Passively-aligned fiber array to waveguide configuration

Passive alignment and connection between a fiber array and a plurality of optical waveguides terminating along an edge of a photonic IC is provided by a controlled mating between V-grooves formed in a fiber support substrate and alignment ridges formed to surround waveguide terminations along an edge of a photonic IC. The V-grooves of the fiber support substrate are spaced to define the same pitch as the waveguides on the photonic IC, with the height and width of the alignment ridges formed to engage with the V-grooves upon mating of the fiber support substrate with the photonic IC. The individual fibers are positioned within associated V-grooves such that their endfaces are retracted from a proximal end portion of the support structure. It is this proximal end portion that mates with the alignment ridges on the photonic IC.