US Patent 7334946 Passively aligned optical-electrical interface with microlenses

An optical-electrical interface for interfacing optical signals with electrical signals. The optical-electrical interface includes an alignment interface for receiving an external waveguide connector from a first side. The alignment interface includes an alignment structure to mate with a corresponding alignment structure of the external waveguide connector to passively align the external waveguide connector. A first microlens is disposed on the first side of the alignment interface. A second microlens is disposed on a second side of the alignment interface. An optical path passes through the alignment interface between the first microlens and the second microlens. A conductor is disposed on the second side of the alignment interface.