A connectorized silicon bench and ferrule that aids in the passive alignment
of
optical fibers to optical components on the bench. The apparatus includes a bench
having an optical component, a groove formed in the bench, the groove configured
to accommodate an optical fiber; and a ferrule, including a recess region to accommodate
the optic fiber when the ferrule is mounted onto the bench. The groove and the
ferrule cooperate to passively align the optical fiber and the optical component
on the bench. A connector sleeve, which accommodates the silicon bench and ferrule,
includes a receptacle that is configured to receive a plug-in connector which optically
couples the optical fiber to an optical network or link.