Abstract: A connector for coupling a pair of single optical fibers is disclosed. The connector comprises a base plate having a V-groove in its upper surface having a transverse cross-section of an equilateral triangle. Two sets of three equal diameter cylindrical rods lay in the groove each defining an interstitial space therebetween which receives an optical fiber. The sets of rods have mating end faces which abut each other in the groove. A compression plate is mounted over the base plate to arrange the rods in the V-groove so that the centers of the rods are disposed at the vertices of the same equilateral triangle so that the fibers in the interstitial spaces between the rods will become precisely laterally aligned. The groove in the base plate may contain a larger number of rods for aligning a plurality of optical fibers within the interstices defined by the rods. The groove may also have the configuration of a truncated equilateral triangle. A flat cable single optical fiber connector is also disclosed.

Abstract: A fiber optic cable for use in a fiber optic connector in which a ferrule is compressed around the end of the fiber bundle in the cable. The bore in the ferrule has a cylindrical wall with circumferentially spaced flat surfaces thereon which minimize the compression hoop effects on the peripheral fibers of the bundle, thereby maximizing fiber bundle consolidation.

Abstract: A connector for coupling a pair of single optical fibers is disclosed. The connector comprises a deformable elastomeric alignment element having a bore therethrough having a central uniform diameter portion and outwardly tapered end portions. Two sets of three equal diameter cylindrical rods are mounted in the opposite ends of the bore. Each set of rods defines an interstitial space therebetween which receives an optical fiber. The sets of rods have mating end faces which abut each other in the bore. The rods of each set have an interference fit in the central portion of the bore causing the rods to be resiliently compressed inwardly to engage each other and the fiber therebetween. By the compression of the rods, the rods of each set are disposed at the vertices of an equilateral triangle so that the fibers in the interstitial spaces between the rods become precisely laterally aligned.

Abstract: A fiber optic cable for use in a fiber optic connector in which a ferrule is compressed around the end of the fiber bundle in the cable. The bore in the ferrule has a cylindrical wall with circumferentially spaced flat surfaces thereon which minimize the compression hoop effects on the peripheral fibers of the bundle, thereby maximizing fiber bundle consolidation.