the regions d2 and d^. Accordingly, the first optical signal 170 may contract in the region d2 and expand in the region d^ about a first lens axis 155, as the boundary between d2 and d^ may, in embodiments, be a point at which a length of both d2 and d-, are equal to twice the angular velocity of the first optical signal 170 (that is to say, 2coi). In embodiments, the regions d2, d3 may comprise air or another gas. Upon entering the region d4, the first optical fiber connector 160 may contract the first optical signal 170 (that is to say, a MFD of the first optical signal 170 may decrease within the region ch) such that the first optical signal 170 has a beam diameter corresponding to a size of a MFD of the first optical fiber 111. Accordingly, in embodiments, the first optical fiber connector 160 may comprise components identical or substantially similar to components of the first expanded beam connector 150 (for example, those within the region di), including, in embodiments, the spacer plate 151 and/or the lens 153.

[0096] In embodiments, the first optical signal 170 may have a beam diameter at a beam waist of the first optical signal 170 between the first expanded beam connector 150 and the first optical fiber connector 160 (that is to say, at the boundary of the regions d2, d-,, where the first optical signal 170 transitions from contracting to expanding) of greater than or equal to 16 pm, greater than or equal to 18 pm, greater than or equal to 20 pm, or even greater than or equal to 22 pm. In embodiments, the first optical signal 170 may have a beam diameter at a beam waist of the first optical signal 170 between the first expanded beam connector 150 and the first optical fiber connector 160 of less than or equal to 30 pm, less than or equal to 28 mm, less than or equal to 26 pm, or even less than or equal to 24 pm. In embodiments, the first optical signal 170 may have a beam diameter at a beam waist of the first optical signal 170 between the first expanded beam connector 150 and the first optical fiber connector 160 of greater than or equal to 16 pm and less than or equal to 30 pm. In embodiments, the first optical signal 170 may have a beam diameter at a beam waist of the first optical signal 170 between the first expanded beam connector 150 and the first optical fiber connector 160 of greater than or equal to 16 pm and less than or equal to 28 pm. In embodiments, the first optical signal 170 may have a beam diameter at a beam waist of the first optical signal 170 between the first expanded beam connector 150 and the first optical fiber connector 160 of greater than or equal to 16 pm and less than or equal to 26 pm. In embodiments, the first optical signal 170 may have a beam diameter at a beam waist of the first optical signal 170 between the first expanded beam connector 150 and the first optical fiber connector 160 of greater than or equal to 16 pm and less than or equal to 24 pm. In embodiments, the first optical signal 170 may have a beam diameter at a beam waist of the first optical signal 170 between the first expanded beam connector 150 and the first optical fiber connector 160 of greater than or equal to 18 pm and less than or equal to 30 pm. In embodiments, the first optical signal 170 may have a beam diameter at a beam waist of the first optical signal 170 between the first expanded beam connector 150 and the first optical fiber connector 160 of greater than or equal to 18 pm and less than or equal to 28 pm. In embodiments, the first optical signal 170 may have a beam diameter at a beam waist of the first optical signal 170 between the first expanded beam connector 150 and the first optical fiber connector 160 of greater than or equal to 18 pm and less than or equal to 26 pm. In embodiments, the first optical signal 170 may have a beam diameter at a beam waist of the first optical signal 170 between the first expanded beam connector 150 and the first optical fiber connector 160 of greater than or equal to 18 pm and less than or equal to 24 pm. In embodiments, the first optical signal 170 may have a beam diameter at a beam waist of the first optical signal 170 between the first expanded beam connector 150 and the first optical fiber connector 160 of greater than or equal to 20 pm and less than or equal to 30 pm. In embodiments, the first optical signal 170 may have a beam diameter at a beam waist of the first optical signal 170 between the first expanded beam connector 150 and the first optical fiber connector 160 of greater than or equal to 20 pm and less than or equal to 28 pm. In embodiments, the first optical signal 170 may have a beam diameter at a beam waist of the first optical signal 170 between the first expanded beam connector 150 and the first optical fiber connector 160 of greater than or equal to 20 pm and less than or equal to 26 pm. In embodiments, the first optical signal 170 may have a beam diameter at a beam waist of the first optical signal 170 between the first expanded beam connector 150 and the first optical fiber connector 160 of greater than or equal to 20 pm and less than or equal to 24 pm. In embodiments, the first optical signal 170 may have a beam diameter at a beam waist of the first optical signal 170 between the first expanded beam connector 150 and the first optical fiber connector 160 of greater than or equal to 22 pm and less than or equal to 30 pm. In embodiments, the first optical signal 170 may have a beam diameter at a beam waist of the first optical signal 170 between the first expanded beam connector 150 and the first optical fiber connector 160 of greater than or equal to 22 pm and less than or equal to 28 pm. In embodiments, the first optical signal 170 may have a beam diameter at a beam waist of the first optical signal 170 between the first expanded beam connector 150 and the first optical fiber connector 160 of greater than or equal to 22 pm and less than or equal to 26 pm. In embodiments, the first optical signal 170 may have a beam diameter at a beam waist of the first optical signal 170 between the first expanded beam connector 150 and the first optical fiber connector 160 of greater than or equal to 22 pm and less than or equal to 24 pm.

[0097] In embodiments, the size of the region di may be modified to adjust a size of the first expanded beam connector 150 and/or a collimation distance of the first optical signal 170 by, for example, adjusting a size of the spacer plate 151 within the region di and/or a size of the lens 153. In embodiments, the region di may have a length greater than or equal to 150 pm, greater than or equal to 170 pm, greater than or equal to 190 pm, or even greater than or equal to 210 pm. In embodiments, the region di may have a length less than or equal to 280 pm, less than or equal to 260 pm, less than or equal to 240 pm, or even less than or equal to 220 pm. In embodiments, the region di may have a length less than or equal to 280 pm and greater than or equal to 150 pm. In embodiments, the region di may have a length less than or equal to 280 pm and greater than or equal to 170 pm. In embodiments, the region di may have a length less than or equal to 280 pm and greater than or equal to 190 pm. In embodiments, the region di may have a length less than or equal to 280 pm and greater than or equal to 210 gm. In embodiments, the region di may have a length less than or equal to 260 gm and greater than or equal to 150 gm. In embodiments, the region di may have a length less than or equal to 260 gm and greater than or equal to 170 gm. In embodiments, the region di may have a length less than or equal to 260 gm and greater than or equal to 190 qm. In embodiments, the region di may have a length less than or equal to 260 gm and greater than or equal to 210 gm. In embodiments, the region di may have a length less than or equal to 240 gm and greater than or equal to 150 gm. In embodiments, the region di may have a length less than or equal to 240 gm and greater than or equal to 170 gm. In embodiments, the region di may have a length less than or equal to 240 gm and greater than or equal to 190 gm. In embodiments, the region di may have a length less than or equal to 240 gm and greater than or equal to 210 gm. In embodiments, the region di may have a length less than or equal to 220 gm and greater than or equal to 150 gm. In embodiments, the region di may have a length less than or equal to 220 gm and greater than or equal to 170 gm. In embodiments, the region di may have a length less than or equal to 220 gm and greater than or equal to 190 gm. In embodiments, the region di may have a length less than or equal to 220 gm and greater than or equal to 210 gm. In embodiments, the region di may have a length greater than or equal to 530 gm, greater than or equal to 550 gm, or even greater than or equal to 570 gm. In embodiments, the region di may have a length less than or equal to 630 gm, less than or equal to 610 gm, or even less than or equal to 590 gm. In embodiments, the region di may have a length less than or equal to 630 gm and greater than or equal to 530 gm. In embodiments, the region di may have a length less than or equal to 630 gm and greater than or equal to 550 gm. In embodiments, the region di may have a length less than or equal to 630 gm and greater than or equal to 570 gm. In embodiments, the region di may have a length less than or equal to 610 gm and greater than or equal to 530 gm. In embodiments, the region di may have a length less than or equal to 610 gm and greater than or equal to 550 gm. In embodiments, the region di may have a length less than or equal to 610 gm and greater than or equal to 570 gm. In embodiments, the region di may have a length less than or equal to 590 gm and greater than or equal to 530 gm. In embodiments, the region di may have a length less than or equal to 590 gm and greater than or equal to 550 gm. In embodiments, the region di may have a length less than or equal to 590 gm and greater than or equal to 570 gm. In embodiments, the region di may have a length less than or equal to 630 gm and greater than or equal to 150 gm.

[0098] In the embodiment of FIGS. 2A-2D, the first waveguide 124 is depicted as terminating at the substrate end facet 123. However, in other embodiments, the first waveguide 124 may terminate prior to the substrate end facet 123 (for example, as depicted with respect to a second waveguide 324 and a substrate end facet 323 in FIGS. 4A-4B and described in further detail herein). In embodiments, by terminating prior to the substrate end facet 123, a size of the region di (and, thereby, a size of the spacer plate 151, a size ofthe lens 153, and/or a size of the first expanded beam connector 150) may be reduced in either or both of the z- and x-directions, as, in such embodiments, the first optical signal 170 may expand within the base substrate 121.

[0099] In embodiments, the regions d2 and d^ may have a combined length greater than 0 millimeters (“mm”), greater than or equal to 1 mm, greater than or equal to 2 mm, greater than or equal to 3 mm, greater than or equal to 4 mm, or even greater than or equal to 5 mm. In embodiments, the regions d2 and d^ may have a combined length less than or equal to 6 mm, less than or equal to 5 mm, less than or equal to 4 mm, less than or equal to 3 mm, less than or equal to 2 mm, or even less than or equal to 1 mm. In embodiments, the regions d2 and d3 may have a combined length greater than 0 mm and less than or equal to 6 mm. In embodiments, the regions d2 and d3 may have a combined length greater than 0 mm and less than or equal to 5 mm. In embodiments, the regions d2 and d3 may have a combined length greater than 0 mm and less than or equal to 4 mm. In embodiments, the regions d2 and d3 may have a combined length greater than 0 mm and less than or equal to 3 mm. In embodiments, the regions d2 and d3 may have a combined length greater than 0 mm and less than or equal to 2 mm. In embodiments, the regions d2 and d3 may have a combined length greater than 0 mm and less than or equal to 1 mm. In embodiments, the regions d2 and d3 may have a combined length greater than or equal to 1 mm and less than or equal to 6 mm. In embodiments, the regions d2 and d3 may have a combined length greater than or equal to 1 mm and less than or equal to 5 mm. In embodiments, the regions d2 and d3 may have a combined length greater than or equal to 1 mm and less than or equal to 4 mm. In embodiments, the regions d2 and d3 may have a combined length greater than or equal to 1 mm and less than or equal to 3 mm. In embodiments, the regions d2 and d3 may have a combined length greater than or equal to 1 mm and less than or equal to 2 mm. In embodiments, the regions d2 and d3 may have a combined length greater than or equal to 2 mm and less than or equal to 6 mm. In embodiments, the regions d2 and d3 may have a combined length greater than or equal to 2 mm and less than or equal to 5 mm. In embodiments, the regions d2 and d3 may have a combined length greater than or equal to 2 mm and less than or equal to 4 mm. In embodiments, the regions d2 and d3 may have a combined length greater than or equal to 2 mm and less than or equal to 3 mm. In embodiments, the regions cb and d3 may have a combined length greater than or equal to 3 mm and less than or equal to 6 mm. In embodiments, the regions d2 and d3 may have a combined length greater than or equal to 3 mm and less than or equal to 5 mm. In embodiments, the regions d2 and d3 may have a combined length greater than or equal to 3 mm and less than or equal to 4 mm. In embodiments, the regions d2 and d3 may have a combined length greater than or equal to 4 mm and less than or equal to 6 mm. In embodiments, the regions d2 and d3 may have a combined length greater than or equal to 4 mm and less than or equal to 5 mm. In embodiments, the regions d2 and d3 may have a combined length greater than or equal to 5 mm and less than or equal to 6 mm.

[0100] Accordingly, in embodiments, the lens 153 and/or the lens facet 154 may be shaped, positioned, or otherwise configured (such as by adjusting lens parameters, as described herein) to propagate the first optical signal 170 about the first lens axis 155 (which extends along, for example, a radial center of the lens 153 and/or the lens facet 154). Accordingly, in embodiments, the first lens axis 155 may, as in the embodiment of FIG. 2B, be centered about either or both of the first waveguide 124 and the first optical fiber 111.

[0101] However, referring to FIG. 2C, in embodiments, the first lens axis 155 may be offset in the +x or -x direction from a first waveguide axis 125 of the first waveguide 124 (the first waveguide axis 125 extending along, for example, a radial center of the first waveguide 124). Accordingly, in embodiments, the first lens axis 155 and the first waveguide axis 125 may define an offset distance do (for example, a distance between the first lens axis 155 and the first waveguide axis 125 in the +x or -x direction, as depicted in FIG. 2C). Accordingly, in embodiments, the lens 153 and/or the lens facet 154 maybe shaped, positioned, or otherwise configured (such as by adjusting lens parameters, as described herein) to translate a propagation of the first optical signal 170 to and/or from, upon entering and/or exiting the substrate end facet 123, propagating about the first waveguide axis 125 and to and/or from, upon entering and/or exiting the lens facet 154, propagating about the first lens axis 155.

[0102] In embodiments, the offset distance do may be greater than or equal to 0 pm, 1 pm, 2 pm, 3 pm, 4 pm, 5 pm, 6 pm, 7 pm, 8 pm, or even 9 pm. In embodiments, the offset distance do may be less than or equal to 10 pm, 9 pm, 8 pm, 7 pm, 6 pm, 5 pm, 4 pm, 3 pm, 2 pm, or even 1 pm. In embodiments, the offset distance do may be greater than or equal to 0 pm and less than or equal to 10 pm. In embodiments, the offset distance do may be greater than or equal to 0 pm and less than or equal to 9 pm. In embodiments, the offset distance do may be greater than or equal to 0 pm and less than or equal to 8 pm. In embodiments, the offset distance do may be greater than or equal to 0 gm and less than or equal to 7 gm. In embodiments, the offset distance do may be greater than or equal to 0 gm and less than or equal to 6 qm. In embodiments, the offset distance do may be greater than or equal to 0 gm and less than or equal to 5 gm. In embodiments, the offset distance do may be greater than or equal to 0 gm and less than or equal to 4 gm. In embodiments, the offset distance do may be greater than or equal to 0 gm and less than or equal to 3 gm. In embodiments, the offset distance do may be greater than or equal to 0 gm and less than or equal to 2 gm. In embodiments, the offset distance do may be greater than or equal to 0 gm and less than or equal to 1 gm. In embodiments, the offset distance do may be greater than or equal to 1 gm and less than or equal to 10 gm. In embodiments, the offset distance do may be greater than or equal to 1 gm and less than or equal to 9 gm. In embodiments, the offset distance do may be greater than or equal to 1 gm and less than or equal to 8 gm. In embodiments, the offset distance do may be greater than or equal to 1 gm and less than or equal to 7 gm. In embodiments, the offset distance do may be greater than or equal to 1 gm and less than or equal to 6 gm. In embodiments, the offset distance do may be greater than or equal to 1 gm and less than or equal to 5 gm. In embodiments, the offset distance do may be greater than or equal to 1 gm and less than or equal to 4 gm. In embodiments, the offset distance do may be greater than or equal to 1 gm and less than or equal to 3 gm. In embodiments, the offset distance do may be greater than or equal to

1 gm and less than or equal to 2 gm. In embodiments, the offset distance do may be greater than or equal to 2 gm and less than or equal to 10 gm. In embodiments, the offset distance do may be greater than or equal to 2 gm and less than or equal to 9 gm. In embodiments, the offset distance do may be greater than or equal to 2 gm and less than or equal to 8 gm. In embodiments, the offset distance do may be greater than or equal to 2 gm and less than or equal to 7 gm. In embodiments, the offset distance do may be greater than or equal to 2 gm and less than or equal to 6 gm. In embodiments, the offset distance do may be greater than or equal to

2 gm and less than or equal to 5 gm. In embodiments, the offset distance do may be greater than or equal to 2 gm and less than or equal to 4 gm. In embodiments, the offset distance do may be greater than or equal to 2 gm and less than or equal to 3 gm. In embodiments, the offset distance do may be greater than or equal to 3 gm and less than or equal to 10 gm. In embodiments, the offset distance do may be greater than or equal to 3 gm and less than or equal to 9 gm. In embodiments, the offset distance do may be greater than or equal to 3 gm and less than or equal to 8 gm. In embodiments, the offset distance do may be greater than or equal to

3 gm and less than or equal to 7 gm. In embodiments, the offset distance do may be greater than or equal to 3 gm and less than or equal to 6 gm. In embodiments, the offset distance do may be greater than or equal to 3 gm and less than or equal to 5 gm. In embodiments, the offset distance do may be greater than or equal to 3 gm and less than or equal to 4 qm. In embodiments, the offset distance do may be greater than or equal to 4 gm and less than or equal to 10 gm. In embodiments, the offset distance do may be greater than or equal to 4 gm and less than or equal to 9 gm. In embodiments, the offset distance do may be greater than or equal to

4 gm and less than or equal to 8 gm. In embodiments, the offset distance do may be greater than or equal to 4 gm and less than or equal to 7 gm. In embodiments, the offset distance do may be greater than or equal to 4 gm and less than or equal to 6 gm. In embodiments, the offset distance do may be greater than or equal to 4 gm and less than or equal to 5 gm. In embodiments, the offset distance do may be greater than or equal to 5 gm and less than or equal to 10 gm. In embodiments, the offset distance do may be greater than or equal to 5 gm and less than or equal to 9 gm. In embodiments, the offset distance do may be greater than or equal to

5 gm and less than or equal to 8 gm. In embodiments, the offset distance do may be greater than or equal to 5 gm and less than or equal to 7 gm. In embodiments, the offset distance do may be greater than or equal to 5 gm and less than or equal to 6 gm. In embodiments, the offset distance do may be greater than or equal to 6 gm and less than or equal to 10 gm. In embodiments, the offset distance do may be greater than or equal to 6 gm and less than or equal to 9 gm. In embodiments, the offset distance do may be greater than or equal to 6 gm and less than or equal to 8 gm. In embodiments, the offset distance do may be greater than or equal to

6 gm and less than or equal to 7 gm. In embodiments, the offset distance do may be greater than or equal to 7 gm and less than or equal to 10 gm. In embodiments, the offset distance do may be greater than or equal to 7 gm and less than or equal to 9 gm. In embodiments, the offset distance do may be greater than or equal to 7 gm and less than or equal to 8 gm. In embodiments, the offset distance do may be greater than or equal to 8 gm and less than or equal to 10 gm. In embodiments, the offset distance do may be greater than or equal to 8 gm and less than or equal to 9 gm. In embodiments, the offset distance do may be greater than or equal to 9 gm and less than or equal to 10 gm.

[0103] Referring to FIG. 2D, in embodiments, the first lens axis 155 may be angularly offset from the first waveguide axis 125, such that the first lens axis 155 has a slope (that is to say, an x/z rate of change) that differs from a slope of the first waveguide axis 125. Accordingly, in embodiments, the first lens axis 155 and the first waveguide axis 125 may define an offset angle 0o. In embodiments, the offset angle 0o may be in the x/z plane, such as the embodiment of FIG. 2D. However, in other embodiments, the offset angle 0o may be in the x/y plane, the y/z plane, or three dimensional in the x-, y-, and z-coordinates. In embodiments, the lens 153 and/or the lens facet 154 may be shaped, positioned, or otherwise configured (such as by adjusting lens parameters, as described herein) to rotate (for example, in any combination of the x-, y- and z-directions) a propagation of the first optical signal 170 to and/or from, upon entering and/or exiting the first waveguide 124, propagating about the first waveguide axis 125 and to and/or from, upon entering and/or exiting the lens facet 154, propagating about the first lens axis 155.

[0104] In embodiments, the first lens axis 155 and the first waveguide axis 125 may define both an offset angle 0o and an offset distance do. Accordingly, in embodiments, the lens 153 and/or the lens facet 154 may be shaped, positioned, or otherwise configured (such as by adjusting lens parameters, as described herein) to both translate and rotate (for example, in any combination of the x-, y- and z-directions) a propagation of the first optical signal 170 to and/or from, upon entering and/or exiting the substrate end facet 123 and/or the first waveguide 124, propagating about the first waveguide axis 125 and to and/or from, upon entering and/or exiting the lens facet 154, propagating about the first lens axis 155.

[0105] In embodiments, the offset angle 0o may be less than or equal to 1 degree, less than or equal to 0.8 degrees, less than or equal to 0.6 degrees, less than or equal to 0.4 degrees, or even less than or equal to 0.2 degrees. In embodiments, the offset angle 0o may be greater than or equal to 0 degrees, greater than or equal to 0.2 degrees, greater than or equal to 0.4 degrees, greater than or equal to 0.6 degrees, or even greater than or equal to 0.8 degrees. In embodiments, the offset angle 0o may be less than or equal to 1 degree and greater than or equal to 0 degrees. In embodiments, the offset angle 0o may be less than or equal to 1 degree and greater than or equal to 0.2 degrees. In embodiments, the offset angle 0o may be less than or equal to 1 degree and greater than or equal to 0.4 degrees. In embodiments, the offset angle 0o may be less than or equal to 1 degree and greater than or equal to 0.6 degrees. In embodiments, the offset angle 0o may be less than or equal to 1 degree and greater than or equal to 0.8 degrees. In embodiments, the offset angle 0o may be less than or equal to 0.8 degrees and greater than or equal to 0 degrees. In embodiments, the offset angle 0o may be less than or equal to 0.8 degrees and greater than or equal to 0.2 degrees. In embodiments, the offset angle 0o may be less than or equal to 0.8 degrees and greater than or equal to 0.4 degrees. In embodiments, the offset angle 0o may be less than or equal to 0.8 degrees and greater than or equal to 0.6 degrees. In embodiments, the offset angle 0o may be less than or equal to 0.6 degrees and greater than or equal to 0 degrees. In embodiments, the offset angle 0o may be less than or equal to 0.6 degrees and greater than or equal to 0.2 degrees. In embodiments, the offset angle 0o may be less than or equal to 0.6 degrees and greater than or equal to 0.4 degrees. In embodiments, the offset angle 0o may be less than or equal to 0.4 degrees and greater than or equal to 0 degrees. In embodiments, the offset angle 0o may be less than or equal to 0.4 degrees and greater than or equal to 0.2 degrees. In embodiments, the offset angle 0o may be less than or equal to 0.2 degrees and greater than or equal to 0 degrees.

[0106] Referring now to FIGS. 3A-3B, a second expanded beam connection system 300 includes a second array of optical fibers 310 and a second optical device 320. In embodiments, the second optical device 320 includes a base substrate 321 and a plurality of waveguides 322. In embodiments, any, some, or all of the waveguides of the plurality of waveguides 322 may be integrally formed within the base substrate 321.

[0107] In embodiments, the base substrate 321 may be formed from one or more materials, such as those described herein with respect to the base substrate 121 of the first optical device 120. In embodiments, the second array of optical fibers 310 may include any number of optical fibers, such as the numbers and ranges of optical fibers described herein with respect to the first array of optical fibers 110. In embodiments, the plurality of waveguides 322 of the second optical device 320 may include any number of waveguides, such as the numbers and ranges of waveguides described herein with respect to the plurality of waveguides 122 of the first optical device 120. In embodiments, the plurality of waveguides 322 may include a number of waveguides equal to a number of optical fibers of the second array of optical fibers 310.

[0108] In embodiments, each waveguide of the plurality of waveguides 322 may propagate an optical signal and, in certain such embodiments, each waveguide of the plurality of waveguides 322 may propagate an optical signal along an optical path through a substrate end facet 323 of the base substrate 321. In embodiments, each optical fiber of the second array of optical fibers 310 may also propagate an optical signal. Accordingly, in embodiments, each waveguide of the plurality of waveguides 322 may be optically coupled to a respective optical fiber of the second array of optical fibers 310.

[0109] In embodiments, each waveguide of the plurality of waveguides 322 may be optically coupled to a respective optical fiber of the second array of optical fibers 310. In embodiments, only some waveguides of the plurality of waveguides 322 may be optically coupled to a respective optical fiber of the second array of optical fibers 310, and, in certain such embodiments, some waveguides of the plurality of waveguides 322 may be optically coupled to optical fibers of an array of optical fibers distinct from the second array of optical fibers 310. In embodiments, only some optical fibers of the second array of optical fibers 310 may be optically coupled to a respective waveguide of the plurality of waveguides 322, and, in certain such embodiments, some optical fibers of the second array of optical fibers 310 may be optically coupled to either or both of a plurality of waveguides of the second optical device 320 distinct from the plurality of waveguides 322 and/or waveguides of an optical device distinct from the second optical device 320.

[0110] In embodiments, a second plurality of optical device connectors 330 are attached to the substrate end facet 323 of the base substrate 321. In embodiments, like the first plurality of optical device connectors 130 with respect to the plurality of waveguides 122 and first array of optical fibers 110, each connector of the second plurality of optical device connectors 330 may be optically coupled to a respective waveguide of the plurality of waveguides 322, and each connector of a second plurality of optical fiber connectors 340 may be attached (and, thereby, optically coupled) to a respective optical fiber of the second array of optical fibers 310. However, contrary to the first plurality of optical device connectors 130, the second plurality of optical device connectors 330 includes connectors which may, in embodiments, change a direction of propagation of an optical signal propagated by waveguides of the plurality of waveguides 322 to which the connectors are coupled.

[0111] Specifically, a second expanded beam connector 350 of the second plurality of optical device connectors 330 includes a reflector 357 positioned on a reflector facet 356 of a spacer plate 351 of the second expanded beam connector 350. In embodiments, the reflector 357 may redirect (for example, by reflecting) an optical signal propagated by a second waveguide 324 (to which the expanded beam connector 350 is optically coupled) such that the optical signal substantially changes direction. As can be seen in FIGS. 3A-3B, rather being positioned linearly relative to the plurality of waveguides 322, the second array of optical fibers 310 are, instead, positioned above the second plurality of optical device connectors 330 and oriented at, in the embodiment of FIGS. 3A-3B, a substantially 90 degree angle relative to the plurality of waveguides 322. Accordingly, the reflector 357 may redirect an optical signal passing through the reflector facet 356 (as described in further detail elsewhere herein), thereby enabling the second waveguide 324 to be optically coupled to a second optical fiber 311 of the second plurality of optical fibers 310 via an optical path that extends between the second waveguide 324 and the second optical fiber 311 by passing through the substrate end facet 323, the reflector facet 356, the spacer plate end facet 352, a lens 353 of the second expanded beam connector 350 and a lens facet 354 thereof, and a second optical fiber connector 360, to which the second optical fiber 311 is attached (and, thereby, optically coupled).

[0112] In embodiments, by each having reflectors, such as the reflector 357, the second plurality of optical device connectors 330 may optically couple waveguides of the plurality of waveguides 322 to respective optical fibers of the second array of optical fibers 310, despite the differences in position and orientation of the second array of optical fibers 310 relative to the plurality of waveguides 322 (when compared to, for example, the position and orientation of the first array of optical fibers 110 relative to the plurality of waveguides 122, as depicted in the embodiment of FIGS. 1A-1B). However, this description should not be understood to limit an optical device to exclusively having connectors such as the first expanded beam connector 150 or exclusively having connectors such as the second expanded beam connector 350. Rather, in embodiments, an optical device may have one or more connectors such as the first expanded beam connector 150, one or more connectors such as the second expanded beam connector 350, and/or other connectors. Similarly, in embodiments (such as embodiments of the first expanded beam connection system 100 wherein any, some, or all of the optical fibers of the first array of optical fibers 110 are differently oriented and/or positioned than in the embodiment of FIGS. 1A-1B, embodiments of the second expanded beam connection system 300 wherein any, some, or all of the optical fibers of the second array of optical fibers 310 are differently oriented and/or positioned than in the embodiment of FIGS. 3A-3B, and/or other expanded beam connection systems contemplated herein), arrays of optical fibers (such as, in embodiments, the arrays of optical fibers 110, 310) may be attached to pluralities of optical connectors such as any combination of one or more of the first expanded beam connector 150, one or more of the second expanded beam connector 350, and/or one or more of other connectors.

[0113] In embodiments, the second expanded beam connector 350 includes the spacer plate 351 attached to the substrate end facet 323 of the base substrate 321. The lens 353 is positioned on the spacer plate end facet 352 of the spacer plate 351. Accordingly, in embodiments, the spacer plate end facet 352 may be laser-singulated and/or polished such that, for example, the spacer plate end facet 352 (and, thereby, in embodiments, region(s) of the spacer plate 351 between the lens 353 and the reflector facet 356) provides a flat and at least substantially optically transparent interface between the reflector facet 356 and the lens 353. Similarly, in embodiments, the substrate end facet 323 may be laser-singulated and/or polished such that, for example, the substrate end facet 323 (and, thereby, in embodiments, region(s) of the base substrate 321 between the second waveguide 324 and the reflector facet 356) provides a flat and at least substantially optically transparent interface between the first waveguide 124 and the spacer plate 151. Further, in embodiments, the reflector facet 356 may be laser- singulated and/or polished such that, for example, the reflector facet 356 (and, thereby, in embodiments, region(s) of the spacer plate 351 between the reflector 357 and the spacer plate end facet 352 and/or region(s) of the spacer plate 351 between the reflector 357 and the substrate end facet 323) provides a flat and at least substantially optically transparent interface between the reflector 357 and the spacer plate end facet 352 and/or between the reflector 357 and the substrate end facet 323.

[0114] In embodiments, a number of connectors of the second plurality of optical device connectors 330 may be equal to a number of waveguides of the plurality of waveguides 322, a number of connectors of the second plurality of optical fiber connectors 340, and/or a number of optical fibers of the second array of optical fibers 310. Similarly, in embodiments, a number of connectors of the second plurality of optical fiber connectors 340 may be equal to a number of waveguides of the plurality of waveguides 322, a number of connectors of the second plurality of optical device connectors 330, and/or a number of optical fibers of the second array of optical fibers 310.

[0115] In embodiments, any, some, or all of the connectors of the second plurality of optical device connectors 330 may be expanded beam connectors, such as those described elsewhere herein, including, in embodiments, the first expanded beam connector 150 and/or the second expanded beam connector 350. Similarly, in embodiments, any, some, or all of the connectors of the second plurality of optical fiber connectors 340 (including, in embodiments, the second optical fiber connector 360) may be expanded beam connectors, such as those described elsewhere herein, including, in embodiments, the first expanded beam connector 150 and/or the second expanded beam connector 350. Accordingly, in embodiments, any, some, or all of the connectors of the second plurality of optical fiber connectors 340 (including, in embodiments, the second optical fiber connector 360) may comprise substantially similar components as the first expanded beam connector 150 and/or the second expanded beam connector 350. In embodiments, any, some, or all of the connectors of the second plurality of optical fiber connectors 340 (including, in embodiments, the second optical fiber connector 360) may be another type of connector, as may be known in the art. [0116] In embodiments, any, some, or all of the waveguides of the plurality of waveguides 322 (including, in embodiments, the second waveguide 324) may be fabricated by IOX (that is to say, any, some, or all of the waveguides of the plurality of waveguides 322 may be IOX waveguides), laser-writing, deposition (for example, by an additive manufacturing process), electron-beam lithography, and/or any combination thereof. In embodiments, any, some, or all of the waveguides of the plurality of waveguides 322 (including, in embodiments, the second waveguide 324) may be single-mode waveguides. In embodiments, any, some, or all of the waveguides of the plurality of waveguides 322 (including, in embodiments, the second waveguide 324) may be multi-mode waveguides. In embodiments, any, some, or all of the optical fibers of the second array of optical fibers 310 (including, in embodiments, the second optical fiber 311 ) may be SMFs. In embodiments, any, some, or all of the optical fibers of the second array of optical fibers 310 (including, in embodiments, the second optical fiber 311) may be MMFs.

[0117] In embodiments, the spacer plate 351 may be directly attached to the substrate end facet 323. In embodiments, the spacer plate 351 may be fabricated by ion exchange, laserwriting, deposition, electron-beam lithography, two-photon polymerization additive manufacturing processes, and/or other additive manufacturing methods or modalities. In embodiments, the spacer plate 351 may be fabricated by curing a glass power and/or a glass nanocomposite. In embodiments, the spacer plate 351 may be formed from a polymer, a resin (for example, a UV-curable resin, an acrylic -based resin, and/or a UV-curable acrylic -based resin), a glass powder, a glass nanocomposite, other materials, and/or any combination thereof. In embodiments, the spacer plate 351 may be formed from a glass (including, in embodiments, any, some, or all of lithium potassium borosilicate glass, silica glass, and/or an inorganic glass), a ceramic (including, in embodiments, any, some, or all of a polycrystalline ceramic, a polycrystalline inorganic material, a polycrystalline aluminum oxide, alumina, and/or silica), a glass-ceramic (including, in embodiments, Coming 9606® cordierite glass-ceramic), a polymer, (including, in embodiments, polycarbonate and/or Topas®), a polycrystalline ceramic, a single crystal ceramic (including, in embodiments, sapphire), and/or any combination thereof.

[0118] In embodiments, the lens 353 may be directly attached to the spacer plate end facet 352. In embodiments, the lens 353 may be fabricated by ion exchange, laser-writing, deposition, electron-beam lithography, two-photon polymerization additive manufacturing processes, and/or other additive manufacturing methods or modalities. In embodiments, the lens 353 may be fabricated by curing a glass power and/or a glass nanocomposite. In embodiments, the lens 353 may be a spherical lens. In embodiments, the lens 353 may be a non-spherical lens, such as, for example, a cylindrical lens, a triangular lens, a planar lens, a non-planar lens, or another shape. In embodiments, the lens 353 may be formed from a polymer, a resin (for example, a UV-curable resin, an acrylic-based resin, and/or a UV-curable acrylic-based resin), a glass powder, a glass nanocomposite, other materials, and/or any combination thereof. In embodiments, the lens 353 may be formed from a glass (including, in embodiments, any, some, or all of lithium potassium borosilicate glass, silica glass, and/or an inorganic glass), a ceramic (including, in embodiments, any, some, or all of a polycrystalline ceramic, a polycrystalline inorganic material, a polycrystalline aluminum oxide, alumina, and/or silica), a glass-ceramic (including, in embodiments, Coming 9606® cordierite glassceramic), a polymer, (including, in embodiments, polycarbonate and/or Topas®), a polycrystalline ceramic, a single crystal ceramic (including, in embodiments, sapphire), and/or any combination thereof. In embodiments, the lens 353 may have a refractive index within any, some, or all of the ranges described herein with respect to the lens 153.

[0119] In embodiments, the lens 353 includes the lens facet 354. In embodiments, the lens 353 and/or the lens facet 354 may collimate a beam of an optical signal between the lens facet 354 and the second optical fiber connector 360. To collimate an optical signal, either or both of the lens 353 and/or the lens facet 354 may have one or more parameters selected to collimate the beam of the optical signal, such as, for example, a lens shape (for example, a spherical shape, a non-spherical shape, a cylindrical shape, a triangular shape, a planar shape, a non-planar shape, or other lens shape, as may be known in the art), a thickness, a radius of curvature, a lens sag, a lens diameter, or other lens parameter. In embodiments, the lens 353 may have a lens sag within the ranges described herein with respect to the lens 153. In embodiments, the lens 353 may have a lens diameter within the ranges described herein with respect to the lens 153. In embodiments, the lens 353 may provide a collimated optical signal between second expanded beam connector 350 and the second optical fiber connector 360 (for example, in regions d2 and di), thereby causing the second expanded beam connector 350 and the second optical fiber connector 360 to optically couple the second waveguide 324 to the second optical fiber 311. Accordingly, in embodiments, the second expanded beam connector 350 and the second optical fiber connector 360 may provide a contactless optical coupling between the second waveguide 324 and the second optical fiber 311, as a collimated optical signal transmitted therebetween may, in embodiments, traverse between the connectors 350, 360 without physical contact of the connectors 350, 360.

[0120] In embodiments, any, some, or all connectors of the second plurality of optical device connectors 330 may have distinct spacer plates (such as the spacer plate 351). However, in other embodiments, any, some, or all connectors of the second plurality of optical device connectors 330 may have shared spacer plates, by, for example, sharing a spacer plate with one or more neighboring connectors and having separate lenses (such as the lens 353) attached thereto optically coupled to each respective waveguide(s) of the plurality of waveguides 322 of each connector.

[0121] Referring to FIGS. 4A-4B, a cross-sectional view of the second optical device 320 is shown, depicting the second waveguide 324, the second optical fiber 311 , and a second optical path 371 -positioned therebetween. In embodiments, the second optical path 371 comprises, at least in part, four regions di, d2, d-,, d4, wherein a second optical signal 370 (for example, an electromagnetic wave) propagated or received by the second waveguide 324 may traverse the second optical path 371 between the second waveguide 324 and the second optical fiber 311. Accordingly, the second optical path 371 extends from the second waveguide 324 through the substrate end facet 323, from the substrate end facet 123 through the reflector facet 356 and to the reflector 357, from the reflector 357 and through the reflector facet 356, the spacer plate end facet 352, and the lens 353 to the lens facet 354, through the lens facet 354 and to the second optical fiber connector 360, and through the second optical fiber connector 360 to the second optical fiber 311.

[0122] In embodiments, the second optical signal 370 may have a wavelength such as the wavelengths described herein with respect to the first optical signal 170. In embodiments, the second optical signal 370 may have a wavelength equal to a wavelength and/or within a wavelength range such as the wavelengths and the wavelength ranges, respectively, described herein with respect to the first optical signal 170. In embodiments, the second waveguide 324 and/or any, some, or all of the waveguides of the plurality of waveguides 322 may have a MFD within a range such as those described herein with respect to the MFD of the first waveguide 124. In embodiments, the second optical fiber 311 and/or any, some, or all of the optical fibers of the second array of optical fibers 310 may have a MFD within a range such as those described herein with respect to the MFD of the first optical fiber 111. In embodiments, the second optical signal 370 may have a beam diameter at a beam waist of the second optical signal 370 between the second expanded beam connector 350 and the second optical fiber connector 360 within any of the ranges described herein with respect to the beam diameter of the first optical signal 170 at a beam waist of the first optical signal 170 between the first expanded beam connector 150 and the first optical fiber connector 160.

[0123] In embodiments, the second optical signal 370 may be generated by, for example, a laser and/or other optical device (not depicted) optically coupled to the second waveguide 324, and, in embodiments, thereby propagated from the second waveguide 324 and to the second optical fiber 311. Accordingly, in embodiments, any, some, or all of the waveguides of the plurality of waveguides 322 may be optically coupled to, for example, one or more lasers and/or other optical devices, which may, in embodiments, generate one or more optical signals which may be propagated through any, some, or all of the waveguides of the plurality of waveguides 322. In embodiments, the second optical signal 370 may be generated by, for example, a laser and/or other optical device (not depicted) optically coupled to the second optical fiber 311, and, in embodiments, thereby propagated from the second optical fiber 311 and to the second waveguide 324. Accordingly, in embodiments, any, some, or all of the optical fibers of the second array of optical fibers 310 may be optically coupled to, for example, one or more lasers and/or other optical devices, which may, in embodiments, generate one or more optical signals which may be propagated through any, some, or all of the optical fibers of the second array of optical fibers 310.

[0124] The connectors 350, 360 may, in embodiments, cause the second optical signal 370 to be collimated in the regions d2 and d^ of FIGS. 4A-4B, similarly to the first optical signal 170 in the regions d2 and d3 of the embodiment of FIGS. 2A-2D. Upon contacting the lens facet 354, the second optical signal 370 may collimate, such that the second optical signal 370 is collimated in the regions d2 and d^. Accordingly, the second optical signal 370 may contract in the region d2 and expand in the region d3 about a second lens axis 355, as the boundary between d2 and d3 may, in embodiments, be a point at which a length of both d2 and d3 are equal to twice the angular velocity of the second optical signal 370 (that is to say, 2032). In embodiments, the regions d2, d3 may comprise air or another gas. Upon entering the region d4, the second optical fiber connector 360 may contract the second optical signal 370 (that is to say, a beam diameter of the second optical signal 370 may decrease within the region ch) such that the second optical signal 370 has a beam diameter corresponding to a MFD of the second optical fiber 311. Accordingly, in embodiments, the second optical fiber connector 360 may comprise components identical or substantially similar to components of the first expanded beam connector 150 (for example, those within the region di of the embodiment of FIGS. 2A- 2D), including, in embodiments, the spacer plate 151 and/or the lens 153.

[0125] However, as described herein, the functioning of the second expanded beam connector 350 differs from that of the first expanded beam connector 150 between the lens facet 354 and the substrate end facet 323 (that is to say, in embodiments, in the effect of the second expanded beam connector 350 on the second optical signal 370 when compared to the effect of the first expanded beam connector 150 on the first optical signal 170 in the region di of the embodiments of FIGS. 2A-2D). Due to the orientation and positon of the second optical fiber 311 relative to the second waveguide 324, to optically couple the second optical fiber 311 and the second waveguide 324, the second optical signal 370 must change position and direction in the x/z plane. Accordingly, the reflector 357 is positioned between the substrate end facet 323 and the spacer plate end facet 352 to redirect (by, for example, reflecting) the second optical signal 370.

[0126] The reflector 357 is positioned on the reflector facet 356 of the spacer plate 351 along a second optical path 371 of the second optical signal 370 between the spacer plate end facet 352 and the substrate end facet 323. Accordingly, the second waveguide 324 propagates the second optical signal 370 along a second waveguide axis 325, while the lens 353 propagates the second optical signal 370 along a second lens axis 355. The reflector 357 thereby redirects the second optical signal 370 such that, between the second waveguide 324 and the reflector 357, the second optical path 371 extends along the second waveguide axis 325 and, between the lens facet 354 and the reflector 357, the second optical path 371 extends along the second lens axis 355.

[0127] Similar to the first optical signal 170 in the region di of the embodiments of FIGS. 2A-2D, between the substrate end facet 323 and the lens facet 354, the second optical signal 370 may continuously expand within the second expanded beam connector 350. By no longer being bound within the second waveguide 324, the second optical signal 370 may continuously expand (that is to say, a MFD of the second optical signal 370 may increase) until contacting the lens facet 354. Accordingly, a reflector angle 0_r (defined by the reflector 357 and the substrate end facet 323) may, in embodiments, be chosen to account for the expansion of the second optical signal 370 within the second expanded beam connector 350 to redirect the second optical signal 370 to and/or from propagating about the second waveguide axis 325 and to and/or from propagating about the second lens axis 355. Further, as shown in the embodiment of FIGS. 4A-4B, the second waveguide 324 may terminate prior to the substrate end facet 323 such that the second optical signal 370 may have additional space to expand within the base substrate 321. In certain such embodiments, providing space within the base substrate 321 in which the second optical signal 370 may expand may enable a reduced size of the second expanded beam connector 350 by, for example, reducing a size in the x- and/or z- direction of the spacer plate 351, of the lens 353, and/or of the second expanded beam connector 350, as the second optical signal 370 may expand within the base substrate 321. However, in other embodiments, the second waveguide 324 may terminate at the substrate end facet 323, for example, in a manner similar to the termination of the first waveguide 124 at the substrate end facet 123 in the embodiments of FIGS. 2A-2D.

[0128] In the embodiment of FIG. 4B, the second waveguide axis 325 and the second lens axis 355 are depicted as defining an axial angle Q_w/i of substantially 90 degrees. However, in embodiments, the second waveguide axis 325 and the second lens axis 355 may define other axial angles 0_W//. In embodiments, the second waveguide axis 325 and the second lens axis 355 may define an axial angle Q_w/i greater than or equal to 75 degrees, greater than or equal to 80 degrees, greater than or equal to 85 degrees, or even greater than or equal to 89 degrees. In embodiments, the second waveguide axis 325 and the second lens axis 355 may define an axial angle Q_w/i less than or equal to 105 degrees, less than or equal to 100 degrees, less than or equal to 95 degrees, or even less than or equal to 91 degrees. In embodiments, the second waveguide axis 325 and the second lens axis 355 may define an axial angle 0_W// greater than or equal to 75 degrees and less than or equal to 105 degrees. In embodiments, the second waveguide axis 325 and the second lens axis 355 may define an axial angle Q_w/i greater than or equal to 75 degrees and less than or equal to 100 degrees. In embodiments, the second waveguide axis 325 and the second lens axis 355 may define an axial angle 0_W// greater than or equal to 75 degrees and less than or equal to 95 degrees. In embodiments, the second waveguide axis 325 and the second lens axis 355 may define an axial angle Q_w/i greater than or equal to 75 degrees and less than or equal to 91 degrees. In embodiments, the second waveguide axis 325 and the second lens axis 355 may define an axial angle Q_w/i greater than or equal to 80 degrees and less than or equal to 105 degrees. In embodiments, the second waveguide axis 325 and the second lens axis 355 may define an axial angle Q_w/i greater than or equal to 80 degrees and less than or equal to 100 degrees. In embodiments, the second waveguide axis 325 and the second lens axis 355 may define an axial angle _w/i greater than or equal to 80 degrees and less than or equal to 95 degrees. In embodiments, the second waveguide axis 325 and the second lens axis 355 may define an axial angle Q_w/i greater than or equal to 80 degrees and less than or equal to 91 degrees. In embodiments, the second waveguide axis 325 and the second lens axis 355 may define an axial angle 0_W// greater than or equal to 85 degrees and less than or equal to 105 degrees. In embodiments, the second waveguide axis 325 and the second lens axis 355 may define an axial angle Q_w/i greater than or equal to 85 degrees and less than or equal to 100 degrees. In embodiments, the second waveguide axis 325 and the second lens axis 355 may define an axial angle Q_w/i greater than or equal to 85 degrees and less than or equal to 95 degrees. In embodiments, the second waveguide axis 325 and the second lens axis 355 may define an axial angle Q_w/i greater than or equal to 85 degrees and less than or equal to 91 degrees. In embodiments, the second waveguide axis 325 and the second lens axis 355 may define an axial angle Q_w/i greater than or equal to 89 degrees and less than or equal to 105 degrees. In embodiments, the second waveguide axis 325 and the second lens axis 355 may define an axial angle Q_w/i greater than or equal to 89 degrees and less than or equal to 100 degrees. In embodiments, the second waveguide axis 325 and the second lens axis 355 may define an axial angle Q_w/i greater than or equal to 89 degrees and less than or equal to 95 degrees. In embodiments, the second waveguide axis 325 and the second lens axis 355 may define an axial angle Q_w/i greater than or equal to 89 degrees and less than or equal to 91 degrees.

[0129] In embodiments, the reflector 357 may be a reflective material (for example, a material that reflects or substantially reflects at least some wavelengths of light) deposited upon, disposed upon, and/or otherwise applied to the reflector facet 356, such that, in embodiments, the reflector 357 may substantially or entirely reflect light (for example, the second optical signal 370) propagating within the spacer plate 351 and incident upon the reflector 357. Accordingly, in embodiments, the reflector 357 may comprise a reflective material and/or a reflective coating (such as, for example, a dielectric high reflective coating, a Bragg mirror, a dielectric mirror, other reflective coatings, and/or any combination thereof) positioned upon the reflector facet 356. In embodiments, the reflector 357 may comprise a layer of one or more materials positioned upon the reflector facet 356. In embodiments, the reflector 357 may comprise a plurality of layers positioned upon the reflector facet 356, and, in certain such embodiments, any, some, or all of the layers of the plurality of layers may comprise one or more materials. In embodiments, the reflector 357 may comprise one or more layers of a low refractive index material (for example, a material having a refractive index greater than or equal to 1.3 and less than or equal to 1.7). In embodiments, the reflector 357 may comprise one or more layers of a high refractive index material (for example, a material having a refractive index greater than or equal to 1.7). In embodiments, the reflector 357 may comprise one or more layers of one or more low refractive index material(s) and one or more layers of one or more high refractive index material(s), and, in certain such embodiments, the reflector 357 may comprise, at least in part, alternating high refractive index material layers and low refractive index material layers. In embodiments, the reflector 357 may comprise a metal and/or a metallic coating. In embodiments, the reflector 357 may be formed from aluminum, silver, gold, one or more other metals, and/or any combination thereof.

[0130] In embodiments, the reflector 357 may have a thickness (that is to say, a depth of the reflector 357 extending transversely from the reflector facet 356) of greater than or equal to 50 run, greater than or equal to 60 run, greater than or equal to 70 nm, greater than or equal to 80 run, or even greater than or equal to 90 nm. In embodiments, the reflector 357 may have a thickness of less than or equal to 150 nm, less than or equal to 140 nm, less than or equal to 130 nm, less than or equal to 120 nm, or even less than or equal to 110 nm. In embodiments, the reflector 357 may have a thickness of greater than or equal to 50 nm and less than or equal to 150 nm. In embodiments, the reflector 357 may have a thickness of greater than or equal to 50 nm and less than or equal to 140 nm. In embodiments, the reflector 357 may have a thickness of greater than or equal to 50 nm and less than or equal to 130 nm. In embodiments, the reflector 357 may have a thickness of greater than or equal to 50 nm and less than or equal to 120 nm. In embodiments, the reflector 357 may have a thickness of greater than or equal to 50 nm and less than or equal to 110 nm. In embodiments, the reflector 357 may have a thickness of greater than or equal to 60 nm and less than or equal to 150 nm. In embodiments, the reflector 357 may have a thickness of greater than or equal to 60 nm and less than or equal to 140 nm. In embodiments, the reflector 357 may have a thickness of greater than or equal to 60 nm and less than or equal to 130 nm. In embodiments, the reflector 357 may have a thickness of greater than or equal to 60 nm and less than or equal to 120 nm. In embodiments, the reflector 357 may have a thickness of greater than or equal to 60 nm and less than or equal to 110 nm. In embodiments, the reflector 357 may have a thickness of greater than or equal to 70 nm and less than or equal to 150 nm. In embodiments, the reflector 357 may have a thickness of greater than or equal to 70 nm and less than or equal to 140 nm. In embodiments, the reflector 357 may have a thickness of greater than or equal to 70 nm and less than or equal to 130 nm. In embodiments, the reflector 357 may have a thickness of greater than or equal to 70 nm and less than or equal to 120 nm. In embodiments, the reflector 357 may have a thickness of greater than or equal to 70 nm and less than or equal to 110 nm. In embodiments, the reflector 357 may have a thickness of greater than or equal to 80 nm and less than or equal to 150 nm. In embodiments, the reflector 357 may have a thickness of greater than or equal to 80 nm and less than or equal to 140 nm. In embodiments, the reflector 357 may have a thickness of greater than or equal to 80 nm and less than or equal to 130 nm. In embodiments, the reflector 357 may have a thickness of greater than or equal to 80 nm and less than or equal to 120 nm. In embodiments, the reflector 357 may have a thickness of greater than or equal to 80 nm and less than or equal to 110 nm. In embodiments, the reflector 357 may have a thickness of greater than or equal to 90 nm and less than or equal to 150 nm. In embodiments, the reflector 357 may have a thickness of greater than or equal to 90 nm and less than or equal to 140 nm. In embodiments, the reflector 357 may have a thickness of greater than or equal to 90 nm and less than or equal to 130 nm. In embodiments, the reflector 357 may have a thickness of greater than or equal to 90 nm and less than or equal to 120 nm. In embodiments, the reflector 357 may have a thickness of greater than or equal to 90 nm and less than or equal to 110 nm.

[0131] In embodiments, the reflector 357 may have a thickness equal to one fourth of a wavelength of the second optical signal 370 (that is to say, equal to - 4, wherein /. is the wavelength of the second optical signal 370). In embodiments, the reflector 357 may have a thickness greater than or equal to one fourth of a wavelength of the second optical signal 370 minus 50 nm (that is to say, greater than or equal to - — 50 nm, wherein! is the wavelength of the second optical signal 370) and less than or equal to one fourth of the wavelength of the second optical signal 370 + 50 nm (that is to say, less than or equal to - + 50 nm). Accordingly, in embodiments (for example, in embodiments wherein the second optical signal 370 has a wavelength of 1550 nm), the reflector 357 may have a thickness greater than or equal to 337.5 nm and less than or equal to 437.5 nm. In embodiments (for example, in embodiments wherein the second optical signal 370 has a wavelength of 1310 nm), the reflector 357 may have a thickness greater than or equal to 277.5 nm and less than or equal to 377.5 nm. Accordingly, in embodiments (for example, in embodiments wherein the second optical signal 370 has a wavelength of 850 nm), the reflector 357 may have a thickness greater than or equal to 162.5 nm and less than or equal to 262.5 nm.

[0132] In embodiments, the reflector 357 may exhibit a reflectiveness (the reflectiveness including, for example, an average reflectiveness of the reflector 357; the reflectiveness being a reflectiveness of, for example, optical signals having wavelength(s) equal to and/or within any, some, or all of the wavelengths or wavelength ranges, respectively, described herein with respect to either or both of the optical signals 170, 370), of greater than or equal to 85%, greater than or equal to 86%, greater than or equal to 87%, greater than or equal to 88%, greater than or equal to 89%, greater than or equal to 90%, greater than or equal to 91%, greater than or equal to 92%, greater than or equal to 93%, greater than or equal to 94%, greater than or equal to 95%, greater than or equal to 96%, greater than or equal to 97%, greater than or equal to 98%, or even greater than or equal to 99%. In embodiments, the reflector 357 may exhibit a reflectiveness of greater than or equal to 85% for optical signals having a wavelength of 850 nm. In embodiments, the reflector 357 may exhibit a reflectiveness of greater than or equal to 87% for optical signals having a wavelength of 850 nm. In embodiments, the reflector 357 may exhibit a reflectiveness of greater than or equal to 89% for optical signals having a wavelength of 850 nm. In embodiments, the reflector 357 may exhibit a reflectiveness of greater than or equal to 90% for optical signals having a wavelength of 850 nm. In embodiments, the reflector 357 may exhibit a reflectiveness of greater than or equal to 92% for optical signals having a wavelength of 850 nm. In embodiments, the reflector 357 may exhibit a reflectiveness of greater than or equal to 94% for optical signals having a wavelength of 850 nm. In embodiments, the reflector 357 may exhibit a reflectiveness of greater than or equal to 96% for optical signals having a wavelength of 850 nm. In embodiments, the reflector 357 may exhibit a reflectiveness of greater than or equal to 98% for optical signals having a wavelength of 850 nm. In embodiments, the reflector 357 may exhibit a reflectiveness of greater than or equal to 99% for optical signals having a wavelength of 850 nm. In embodiments, the reflector 357 may exhibit a reflectiveness of greater than or equal to 85% for optical signals having a wavelength of 1310 nm. In embodiments, the reflector 357 may exhibit a reflectiveness of greater than or equal to 87% for optical signals having a wavelength of 1310 nm. In embodiments, the reflector 357 may exhibit a reflectiveness of greater than or equal to 89% for optical signals having a wavelength of 1310 nm. In embodiments, the reflector 357 may exhibit a reflectiveness of greater than or equal to 90% for optical signals having a wavelength of 1310 nm. In embodiments, the reflector 357 may exhibit a reflectiveness of greater than or equal to 92% for optical signals having a wavelength of 1310 nm. In embodiments, the reflector 357 may exhibit a reflectiveness of greater than or equal to 94% for optical signals having a wavelength of 1310 nm. In embodiments, the reflector 357 may exhibit a reflectiveness of greater than or equal to 96% for optical signals having a wavelength of 1310 nm. In embodiments, the reflector 357 may exhibit a reflectiveness of greater than or equal to 98% for optical signals having a wavelength of 1310 nm. In embodiments, the reflector 357 may exhibit a reflectiveness of greater than or equal to 99% for optical signals having a wavelength of 1310 nm. In embodiments, the reflector 357 may exhibit a reflectiveness of greater than or equal to 85% for optical signals having a wavelength of 1550 nm. In embodiments, the reflector 357 may exhibit a reflectiveness of greater than or equal to 87% for optical signals having a wavelength of 1550 nm. In embodiments, the reflector 357 may exhibit a reflectiveness of greater than or equal to 89% for optical signals having a wavelength of 1550 nm. In embodiments, the reflector 357 may exhibit a reflectiveness of greater than or equal to 90% for optical signals having a wavelength of 1550 nm. In embodiments, the reflector 357 may exhibit a reflectiveness of greater than or equal to 92% for optical signals having a wavelength of 1550 nm. In embodiments, the reflector 357 may exhibit a reflectiveness of greater than or equal to 94% for optical signals having a wavelength of 1550 nm. In embodiments, the reflector 357 may exhibit a reflectiveness of greater than or equal to 96% for optical signals having a wavelength of 1550 nm. In embodiments, the reflector 357 may exhibit a reflectiveness of greater than or equal to 98% for optical signals having a wavelength of 1550 nm. In embodiments, the reflector 357 may exhibit a reflectiveness of greater than or equal to 99% for optical signals having a wavelength of 1550 nm.

[0133] In embodiments, the reflector 357 may be a plate that, in embodiments, may be attached to the reflector facet 356. In embodiments, the reflector 357 may be directly attached to the reflector facet 356. In embodiments, the reflector 357 may be formed from any material which may substantially reflect the second optical signal 370. In embodiments, the reflector 357 may be fabricated by ion exchange, laser-writing, deposition, electron-beam lithography, two-photon polymerization additive manufacturing processes, and/or other additive manufacturing methods or modalities. In embodiments, the reflector 357 may be fabricated by curing a glass power and/or a glass nanocomposite. In embodiments, the reflector 357 may be formed from a polymer, a resin (for example, a UV-curable resin, an acrylic-based resin, and/or a UV-curable acrylic -based resin), a glass powder, a glass nanocomposite, other materials, and/or any combination thereof. In embodiments, the reflector 357 may be formed from a glass (including, in embodiments, any, some, or all of lithium potassium borosilicate glass, silica glass, and/or an inorganic glass), a ceramic (including, in embodiments, any, some, or all of a polycrystalline ceramic, a polycrystalline inorganic material, a polycrystalline aluminum oxide, alumina, and/or silica), a glass-ceramic (including, in embodiments, Coming 9606® cordierite glass-ceramic), a polymer, (including, in embodiments, polycarbonate and/or Topas®), a polycrystalline ceramic, a single crystal ceramic (including, in embodiments, sapphire), and/or any combination thereof. [0134] In embodiments, the reflector 357 may not reflect or substantially reflect light of all wavelengths incident upon the reflector 357. Rather, in embodiments, the reflector 357 may only reflect or substantially reflect light within a wavelength range, and, in certain such embodiments, the wavelength range that the reflector 357 reflects or substantially reflects may include ranges of wavelengths including wavelengths and/or ranges of wavelengths of the first optical signal 170 and/or the second optical signal 370 described elsewhere herein.

[0135] FIG. 5 depicts a flow diagram of an illustrative method 500 of manufacturing an optical device, such as the optical device 120 of FIGS. 1A-2D and/or the optical device 320 of FIGS. 3A-4B, as described herein. In embodiments, the method 500 may utilize two-photon polymerization additive manufacturing processes, hardware, and/or modalities. While the method 500 of FIG. 5 generally relates to the manufacture of the optical devices described herein, it should be understood that embodiments of the method 500 may vary when manufacturing optical devices such as the optical device 120 when compared to manufacturing optical devices such as the optical device 320. For example, in embodiments, when using the method 500 to manufacture the optical device 120, a step of a block 580 of the method 500 may be omitted, as, in such embodiments, fabrication of a reflector (for example, the reflector 357) may not be necessary. Further, in embodiments, a base substrate (such as, for example, the base substrate 121 or the base substrate 321) may be provided prior to initiation of the method 500, and, in certain such embodiments, a waveguide (such as, for example, the first waveguide 124 or the second waveguide 324) may already be formed therein. Accordingly, in such embodiments, a step of the block 510 of the method 500 may be omitted.

[0136] Referring to FIG. 6, any, some, or all steps of the method 500 may be carried out using an additive manufacturing system 600. In embodiments, the additive manufacturing system 600 may be a two-photon polymerization (“TPP”) additive manufacturing system. The additive manufacturing system 600 includes an additive manufacturing machine 614. In one embodiment, the additive manufacturing machine 614 can be connected to a network 612 which, in embodiments, may include or otherwise be communicatively coupled to a user input device 610 and a computer system 606, enabling the user input device 610, the computer system 606, and the additive manufacturing machine 614 to be communicatively coupled to one another via the network 612. In another embodiment, all of these components can be included in one device and nothing in this disclosure should be seen as limiting the various configurations available. The computer system 606 may include, for example, a geometry model which may generate geometry data of, e.g., a layer, a 3D model of a component (for example, in embodiments, a part or a whole of any, some, or all of optical device 120, the base substrate 121, the spacer plate 151, the lens 153, the optical device 320, the base substrate 321, the spacer plate 351, the lens 353, and/or the reflector 357) in a build fde to be fabricated by the additive manufacturing system 600. Executable instructions executed by a processor of the computer system 606 may include controlling the power output of photon beam devices 616A, 616B, and controlling the position assembly 618A, which controls positions of the photon beam devices 616A, 616B, and position assembly 618B, which controls a position of a build platform 634.

[0137] The build platform 634 is a surface upon which an additive manufacturing material 642 of a partially manufactured object 640 (for example, in embodiments, a part or a whole of any, some, or all of the spacer plate 151, the lens 153, the spacer plate 351, the lens 353, and/or the reflector 357) is successively laid to produce an additively manufactured object. In embodiments, the additive manufacturing material 642 may comprise a liquid precursor. In embodiments, the liquid precursor of the additive manufacturing material 642 may be provided upon the build platform 634 and/or the partially manufactured object 640 in one or more sequential drops, which may, in embodiments, each be individually and/or collectively polymerized (via, for example, TPP additive manufacturing processes) prior to the deposition of one or more subsequent drops. In embodiments, the additive manufacturing material 642 may comprise a powder In embodiments, the powder of the additive manufacturing material 642 may be provided in layers, which may, in embodiments, each be individually or collectively cured and/or activated (via, for example, the application of heat or light). In embodiments, the additive manufacturing material 642 may comprise any, some, or all of a UV-curable resin, an acrylic-based resin, a UV-curable acrylic-based resin, a glass powder, a glass nanocomposite, , other materials which are described elsewhere herein as potentially forming any, some, or all of the optical device 120, the base substrate 121, the spacer plate 151, the lens 153, the optical device 320, the base substrate 321, the spacer plate 351, the lens 353, and/or the reflector 357, and/or any combination thereof. The additively manufactured object is produced in a build chamber 650 defined by chamber walls 652 of the additive manufacturing machine 614. As layers, drops, or other increments of the additive manufacturing material 642 are deposited upon, initially, the build platform 634 and, subsequently, upon the partially manufactured object 640, the position assembly 618B may move the build platform 634 (e.g., to raise or lower the build platform 634 (and, thereby, the partially manufactured object 640) relative to the photon beam devices 616A, 616B). [0138] In embodiments, either or both of the photon beam devices 616A, 616B include a device capable of emitting photons for two-photon polymerization of a build material (for example, the additive manufacturing material 642) within the build chamber 650. Accordingly, the photon beam devices 616A, 616B may enable a photosensitive build material, such as those described herein, to be activated (and, thereby, polymerize) by causing molecules of the build material to simultaneously absorb two photons. In embodiments, the photon beam devices 616A, 616B may sequentially polymerize individual drops of build material while fabricating the additively manufactured object. In embodiments, TPP additive manufacturing processes may provide a high printing resolution (for example, on the order of 100 nm). Accordingly, in embodiments, by using TPP additive manufacturing processes, optical devices (for example, the optical devices 120, 320) and/or components thereof (for example, any, some, or all of the base substrates 121, 321, the spacer plates 151, 351, the lenses 153, 353, and/or the reflector 357) may advantageously be fabricated and/or manufactured (by, for example, the method 500 and/or one or more steps thereof). Accordingly, in embodiments, such optical devices and/or components thereof may be manufactured and/or fabricated (using, for example, TPP additive manufacturing processes) with high printing resolutions and/or small feature sizes. Further, in embodiments, such TPP additive manufacturing processes may provide for the adjustability of parameters of optical devices and/or components thereof, such as lens parameters of a lens (for example, the lens 153 and/or the lens 353), including, in embodiments, lens parameters described elsewhere herein. In other embodiments, either or both of the photon beam devices 616A, 616B may include a laser.

[0139] Components of the additive manufacturing system 600 are all connected via the network 612 and can further include the position assemblies 618A, 618B, a power system 620, a cooling source 621, a heating source 622, and sensors 632. In embodiments, either or both of the heating source 622 and the cooling source 621 are positioned above the build platform 634. In other embodiments, either or both of the heating source 622 and the cooling source 621 are positioned below the build platform 634. In embodiments, the heating source 622 can include a heat lamp, heating plates, a device that radiates energy (e.g., infrared waves) to heat build material, a device that inductively heats material, or another mechanism for heating build material. In embodiments, the cooling source 621 can include a fan, cooling plates, or another mechanism for cooling build material. Components of the additive manufacturing system 600 can communicate through a bus 638 and are connected to the user input device 610 and computer system 606 through a network 612. [0140] As shown in FIG. 6, the additive manufacturing machine 614 can direct beams from photon beam devices 616A, 616B across selective portions of the additive manufacturing material 642 to create a solid component forming the partially manufactured object 640.

[0141] Referring to FIGS. 5 and 7A-7G, a first embodiment of the method 500 may include manufacturing the first optical device 120, steps of which are depicted in FIGS. 7A- 7G. As described herein, in this embodiment, the block 580 may be omitted from the method 500. Further, in certain embodiments, the base substrate 121 may be previously provided prior to the initiation of the method 500 and the first waveguide 124 may be previously fabricated therein. Accordingly, in such embodiments, the block 510 may be omitted from the method 500. Further, in embodiments, a support block may not be fabricated and/or the entirety of the spacer plate 151 may be fabricated in a single step, and, accordingly, in such embodiments the blocks 520, 530 may be omitted.

[0142] Referring again to FIG. 5 and with reference to FIGS. 6 and 7A, the first embodiment of the method 500 includes fabricating the base substrate 121 comprising the first waveguide 124, as described herein at block 510. That is, the base substrate 121 may be fabricated by depositing and curing, polymerizing, or otherwise activating a build material forming the base substrate 121, such as by, in embodiments, using the additive manufacturing system 600 and two-photon polymerization processes. In embodiments, the block 510 may further include fabricating the first waveguide 124. In certain such embodiments, the first waveguide 124 may be fabricated by ion exchange, laser- writing, deposition, electron-beam lithography, or any combination thereof. In embodiments, the block 510 may include laser- singulating or polishing the substrate end facet 123.

[0143] Referring again to FIG. 5 and with reference to FIGS. 6 and 7B, the first embodiment of the method 500 includes depositing a support additive manufacturing material 710, as described herein at block 520. In embodiments, the support additive manufacturing material 710 may include a UV-curable resin, an acrylic-based resin, a UV-curable acrylicbased resin, a glass powder, a glass nanocomposite, other materials which are described elsewhere herein (for example, those described as forming the spacer plate 151), and/or any combination thereof. In embodiments, the support additive manufacturing material 710 may be deposited upon an elongate surface 126 of the first optical device 120. In embodiments, the support additive manufacturing material 710 may be deposited by the additive manufacturing machine 614 within the build chamber 650 and, in certain such embodiments, the first optical device 120 may be positioned upon the build platform 634, with the support additive manufacturing material 710 thereby forming the additive manufacturing material 642.

[0144] Referring again to FIG. 5 and with reference to FIGS. 6 and 7C, the first embodiment of the method 500 includes fabricating a support block 701, as described herein at block 530. In embodiments, the support block 701 may be a portion of the spacer plate 151. In embodiments, the support block 701 may be fabricated from the support additive manufacturing material 710 using, for example, two-photon polymerization additive manufacturing processes, using either or both of the photon beam devices 616A, 616B to polymerize, cure, and/or otherwise activate the support additive manufacturing material 710. In embodiments, constructing the spacer plate 151 by first fabricating a support block 701 may extend the substrate end facet 123 to provide a surface upon which to deposit and fabricate the remainder of the spacer plate 151 (for example, in blocks 540, 550). However, in other embodiments, the portion of the spacer plate 151 comprising the support block 701 may not be fabricated.

[0145] Referring again to FIG. 5 and with reference to FIGS. 6 and 7B-7C, in embodiments, the steps of the blocks 520, 530 may not each occur entirely in one step and/or entirely sequentially. Rather, in embodiments and as described elsewhere herein, the support block 701 may be fabricated via multiple iterations of the steps of the blocks 520, 530. For example, in embodiments, in an initial iteration of the step of the block 520, only a small amount (for example, a drop) of the support additive manufacturing material 710 may be deposited upon the elongate surface 126 and, in embodiments, in an initial iteration of the step of the block 530, the small amount of the support additive manufacturing material 710 may then be polymerized (for example, using two-photon polymerization additive manufacturing processes), cured, and/or otherwise activated to form a portion of the support block 701. Accordingly, in embodiments, the steps of the blocks 520, 530 may be iteratively repeated until the entirety of the support block 701 is fully fabricated.

[0146] Referring again to FIG. 5 and with reference to FIGS. 6 and 7D, the first embodiment of the method 500 includes depositing a first additive manufacturing material 720, as described herein at block 540. In embodiments, the first additive manufacturing material 720 may include a UV-curable resin, an acrylic-based resin, a UV-curable acrylic-based resin, a glass powder, a glass nanocomposite, other materials which are described elsewhere herein (for example, those described as forming the spacer plate 151), and/or any combination thereof. In embodiments, the first additive manufacturing material 720 may be the same material as the support additive manufacturing material 710. In embodiments, the first optical device 120 may be reoriented upon the build platform 634 prior to depositing the first additive manufacturing material 720, such that the substrate end facet 123 faces upwards within the build chamber 650. In embodiments, the first additive manufacturing material 720 may be deposited upon the substrate end facet 123 of the first optical device 120 and, in embodiments wherein the method 500 includes the blocks 520, 530, the first additive manufacturing material 720 may also be deposited upon the support block 701 of the spacer plate 151. In embodiments, the first additive manufacturing material 720 may be deposited by the additive manufacturing machine 614 within the build chamber 650 and, in certain such embodiments, the first optical device 120 may be positioned upon the build platform 634, with the first additive manufacturing material 720 thereby forming the additive manufacturing material 642.

[0147] Referring again to FIG. 5 and with reference to FIGS. 6 and 7E, the first embodiment of the method 500 includes fabricating the spacer plate 151, as described herein at block 550. In embodiments, the spacer plate 151 may be fabricated from the first additive manufacturing material 720 using, for example, two-photon polymerization additive manufacturing processes, using either or both of the photon beam devices 616A, 616B to polymerize, cure, and/or otherwise activate the first additive manufacturing material 720. In embodiments, the spacer plate 151, by being fabricated on top of the base substrate 121, may be directly attached to the base substrate 121. In embodiments, the step of the block 550 may further include laser-singulating or polishing the spacer plate end facet 152.

[0148] Referring again to FIG. 5 and with reference to FIGS. 6 and 7D-7E, in embodiments, the steps of the blocks 540, 550 may not each occur entirely in one step and/or entirely sequentially. Rather, in embodiments and as described elsewhere herein, the spacer plate 151 may be fabricated via multiple iterations of the steps of the blocks 540, 550. For example, in embodiments, in an initial iteration of the step of the block 540, only a small amount (for example, a drop) of the first additive manufacturing material 720 may be deposited upon the substrate end facet 123 and, in embodiments, in an initial iteration of the step of the block 550, the small amount of the first additive manufacturing material 720 may then be polymerized (for example, using two-photon polymerization additive manufacturing processes), cured, and/or otherwise activated to form a portion of the spacer plate 151. Accordingly, in embodiments, the steps of the blocks 540, 550 may be iteratively repeated until the entirety of the spacer plate 151 is fully fabricated. [0149] Referring again to FIG. 5 and with reference to FIGS. 6 and 7F, the first embodiment of the method 500 includes depositing a second additive manufacturing material 730, as described herein at block 560. In embodiments, the second additive manufacturing material 730 may include a UV-curable resin, an acrylic-based resin, a UV-curable acrylicbased resin, a glass powder, a glass nanocomposite, other materials which are described elsewhere herein (for example, those described as forming the lens 153), and/orany combination thereof. In embodiments, the second additive manufacturing material 730 may be the same material as the support additive manufacturing material 710. In embodiments, the second additive manufacturing material 730 may be the same material as the first additive manufacturing material 720. In embodiments, the second additive manufacturing material 730, the support additive manufacturing material 710, and the first additive manufacturing material 720 may be the same material. In embodiments, the second additive manufacturing material 730 may be deposited upon the spacer plate end facet 152 of the spacer plate 151. In embodiments, the second additive manufacturing material 730 may be deposited by the additive manufacturing machine 614 within the build chamber 650 and, in certain such embodiments, the first optical device 120 may be positioned upon the build platform 634, with the second additive manufacturing material 730 thereby forming the additive manufacturing material 642.

[0150] Referring again to FIG. 5 and with reference to FIGS. 6 and 7G, the first embodiment of the method 500 includes fabricating the lens 153, as described herein at block 570. In embodiments, the lens 153 may be fabricated from the second additive manufacturing material 730 using, for example, two-photon polymerization additive manufacturing processes, using either or both of the photon beam devices 616A, 616B to polymerize, cure, and/or otherwise activate the second additive manufacturing material 730. In embodiments, the lens 153, by being fabricated on top of the spacer plate 151, may be directly attached to the spacer plate 151. In embodiments, the step of the block 550 may further include laser-singulating or polishing the lens facet 154.

[0151] Referring again to FIG. 5 and with reference to FIGS. 6 and 7F-7G, in embodiments, the steps of the blocks 560, 570 may not each occur entirely in one step and/or entirely sequentially. Rather, in embodiments and as described elsewhere herein, the lens 153 may be fabricated via multiple iterations of the steps of the blocks 560, 570. For example, in embodiments, in an initial iteration of the step of the block 560, only a small amount (for example, a drop) of the second additive manufacturing material 730 may be deposited upon the spacer plate end facet 152 and, in embodiments, in an initial iteration of the step of the block 570, the small amount of the second additive manufacturing material 730 may then be polymerized (for example, using two-photon polymerization additive manufacturing processes), cured, and/or otherwise activated to form a portion of the lens 153. Accordingly, in embodiments, the steps of the blocks 560, 570 may be iteratively repeated until the entirety of the lens 153 is fully fabricated.

[0152] Referring to FIGS. 5 and 8A-8J, a second embodiment of the method 500 may include manufacturing the second optical device 320, steps of which are depicted in FIGS. 8A- 8 J. In certain embodiments, the base substrate 121 may be previously provided prior to the initiation of the method 500 and the second waveguide 324 may be previously fabricated therein. Accordingly, in such embodiments, the block 510 may be omitted from the method 500. Further, in embodiments, a support block may not be fabricated and/or the entirety of the spacer plate 351 may be fabricated in a single step, and, accordingly, in such embodiments the blocks 520, 530 may be omitted.

[0153] Referring again to FIG. 5 and with reference to FIGS. 6 and 8A, the second embodiment of the method 500 includes fabricating the base substrate 321 comprising the second waveguide 324, as described herein at block 510. That is, the base substrate 321 may be fabricated by depositing and curing, polymerizing, or otherwise activating a build material forming the base substrate 321, such as by, in embodiments, using the additive manufacturing system 600 and two-photon polymerization processes additive manufacturing processes. In embodiments, the block 510 may further include fabricating the second waveguide 324. In certain such embodiments, the second waveguide 324 may be fabricated by ion exchange, laser-writing, deposition, electron-beam lithography, or any combination thereof. In embodiments, the block 510 may include laser-singulating or polishing the substrate end facet 323.

[0154] Referring again to FIG. 5 and with reference to FIGS. 6 and 8B, the second embodiment of the method 500 includes depositing a support additive manufacturing material 810, as described herein at block 520. In embodiments, the support additive manufacturing material 810 may include a UV-curable resin, an acrylic-based resin, a UV-curable acrylicbased resin, a glass powder, a glass nanocomposite, other materials which are described elsewhere herein (for example, those described as forming the spacer plate 351), and/orany combination thereof. In embodiments, the support additive manufacturing material 810 may be deposited upon an elongate surface 326 of the second optical device 320. In embodiments, the support additive manufacturing material 810 may be deposited by the additive manufacturing machine 614 within the build chamber 650 and, in certain such embodiments, the second optical device 320 may be positioned upon the build platform 634, with the support additive manufacturing material 810 thereby forming the additive manufacturing material 642.

[0155] Referring again to FIG. 5 and with reference to FIGS. 6 and 8C, the second embodiment of the method 500 includes fabricating a support block 801, as described herein at block 530. In embodiments, the support block 801 may be a portion of the spacer plate 351. In embodiments, the support block 801 may be fabricated from the support additive manufacturing material 810 using, for example, two-photon polymerization additive manufacturing processes, using either or both of the photon beam devices 616A, 616B to polymerize, cure, and/or otherwise activate the support additive manufacturing material 810. In embodiments, constructing the spacer plate 351 by first fabricating a support block 801 may extend the substrate end facet 323 to provide a surface upon which to deposit and fabricate the remainder of the spacer plate 351 (for example, in blocks 540, 550). However, in other embodiments, the portion of the spacer plate 351 comprising the support block 801 may not be fabricated.

[0156] Referring again to FIG. 5 and with reference to FIGS. 6 and 8B-8C, in embodiments, the steps of the blocks 520, 530 may not each occur entirely in one step and/or entirely sequentially. Rather, in embodiments and as described elsewhere herein, the support block 801 may be fabricated via multiple iterations of the steps of the blocks 520, 530. For example, in embodiments, in an initial iteration of the step of the block 520, only a small amount (for example, a drop) of the support additive manufacturing material 810 may be deposited upon the elongate surface 326 and, in embodiments, in an initial iteration of the step of the block 530, the small amount of the support additive manufacturing material 810 may then be polymerized (for example, using two-photon polymerization additive manufacturing processes), cured, and/or otherwise activated to form a portion of the support block 801. Accordingly, in embodiments, the steps of the blocks 520, 530 may be iteratively repeated until the entirety of the support block 801 is fully fabricated.

[0157] Referring again to FIG. 5 and with reference to FIGS. 6 and 8D, the second embodiment of the method 500 includes depositing a first additive manufacturing material 820, as described herein at block 540. In embodiments, the first additive manufacturing material 820 may include a UV-curable resin, an acrylic-based resin, a UV-curable acrylic-based resin, a glass powder, a glass nanocomposite, other materials which are described elsewhere herein (for example, those described as forming the spacer plate 351), and/orany combination thereof. In embodiments, the first additive manufacturing material 820 may be the same material as the support additive manufacturing material 810. In embodiments, the second optical device 320 may be reoriented upon the build platform 634 prior to depositing the first additive manufacturing material 820, such that the substrate end facet 323 faces upwards within the build chamber 650. In embodiments, the first additive manufacturing material 820 may be deposited upon the substrate end facet 323 of the second optical device 320 and, in embodiments wherein the method 500 includes the blocks 520, 530, the first additive manufacturing material 820 may also be deposited upon the portion of the spacer plate 351 comprising the support block 801. In embodiments, the first additive manufacturing material 820 may be deposited by the additive manufacturing machine 614 within the build chamber 650 and, in certain such embodiments, the second optical device 320 may be positioned upon the build platform 634, with the first additive manufacturing material 820 thereby forming the additive manufacturing material 642.

[0158] Referring again to FIG. 5 and with reference to FIGS. 6 and 8E, the second embodiment of the method 500 includes fabricating the spacer plate 351, as described herein at block 550. In embodiments, the spacer plate 351 may be fabricated from the first additive manufacturing material 820 using, for example, two-photon polymerization additive manufacturing processes, using either or both of the photon beam devices 616A, 616B to polymerize, cure, and/or otherwise activate the first additive manufacturing material 820. In embodiments, the spacer plate 351, by being fabricated on top of the base substrate 321, may be directly attached to the base substrate 321. In embodiments, the step of the block 550 may further include laser-singulating or polishing either or both of the spacer plate end facet 152 and the reflector facet 356.

[0159] Referring again to FIG. 5 and with reference to FIGS. 6 and 8D-8E, in embodiments, the steps of the blocks 540, 550 may not each occur entirely in one step and/or entirely sequentially. Rather, in embodiments and as described elsewhere herein, the spacer plate 351 may be fabricated via multiple iterations of the steps of the blocks 540, 550. For example, in embodiments, in an initial iteration of the step of the block 540, only a small amount (for example, a drop) of the first additive manufacturing material 820 may be deposited upon the substrate end facet 323 and, in embodiments, in an initial iteration of the step of the block 550, the small amount of the first additive manufacturing material 820 may then be polymerized (for example, using two-photon polymerization additive manufacturing processes), cured, and/or otherwise activated to form a portion of the spacer plate 351. Accordingly, in embodiments, the steps of the blocks 540, 550 may be iteratively repeated until the entirety of the spacer plate 351 is fully fabricated.

[0160] Referring again to FIG. 5 and with reference to FIGS. 6 and 8F, the second embodiment of the method 500 includes depositing a second additive manufacturing material 830, as described herein at block 560. In embodiments, the second additive manufacturing material 830 may include a UV-curable resin, an acrylic-based resin, a UV-curable acrylicbased resin, a glass powder, a glass nanocomposite, other materials which are described elsewhere herein (for example, those described as forming the lens 353), and/orany combination thereof. In embodiments, the second additive manufacturing material 830 may be the same material as the support additive manufacturing material 810. In embodiments, the second additive manufacturing material 830 may be the same material as the first additive manufacturing material 820. In embodiments, the second additive manufacturing material 830, the support additive manufacturing material 810, and the first additive manufacturing material 820 may be the same material. In embodiments, the second optical device 320 may be reoriented upon the build platform 634 prior to depositing the second additive manufacturing material 830, such that the elongate surface 326 faces upwards within the build chamber 650. In embodiments, the second additive manufacturing material 830 may be deposited upon the spacer plate end facet 352 of the spacer plate 351. In embodiments, the second additive manufacturing material 830 may be deposited by the additive manufacturing machine 614 within the build chamber 650 and, in certain such embodiments, the second optical device 320 may be positioned upon the build platform 634, with the second additive manufacturing material 830 thereby forming the additive manufacturing material 642.

[0161] Referring again to FIG. 5 and with reference to FIGS. 6 and 8G, the second embodiment of the method 500 includes fabricating the lens 353, as described herein at block 570. In embodiments, the lens 353 may be fabricated from the second additive manufacturing material 830 using, for example, two-photon polymerization additive manufacturing processes, using either or both of the photon beam devices 616A, 616B to polymerize, cure, and/or otherwise activate the second additive manufacturing material 830. In embodiments, the lens 353, by being fabricated on top of the spacer plate 351, may be directly attached to the spacer plate 351. In embodiments, the step of the block 550 may further include laser-singulating or polishing the lens facet 354. [0162] Referring again to FIG. 5 and with reference to FIGS. 6 and 8F-8G, in embodiments, the steps of the blocks 560, 570 may not each occur entirely in one step and/or entirely sequentially. Rather, in embodiments and as described elsewhere herein, the lens 353 may be fabricated via multiple iterations of the steps of the blocks 560, 570. For example, in embodiments, in an initial iteration of the step of the block 560, only a small amount (for example, a drop) of the second additive manufacturing material 830 may be deposited upon the spacer plate end facet 352 and, in embodiments, in an initial iteration of the step of the block 570, the small amount of the second additive manufacturing material 830 may then be polymerized (for example, using two-photon polymerization additive manufacturing processes), cured, and/or otherwise activated to form a portion of the lens 353. Accordingly, in embodiments, the steps of the blocks 560, 570 may be iteratively repeated until the entirety of the lens 353 is fully fabricated.

[0163] Referring again to FIG. 5 and with reference to FIGS. 6 and 8H-8J, the method 500 includes fabricating the reflector 357, as described herein at block 580. In embodiments, fabricating the reflector 357 may include depositing (by, for example, sputtering), coating, and/or otherwise applying one or more layers of one or more materials (for example, any, some, or all of the materials described elsewhere herein as forming the reflector 357) to the reflector facet 356, thereby forming the reflector 357, as depicted in, for example, FIG. 8J. Accordingly, in embodiments, fabrication of the reflector 357 may not occur within the build chamber 650 or be conducted by components of the additive manufacturing system 600. In embodiments, fabricating the reflector 357 may include molding (for example, directly to the reflector facet 356 or as a separate component from the second expanded beam connector 350) a material (for example, any, some, or all of the materials described elsewhere herein as forming the reflector 357) to form the reflector 357.

[0164] In embodiments, fabricating the reflector 357 may include fabricating the reflector 357 using additive manufacturing processes. However, in other embodiments, the reflector 357 may be separately fabricated and attached to the reflector facet 356 by, for example, an adhesive, laser sintering, or other such processes.

[0165] In embodiments, fabricating the reflector 357 may include depositing a third additive manufacturing material 840 upon the reflector facet 356, as depicted in FIG. 8H. In embodiments, the second additive manufacturing material 830 may include a UV-curable resin, an acrylic-based resin, a UV-curable acrylic-based resin, a glass powder, a glass nanocomposite, other materials which are described elsewhere herein (for example, those described as forming the reflector 357), and/orany combination thereof. In embodiments, the third additive manufacturing material 840 may be the same material as the support additive manufacturing material 810. In embodiments, the third additive manufacturing material 840 may be the same material as the first additive manufacturing material 820. In embodiments, the third additive manufacturing material 840 may be the same material as the second additive manufacturing material 830. In embodiments, the third additive manufacturing material 840, the second additive manufacturing material 830, the support additive manufacturing material 810, and the first additive manufacturing material 820 may be the same material. In embodiments, the second optical device 320 may be reoriented upon the build platform 634 prior to depositing the third additive manufacturing material 840, such that the reflector facet 356 faces upwards within the build chamber 650. In embodiments, the third additive manufacturing material 840 may be deposited upon the reflector facet 356 of the spacer plate 351. In embodiments, the third additive manufacturing material 840 may be deposited by the additive manufacturing machine 614 within the build chamber 650 and, in certain such embodiments, the second optical device 320 may be positioned upon the build platform 634, with the third additive manufacturing material 840 thereby forming the additive manufacturing material 642.

[0166] In embodiments, fabricating the reflector 357 may include fabricating the reflector 357 from the third additive manufacturing material 840, as depicted in FIG. 8 J. In embodiments, the reflector 357 may be fabricated using, for example, two-photon polymerization additive manufacturing processes, using either or both of the photon beam devices 616A, 616B to polymerize, cure, and/or otherwise activate the third additive manufacturing material 840. In embodiments, the reflector 357, by being fabricated on top of the spacer plate 351 , may be directly attached to the spacer plate 351.

EXAMPLES

[0167] In order that various embodiments be more readily understood, reference is made to the following examples, which are intended to illustrate various embodiments of the laser bonding methods described herein.

[0168] Referring now to FIG. 9A, a plot 910 demonstrates intensity (as measured in decibels (“dB”)) of an optical signal having a 1310 nm wavelength propagating between two connectors and within air (as denoted by the dashed lines parallel to the y-axis). For example, referring to FIGS. 2A-2B, the space between the dashed lines is representative of the regions d2, ch, while the regions di, cU are represented by the regions to the left and right of the dashed lines, respectively, and the z- and x-coordinates described in the labels of the x-axis and y-axis, respectively, of the plot 910 thereby reflect the coordinate schemes depicted in FIGS. 2A-2D. The measurements depicted in the plot 910 were recorded using an expanded beam connector formed from an acrylate resin and having a sum thickness of a spacer and lens thereof (for example, a length of the region di in the embodiments depicted in FIGS. 2A-2B) of 200 pm coupled to a lensed fiber.

[0169] Referring now to FIG. 9B, a plot 920 demonstrates intensity (as measured in watts per meter squared ((W/m²)) of an elliptic Gaussian beam optical signal having a 1310 nm wavelength propagated between an expanded beam connector and a connector at z = 0.3 m (as denoted in the x-axis of the plot 910), which is a beam waist of the Gaussian beam optical signal. For example, referring to FIGS. 2A-2B, these measurements were taken at the boundary of the regions d2, d3, and the y- and x-coordinates described in the labels of the y-axis and x- axis, respectively, of the plot 920 thereby reflect the coordinate schemes depicted in FIGS. 2A- 2D. The measurements depicted in the plot 920 were recorded using an expanded beam connector formed from an acrylate resin and having a sum thickness of a spacer and lens thereof (for example, a length of the region di in the embodiments depicted in FIGS. 2A-2B) of 200 pm coupled to a lensed fiber.

[0170] Referring now to FIG. 10A, a plot 1010 demonstrates loss (as measured in dB) of optical signals of 1310 nm wavelengths propagated in various expanded beam connection systems having varying lens to lens distances (as measured in mm; for example, a combined length of the regions d2, d3, as depicted in either or both of the embodiments of FIGS. 1B-2D and FIGS. 3B-4B). For example, and with reference to FIGS. 2A-2B, the point of the plot 1010 having an x-value of 0.4 mm represents the loss detected by an optical signal traversing an embodiment of the first expanded beam connection system 100 as depicted in FIGS. 2A-2B wherein a combined length of the regions d2, d3 is 0.4 mm. As can be seen, loss is minimized between a lens to lens distance of 0.3 mm and 0.4 mm. The measurements depicted in the plot 1010 were recorded using an expanded beam connector formed from an acrylate resin and having a sum thickness of a spacer and lens thereof (for example, a length of the region di in the embodiments depicted in FIGS. 2A-2B) of 200 pm coupled to a lensed fiber.

[0171] Referring now to FIG. 10B, a plot 1020 demonstrates loss (as measured in dB) of optical signals of 1310 nm wavelengths propagated in various expanded beam connection systems having varying lateral offsets (as measured in pm; for example, the offset distance do of the embodiment of FIG. 2C). For example, and with reference to FIG. 2C, the point of the plot 1020 having an x-value of 5 pm represents the loss detected by an optical signal traversing an embodiment of the first expanded beam connection system 100 as depicted in FIG. 2C wherein the offset distance do is 5 pm. As can be seen, lateral offsets of less than +/- 10 pm result in loss of less than 10 dB. The measurements depicted in the plot 1020 were recorded using an expanded beam connector formed from an acrylate resin and having a sum thickness of a spacer and lens thereof (for example, a length of the region di in the embodiment depicted in FIG. 2C) of 200 pm coupled to a lensed fiber.

[0172] Referring now to FIG. 10C, a plot 1030 demonstrates loss (as measured in dB) of optical signals of 1310 nm wavelengths propagated in various expanded beam connection systems having varying tilt angles (as measured in degrees; for example, the offset angle 0o of the embodiment of FIG. 2D). For example, and with reference to FIG. 2D, the point of the plot 1030 having an x-value of 0.5 degrees represents the loss detected by an optical signal traversing an embodiment of the first expanded beam connection system 100 as depicted in FIG. 2D wherein the offset angle 0o is 0.5 degrees. As can be seen, tilt angles of less than +/- 1 degree result in loss of no more than 1 dB. The measurements depicted in the plot 1030 were recorded using an expanded beam connector formed from an acrylate resin and having a sum thickness of a spacer and lens thereof (for example, a length of the region di in the embodiment depicted in FIG. 2D) of 200 pm coupled to a lensed fiber.

[0173] Referring now to FIG. 11A, a plot 1110 demonstrates intensity (as measured in dB) of a Gaussian beam optical signal having a 1310 nm wavelength propagating between two connectors and within air (as denoted by the dashed lines parallel to the y-axis). For example, referring to FIGS. 2A-2B, the space between the dashed lines is representative of the regions d2, d3, while the regions di, cfi are represented by the regions to the left and right of the dashed lines, respectively, and the z- and x-coordinates described in the labels of the x-axis and y-axis, respectively, of the plot 1110 thereby reflect the coordinate schemes depicted in FIGS. 2A-2D. The measurements depicted in the plot 1110 were recorded using an expanded beam connector formed from an acrylate resin and having a sum thickness of a spacer and lens thereof (for example, a length of the region di in the embodiments depicted in FIGS. 2A-2B) of 580 pm coupled to a lensed fiber.

[0174] Referring now to FIG. 1 IB, a plot 1120 demonstrates intensity (as measured in watts per meter squared ((W/m²)) of a Gaussian beam optical signal having a 1310 nm wavelength propagated between an expanded beam connector and a connector at z = 2 mm (as denoted in the x-axis of the plot 1110), which is a beam waist of the optical signal of the plot 1110. For example, referring to FIGS. 2A-2B, these measurements were taken at the boundary of the regions d2, d^, and the x-coordinates described in the label of the x-axis of the plot 1120 thereby reflect the coordinate schemes depicted in FIGS. 2A-2D. The measurements depicted in the plot 1120 were recorded using an expanded beam connector formed from an acrylate resin and having a sum thickness of a spacer and lens thereof (for example, a length of the region di in the embodiments depicted in FIGS. 2A-2B) of 580 pm coupled to a lensed fiber.

[0175] Referring now to FIG. 12A, a plot 1210 demonstrates loss (as measured in decibels (dB)) of Gaussian beam optical signals of 1310 nm wavelengths propagated in various expanded beam connection systems having varying lens to lens distances (as measured in mm; for example, a combined length of the regions d2, d^, as depicted in either or both of the embodiments of FIGS. 1B-2D and FIGS. 3B-4B). For example, and with reference to FIGS. 2A-2B, the point of the plot 1210 having an x-value of 4 mm represents the loss detected by an optical signal traversing an embodiment of the first expanded beam connection system 100 as depicted in FIGS. 2A-2B wherein a combined length of the regions d2, d3 is 4 mm. As can be seen, loss is minimized between a lens to lens distance of 2 mm and 4 mm. The measurements depicted in the plot 1210 were recorded using an expanded beam connector formed from an acrylate resin and having a sum thickness of a spacer and lens thereof (for example, a length of the region di in the embodiments depicted in FIGS. 2A-2B) of 580 pm coupled to a lensed fiber.

[0176] Referring now to FIG. 12B, a plot 1220 demonstrates loss (as measured in dB) of Gaussian beam optical signals of 1310 nm wavelengths propagated in various expanded beam connection systems having varying lateral offsets (as measured in pm; for example, the offset distance do of the embodiment of FIG. 2C). For example, and with reference to FIG. 2C, the point of the plot 1220 having an x-value of 10 pm represents the loss detected by an optical signal traversing an embodiment of the first expanded beam connection system 100 as depicted in FIG. 2C wherein the offset distance do is 10 pm. As can be seen, lateral offsets of less than +/- 10 pm result in loss of less than 0.45 dB. The measurements depicted in the plot 1220 were recorded using an expanded beam connector formed from an acrylate resin and having a sum thickness of a spacer and lens thereof (for example, a length of the region di in the embodiment depicted in FIG. 2C) of 580 pm coupled to a lensed fiber.

[0177] Referring now to FIG. 12C, a plot 1230 demonstrates loss (as measured in dB) of Gaussian beam optical signals of 1310 nm wavelengths propagated in various expanded beam connection systems having varying tilt angles (as measured in degrees; for example, the offset angle 0o of the embodiment of FIG. 2D). For example, and with reference to FIG. 2D, the point of the plot 1230 having an x-value of 0.4 degrees represents the loss detected by an optical signal traversing an embodiment of the first expanded beam connection system 100 as depicted in FIG. 2D wherein the offset angle So is 0.4 degrees. As can be seen, tilt angles of less than +/- .4 degrees result in loss of no more than 1.4 dB. The measurements depicted in the plot 1230 were recorded using an expanded beam connector formed from an acrylate resin and having a sum thickness of a spacer and lens thereof (for example, a length of the region di in the embodiment depicted in FIG. 2D) of 580 pm coupled to a lensed fiber.

[0178] It should now be understood that the present disclosure relates to various optical devices and expanded beam connection systems that include base substrates with waveguides integrally formed therein and expanded beam connectors which may collimate an optical signal propagated by the waveguide. In embodiments, the expanded beam connectors may include a spacer plate directly attached to a substrate end facet of the base substrate. In embodiments, the expanded beam connector may include a lens directly attached to a spacer plate end facet of the spacer plate. In embodiments, the waveguide may propagate an optical signal along an optical path through the substrate end facet, from the substrate end facet and through the spacer plate end facet, and from the spacer plate end facet and through the lens facet. In embodiments, the lens may collimate the optical signal between the lens facet and the waveguide of the base substrate.

[0179] While particular embodiments have been illustrated and described herein, it should be understood that various other changes and modifications may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the claimed subject matter. Moreover, although various aspects of the claimed subject matter have been described herein, such aspects need not be utilized in combination. It is therefore intended that the appended claims cover all such changes and modifications that are within the scope of the claimed subject matter.

Claims

CLAIMS What is claimed is:

1. An optical device comprising: a base substrate comprising a substrate end facet and waveguide integrally formed within the base substrate, wherein the waveguide propagates an optical signal along an optical path through the substrate end facet; and an expanded beam connector comprising: a spacer plate directly attached to the substrate end facet of the base substrate, the spacer plate comprising a spacer plate end facet, wherein the optical path extends from the substrate end facet and through the spacer plate end facet, and a lens directly attached to the spacer plate end facet and comprising a lens facet, wherein the optical path extends from the spacer plate end facet and through the lens facet and wherein the lens collimates the optical signal between the lens facet and the waveguide of the base substrate.

2. The optical device of claim 1 , wherein: the waveguide propagates the optical signal along a waveguide axis; the lens propagates the optical signal along a lens axis; and the waveguide axis and the lens axis define an offset angle less than or equal to 1 degree and greater than or equal to 0 degrees.

3. The optical device of claim 1 further comprising a reflector positioned on a reflector facet of the spacer plate and along the optical path between the spacer plate end facet and the substrate end facet, wherein: the waveguide propagates the optical signal along a waveguide axis; the lens propagates the optical signal along a lens axis; the waveguide axis and the lens axis define an axial angle greater than or equal to 75 degrees and less than or equal to 105 degrees; and the reflector redirects the optical signal such that, between the waveguide and the reflector, the optical path extends along the waveguide axis and, between the lens facet and the reflector, the optical path extends along the lens axis.

4. The optical device of claim 1 , wherein the lens is a spherical lens or a non-spherical lens.

5. The optical device of claim 1, wherein the waveguide is a single-mode waveguide or a multi-mode waveguide.

6. The optical device of claim 1, wherein the lens comprises a UV-curable resin, an acrylic-based resin, or any combination thereof.

7. A method for manufacturing an optical device using two-photon polymerization additive manufacturing, the method comprising: depositing a first additive manufacturing material on a base substrate comprising a substrate end facet and a waveguide integrally formed within the base substrate, wherein the waveguide propagates an optical signal along an optical path through the substrate end facet; fabricating, from the first additive manufacturing material and using two-photon polymerization, a spacer plate directly attached to the substrate end facet of the base substrate, the spacer plate comprising a spacer plate end facet, wherein the optical path extends from the substrate end facet and through the spacer plate end facet; depositing a second additive manufacturing material on the spacer plate end facet; and fabricating, from the second additive manufacturing material and using two-photon polymerization, a lens directly attached to the spacer plate end facet and comprising a lens facet, wherein the optical path extends from the spacer plate end facet and through the lens facet and wherein the lens collimates the optical signal between the lens facet and the waveguide of the base substrate.

8. The method of claim 7, wherein: the waveguide propagates the optical signal along a waveguide axis; the lens propagates the optical signal along a lens axis; and the waveguide axis and the lens axis define an offset angle less than or equal to 1 degree and greater than or equal to 0 degrees.

9. The method of claim 7, wherein the spacer plate further comprises a reflector positioned on a reflector facet of the spacer plate and along the optical path between the spacer plate end facet and the substrate end facet, the method further comprising fabricating a reflector positioned on the reflector facet and along the optical path between the spacer plate end facet and the substrate end facet, wherein: the waveguide propagates the optical signal along a waveguide axis; the lens propagates the optical signal along a lens axis; the waveguide axis and the lens axis define an axial angle greater than or equal to 75 degrees and less than or equal to 105 degrees; and the reflector redirects the optical signal such that the optical path extends, between the waveguide and the reflector, along the waveguide axis and, between the lens facet and the reflector, along the lens axis.

10. The method of claim 7, further comprising fabricating the base substrate.

11. The method of claim 10, further comprising fabricating the waveguide by ion exchange, laser-writing, deposition, electron-beam lithography, or any combination.

12. The method of claim 7, further comprising, prior to depositing the second additive manufacturing material, laser-singulating or polishing the spacer plate end facet.

13. The method of claim 7, further comprising: depositing a support additive manufacturing material; and fabricating, from the support additive manufacturing material, a support block.

14. The method of claim 7, wherein the lens is a spherical lens or a non-spherical lens.

15. The method of claim 7, wherein the waveguide is a single-mode waveguide or a multi-mode waveguide.

16. The method of claim 7, wherein the first additive manufacturing material and the second additive manufacturing material are the same material.

17. An expanded beam connection system comprising: an array of optical fibers; an optical device comprising a first plurality of connectors and a base substrate comprising a substrate end facet and a plurality of waveguides integrally formed within the base substrate, wherein: each connector of the first plurality of connectors is an expanded beam connector optically coupled to a respective waveguide of the plurality of waveguides, each expanded beam connector of the first plurality of connectors optically couples a respective optical fiber of the array of optical fibers to the respective waveguide of the plurality of waveguides to which the expanded beam connector is optically coupled, each waveguide of the plurality of waveguides propagates a respective optical signal of the waveguide to or from the respective optical fiber of the array of optical fibers to which the waveguide is optically coupled and along a respective optical path of the waveguide through the substrate end facet, and each expanded beam connector of the first plurality of connectors comprises: a spacer plate directly attached to the substrate end facet of the base substrate, the spacer plate comprising a spacer plate end facet, wherein the respective optical path of the respective waveguide to which the expanded beam connector is optically coupled extends from the substrate end facet and through the spacer plate end facet, and a lens directly attached to the spacer plate end facet and comprising a lens facet, wherein the respective optical path of the respective waveguide to which the expanded beam connector is optically coupled extends from the spacer plate end facet and through the lens facet and wherein the lens collimates the respective optical signal of the respective waveguide to which the expanded beam connector is optically coupled between the lens facet and the respective waveguide to which the expanded beam connector is optically coupled; and a second plurality of connectors, wherein: each connector of the second plurality of connectors is optically coupled to a respective optical fiber of the array of optical fibers, and each connector of the second plurality of connectors is optically coupled to a respective waveguide of the plurality of waveguides such that the optical path of each waveguide of the plurality of waveguides extends between the respective expanded beam connector of the first plurality of connectors to which the waveguide is optically coupled and the respective connector of the second plurality of connectors to which the waveguide is optically coupled.

18. The expanded beam connection system of claim 17, wherein: each waveguide of the plurality of waveguides propagates the respective optical signal of the waveguide along a respective waveguide axis of the waveguide; the lens of each expanded beam connector of the first plurality of connectors propagates the respective optical signal of the respective waveguide to which the expanded beam connector is optically coupled along a respective lens axis of the expanded beam connector; the respective lens axis of each expanded beam connector defines a respective offset angle between the respective lens axis and the respective waveguide axis of the respective waveguide to which the expanded beam connector is optically coupled; and each respective offset angle is less than or equal to 1 degree and greater than or equal to 0 degrees.

19. The expanded beam connection system of claim 17, wherein: each expanded beam connector of the first plurality of connectors comprises a reflector positioned on a reflector facet of the spacer plate of the expanded beam connector and along the respective optical path of the respective waveguide to which the expanded beam connector is optically coupled between the spacer plate end facet of the optical device and the substrate end facet of the expanded beam connector; each waveguide of the plurality of waveguides propagates the respective optical signal of the waveguide along a respective waveguide axis of the waveguide; the lens of each expanded beam connector of the first plurality of connectors propagates the respective optical signal of the respective waveguide to which the expanded beam connector is optically coupled along a respective lens axis of the expanded beam connector; the respective lens axis of each expanded beam connector defines a respective axial angle between the respective lens axis of the expanded beam connector and the respective waveguide axis of the respective waveguide to which the expanded beam connector is optically coupled; each respective axial angle is greater than or equal to 75 degrees and less than or equal to 105 degrees; and the reflector of each expanded beam connector of the first plurality of connectors redirects the respective optical signal of the respective waveguide to which the expanded beam connector is optically coupled such that the respective optical path of the respective waveguide extends, between the respective waveguide and the reflector, along the respective waveguide axis of the respective waveguide and, between the reflector and the lens facet of the expanded beam connector comprising the reflector, along the respective lens axis of the expanded beam connector.

20. The expanded beam connection system of claim 17, wherein the array of optical fibers comprises 48 optical fibers, 96 optical fibers, 144 optical fibers, 256 optical fibers, or 1024 optical fibers.

21. The expanded beam connection system of claim 17, wherein each optical fiber of the array of optical fibers is a single-mode fiber or a multi-mode fiber.