Abstract: An electrically controlled optical switch uses an electro-optic crystal of the type having at least one set of fast and slow optical axes. The crystal exhibits electric field induced birefringence such that a plane of polarization oriented along a first direction of a light beam passing through the crystal may be switched to a plane of polarization oriented along a second direction. A beam splitting polarizer means is disposed at one end of the crystal and directs a light beam passing through the crystal whose plane of polarization is oriented along the first direction differently from a light beam having a plane of polarization oriented along the second direction. The electro-optic crystal may be chosen from the crystal classes 43m, 42m, and 23. In a preferred embodiment, the electro-optic crystal is a bismuth germanium oxide crystal or a bismuth silicon oxide crystal.

Abstract: A fiber optic connector comprises a housing member and ferrule members. The housing member is rigid and has a profiled bore extending therethrough. The bore has a central cylindrical surface, tapered surfaces on each side of the cylindrical surface, and a support surface at the outer ends of the tapered surfaces. The ferrule members are of resilient deformable material and are terminated onto fiber optic transmission members. The ferrule members have profiled front ends comprising front cylindrical sections of slightly larger diameter than the central cylindrical surface, tapered sections slightly smaller than the bore tapered surfaces and rear sections for engagement with the support surfaces. Radiussed surfaces are located at the forward ends of the front cylindrical sections.

Abstract: A fiber optic connector comprises a resilient ferrule member having a lens at a forward end which communicates with an internal bore in which a fiber optic transmission member is disposed with the end of the fiber optic transmission member being located substantially at the focal point of the lens. An index-matching material is located in the bore of the ferrule member to protect the fiber optic transmission member.

Abstract: A connector for a fiber optic member comprises a ferrule in which is positioned an insert surrounding a section of the fiber optic member adjacent an exposed end of the fiber optic member, the exposed end extending along a front bore of the ferrule. A crimping ring on the ferrule is controllably crimped thereon thereby moving arcuate sections of the insert into mechanical engagement with the fiber optic member with no or minimum deformation to the fiber optic member and securing the fiber optic member in the ferrule. A single crimping ferrule can be used if desired.