Abstract: Laser-processed gradient-index (GRIN) lenses and optical interface devices and assemblies that utilize the laser-processed GRIN lenses are disclosed. A GRIN lens assembly includes a cylindrical central section having a GRIN index profile, planar front and back surfaces, an outer surface, and a diameter D1 where 200 micrometers?D1?420 micrometers. An annular cladding of outer diameter D2 surrounds the central section outer surface and has front and back annular surfaces and a constant or a varying refractive index. One or both of the front and back annular surfaces may be curved. An optical fiber is optically coupled to the central section at the planar back surface. An optical interface device is formed by operably supporting at least one GRIN lens assembly with a support member. An optical interface assembly is formed by interfacing two optical interface devices.

Abstract: A receptacle ferrule assembly for a fiber optic receptacle connector. The receptacle ferrule assembly comprises a first lens with first second optical surfaces and a receptacle ferrule body having first and second ends. At least one monolithic optical system is formed in a monolithic receptacle ferrule body and includes a lens formed at the second end of monolithic receptacle ferrule body and an optical surface formed at the first end of monolithic receptacle ferrule body. The optical surface is situated adjacent to, and mated to the second optical surface of the first lens The monolithic optical system is configured, in conjunction with the first lens, to define a receptacle optical pathway from the second end of the monolithic optical system to the first surface of the first lens. According to some embodiments the first lens is a gradient index lens.

Abstract: An optical connector for optically connecting at least one light source to at least one light receiver is disclosed. The optical connector includes first and second connector members respectively having first and second positive-power lens elements with respective first and second planar lens surfaces. The lens elements are arranged in their respective connector members such that when the two connector members are operably mated, the first and second lenses form an optical system where the first and second planar lens surfaces are spaced apart in opposition with a narrow gap in between, and are non-perpendicular to the optical system axis. The lenses may be conventional uniform-refractive-index lenses having a convex surface or may be gradient-index lenses having two planar surfaces. The optical connector is tolerant to contamination that can find its way into the narrow gap.

Abstract: Receptacle ferrules with at least one monolithic lens system and fiber optic connectors using same are disclosed. Ferrule assemblies formed by mating plug and receptacle ferrules are also disclosed, as are connector assemblies formed by mating plug and receptacle connectors. The fiber optic connectors and connector assemblies are suitable for use with commercial electronic devices and provide either an optical connection, or both electrical and optical connections. The monolithic optical system defines a receptacle optical pathway having a focus at the receptacle ferrule front end. When a plug ferrule having a plug optical pathway is mated with the receptacle ferrule, the plug and receptacle optical pathways are optically coupled at a solid-solid optical pathway interface where light passing therethrough is either divergent or convergent, and where unwanted liquid is substantially expelled.

Abstract: Small-form-factor fiber optic interface devices with an internal lens are disclosed. The fiber optic interface devices have a ferrule with a bore that supports an optical waveguide. The lens is on or adjacent the ferrule front end and is aligned with the bore. A first planar surface is provided on or adjacent the lens. The first planar surface interfaces with a second planar surface of a second fiber optic interface device to form a fiber optic interface assembly having a liquid-displacing interface when the first and second fiber optic interface devices are engaged.

Abstract: An apparatus for optically coupling light between optical transmission components is provided. The apparatus includes first and second optical transmission components wherein the first optical transmission component includes a planar optical waveguide, a grating coupler, and a transparent substrate and the second optical transmission component includes an optical fiber. Preferably, the planar optical waveguide includes silicon and the transparent substrate includes glass. Methods for coupling light between optical transmission components are also provided.

Abstract: Small-form-factor fiber optic interface devices with an internal lens are disclosed. The fiber optic interface devices have a ferrule with a bore that supports an optical waveguide. The lens is on or adjacent the ferrule front end and is aligned with the bore. A first planar surface is provided on or adjacent the lens. The first planar surface interfaces with a second planar surface of a second fiber optic interface device to form a fiber optic interface assembly having a liquid-displacing interface when the first and second fiber optic interface devices are engaged.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a device comprises at least one ferrule having a bore, the bore extending from a rear of the ferrule toward a front of the ferrule, wherein the bore is sized to receive an optical fiber with a buffer at a rear end face of the ferrule, wherein the front end of the ferrule includes an optical component.

Abstract: An apparatus for optically coupling light between optical transmission components is provided. The apparatus includes first and second optical transmission components wherein the first optical transmission component includes a planar optical waveguide, a grating coupler, and a transparent substrate and the second optical transmission component includes an optical fiber. Preferably, the planar optical waveguide includes silicon and the transparent substrate includes glass. Methods for coupling light between optical transmission components are also provided.