Abstract: An apparatus and a method for estimating optical insertion loss of a fiber optic jumper cable are disclosed. Estimation of the insertion loss is accomplished without physically contacting an optical connection portion of the ferrule end face of the connector. In one embodiment, the apparatus and method use pattern matching to compare an optical fiber core of a reference jumper cable with an optical fiber core of a jumper cable being tested. Then, the relative signals for each pattern are compared and used for estimating the optical insertion loss using an appropriate algorithm. Additionally, the apparatus and method may include other inspection techniques such as surface and/or geometry inspection.

Abstract: A field-installable connector includes a connector housing and a ferrule having front and rear opposed faces and at least one fiber bore defined longitudinally therethrough. A laser processed stub optical fiber is disposed within the one fiber bore of the ferrule and extends a predetermined distance beyond the rear face of the ferrule. An alignment feature is operable for self-centering the stub optical fiber and a field optical fiber to perform a mechanical splice using a camming means. A method of laser processing a stub optical fiber includes rotating the stub optical fiber and sweeping a laser beam directed at a desired angle back and forth across a surface of the optical fiber. An oscillating motion of the laser is driven by an intermittent sinusoidal signal that results in two deposits of energy onto the stub optical fiber followed by a cooling period before subsequent deposits of energy occur.

Abstract: A ferrule is provided that includes a ferrule body defining a longitudinally extending groove that can serve as an alignment feature for polishing operations. In this regard, the ferrule body extends longitudinally between opposed front and rear surfaces so that at least the rear surface generally defines a substantially rectangular shape in lateral cross-section. In addition, the ferrule body typically has first and second major sides and first and second minor sides with the first and second major sides being larger than the first and second minor sides. The ferrule body defines the longitudinally extending groove in at least one of the major surfaces. A jig is also provided for engaging the longitudinally extending groove defined by the ferrule body in order to hold the ferrule in an aligned position during polishing operations. In this regard, the jig includes a jig body having an alignment feature for engaging a complimentary alignment feature of the ferrule.

Abstract: A ferrule is provided that includes a ferrule body defining a longitudinally extending groove that can serve as an alignment feature for polishing operations. In this regard, the ferrule body extends longitudinally between opposed front and rear surfaces so that at least the rear surface generally defines a substantially rectangular shape in lateral cross-section. In addition, the ferrule body typically has first and second major sides and first and second minor sides with the first and second major sides being larger than the first and second minor sides. The ferrule body defines the longitudinally extending groove in at least one of the major surfaces. A jig is also provided for engaging the longitudinally extending groove defined by the ferrule body in order to hold the ferrule in an aligned position during polishing operations. In this regard, the jig includes a jig body having an alignment feature for engaging a complimentary alignment feature of the ferrule.

Abstract: A ferrule is provided that includes a ferrule body defining a longitudinally extending groove that can serve as an alignment feature for polishing operations. In this regard, the ferrule body extends longitudinally between opposed front and rear surfaces so that at least the rear surface generally defines a substantially rectangular shape in lateral cross-section. In addition, the ferrule body typically has first and second major sides and first and second minor sides with the first and second major sides being larger than the first and second minor sides. The ferrule body defines the longitudinally extending groove in at least one of the major surfaces. A jig is also provided for engaging the longitudinally extending groove defined by the ferrule body in order to hold the ferrule in an aligned position during polishing operations. In this regard, the jig includes a jig body having an alignment feature for engaging a complimentary alignment feature of the ferrule.