Abstract: It is often desirable to efficiently couple laser foci that are dimensionally large to dimensionally small optical fibers. A fiber fused in a lower refractive index fiber is disclosed. The fiber/ferrule construct is characterized by having no taper of the fiber in the ferrule and a negative lens shape at a fiber/ferrule face. This construct enable the coupling of imparting rays that fall outside of the fiber core into the transmission path of the fiber. Where the laser systems are integrated in a manner that precludes altering the focusing optic, such as in surgical laser systems, or where the laser's beam focal properties are such that reducing the focal spot diameter is impractical for fiber coupling, modification of the optical fiber input geometry offers a means of customizing the laser-to-fiber interface for applications involving different fiber diameters.

Abstract: Attachments are respectively attached to one ends of a pair of light guides, which are integrally formed via a connecting portion, such that the attachments surround the one ends of the light guides. The one ends protrude from a rear face of a receptacle body and are opposed to a light-emitting device and a light-receiving device, respectively. The attachments are inserted and positioned in guide holes formed respectively on the light-emitting device and the light-receiving device, and the optical axes of the pair of light guides and the optical axes of the light-emitting device and the light-receiving device are aligned with each other.

Abstract: A multimedia patching box including a generally rectangular housing. The housing includes a first wall positioned opposite from a second wall. The housing also includes opposing third and fourth walls that extend between the first and second walls. A panel is mounted adjacent the front of the housing. The panel is mounted to pivot about a pivot axis between an open position and a closed position. The pivot axis is located adjacent to the third wall of the housing and extends generally along the third wall of the housing. A plurality of multimedia connectors are mounted on the panel. The housing defines at least one cable access opening defined through at least one of the first and second walls at a location adjacent the third wall. A cable management structure is connected to the back side of the panel. The cable management structure defines a cable guiding channel that extends generally along the pivot axis of the panel and generally aligns with the at least one cable access opening.

Abstract: An optical ferrule is provided with a ferrule body having a front face and at least one covering applied to the front face to protect the front face of the ferrule from a laser beam used during a trimming process. The optical ferrule may also have a second covering disposed between the front face of the ferrule and the first covering to assist in adhering the first covering to the optical ferrule. A method is also provided for applying the first covering or the first covering and the second covering to the front face of the ferrule. A method is also provided for trimming, and in particular, ablating portions of one or more optical fibers that protrude beyond the front face of the ferrule.

Abstract: An optical plug-in connection including: an optical plug-in connector; a coupling configured to receive the plug-in connector; and locking means for locking the plug-in connector in the coupling when the plug-in connector is inserted into the coupling, wherein the locking means are designed to prevent unintentional unlocking when in a locked state.

Abstract: A fiber optic apparatus comprising a biconvex optical lens having two equivalent aspheric optical surfaces; an optical fiber approximately located at one of a front focal plane and a back focal plane of the optical lens; and a structure positioned relative to the optical lens and the optical fiber, wherein the structure maintains the position of the optical lens relative to the optical fiber.

Abstract: The present invention discloses an apparatus and method for a fiber optic housing and aligning device. A fiber optic housing and aligning device in accordance with the present invention comprises a housing, a directionally adjustable tubular casing that is mechanically coupled to a wall of the housing, and a collimator disposed within the directionally adjustable tubular casing, wherein the adjustable tubular casing comprises a convex spherical cap surface that mates with a concave seating surface of an opening within the wall and wherein the spherical cap surface may be attached to the housing by laser welding or by epoxy.

Abstract: An optical device has a housing for receiving a plurality of optical fibers adapted to carry optical signals. A filter is disposed within the housing for transmitting specific optical signals having a predetermined wavelength range. A first ball lens is coupled to the housing and is positioned relative to the filter and the optical fibers to selectively collimate and focus the optical signals. A second ball lens is coupled to the housing and is also positioned relative to the filter and optical fibers to selectively collimate and focus the optical signals. Both ball lenses are optically coupled to the filter.

Abstract: There is provided an optical module capable of improving assembling efficiency and reducing the number of parts to reduce production costs, and an optical connector having the same. The optical module has a holder 3, a lens 12 and a diffraction grating 13 for damping the quantity of light. The holder 3, the lens 12 and the diffraction grating 13 are formed of a resin material so as to be integrated with each other. The diffracting grating 13 is designed to prevent high-order diffracted light beams from being coupled with an optical fiber 8.

Abstract: A coupling device for axially coupling together the ends of very thin optical fibres, fixed in one coupling house each, for achieving an optical connection between the fibres, and comprising a lens system arranged in each coupling house consisting a lens body, a glass body, a space for an optically means, and a fibre contact coaxially arranged thereto, shaped as a holder for at least one fibre. The focal point of the lens body is arranged to coincidence with the end surface of the fibre contact facing the lens body. The glass body is arranged to constitute a rear limit for the lens system, and is axially adjustable so that the focal point of the lens system, for the wavelength used, coincidences with the rear end surface of the lens system and the glass body, and thereby the end surface of the fibre contact facing the lens system.

Abstract: An optical connector subassembly (1) includes a ferrule (2), a base member (4) and a locking element (6). The ferrule defines an axial passageway (22) for receiving a core of an optical cable and a plurality of holes (24) provided on an outer surface of the ferrule. The base member has a space (42) for receiving a lower portion of the ferrule, a bore (46) that is formed along a central axis of the base member and ends in a funnel (48) for guiding an optical fiber into the passageway, and a plurality of openings (44) formed on the upper portion of the base member and corresponding to the holes of the ferrule and communicating with the receiving space. The locking element has a plurality of free extension portions (62) that extend through the corresponding openings and into the corresponding holes to join the ferrule and the base member together.

Abstract: An optical connector provides the reliability of a butt-coupled connection with the mating simplicity of an expanded-beam coupling arrangement. In an example embodiment, an optical fiber connector arrangement includes a first ferrule having an expanded-beam arrangement disposed therein. The expanded-beam arrangement within the first ferrule includes a first lens that is coupled to a first optical fiber and a second lens that is coupled to a second optical fiber, wherein the second optical fiber protrudes from the first ferrule. The connector arrangement further includes a second ferrule arranged to receive the first ferrule. The second ferrule supports a third optical fiber and is shaped to receive the first ferrule. The second optical fiber is butt-coupled to the third optical fiber within the second ferrule when the second ferrule is engaged with the first ferrule.

Abstract: A fiber optic connector including a body forming a fiber insertion path and an optical lens. The fiber insertion path receives an optical fiber and extends within the body to an internal end. The lens includes a first concave surface formed at the internal end of the fiber channel and a second concave surface formed on an external side of the body. The first and second concave surfaces of the lens are operative to direct light towards each other to enable optical communications between an inserted optical fiber and a connected second connector. Multiple connectors may be incorporated within the same body. A fiber tip cleaner and fiber bonding system may be included within the insertion path. An optical block incorporating the connectors may be configured as a splitter and/or combiner. The connectors and optical blocks may be used to implement a segmented FTTH optical network.

Abstract: Various embodiments of methods and systems for reducing the amount of contamination that enters the optical path of an optical device are disclosed. In one embodiment, an optical device includes a housing containing at least one optical component (active, passive, or both) that is configured to process an optical signal. The optical device also includes a first sleeve that encloses a portion of an optical fiber, an optical path configured to convey the optical signal between the optical component(s) and the end of the optical fiber. A flexible seal contacts a portion of the surface of the first sleeve and contacts the surface of a portion of the housing through which the first sleeve passes.

Abstract: A compact add-drop multiplexer with low wavelength temperature sensitivity. In the present invention, a plurality of spacer rings is disposed between the optical elements of the add-drop multiplexer, and a heat curing epoxy or an ultraviolet curing epoxy adheres the optical elements to each other. The spacer rings are formed with a thermal expansion coefficient within a predetermined range to compensate for thermal stress of the WDM filter.

Abstract: A fiber optic connector including a body forming a fiber insertion path and an optical lens. The fiber insertion path receives an optical fiber and extends within the body to an internal end. The lens includes a first concave surface formed at the internal end of the fiber channel and a second concave surface formed on an external side of the body. The first and second concave surfaces of the lens are operative to direct light towards each other to enable optical communications between an inserted optical fiber and a connected second connector. Multiple connectors may be incorporated within the same body. A fiber tip cleaner and fiber bonding system may be included within the insertion path. An optical block incorporating the connectors may be configured as a splitter and/or combiner. The connectors and optical blocks may be used to implement a segmented FTTH optical network.

Abstract: A wavelength division multiplexer according to the present invention includes a first collimator (10), a second collimator (20), a filter (30), a holder (40) and an outer sleeve (50). The first collimator has a first ferrule (12) within which input and reflective optical fibers (112), (111) are secured. The first ferrule has an oblique face (122) that is mounted opposite an oblique face (132) of a first molded lens (13). A first inner tube (14) partially encloses the first ferrule, and a first outer tube (15) then encloses the first inner tube. The holder has a seat (44) receiving an aspherical face (131) of the first molded lens therein. The filter is fixed onto a free end of the holder. The second collimator has a structure similar to that of the first collimator. The two collimators are aligned with each other and retained in the outer sleeve by welding.

Abstract: A compact add/drop optical device. The device prevents adhesive material from blocking the light path. The compact add/drop optical device includes a first optical collimator, a second optical collimator, a filter and two spacer rings, wherein the first optical collimator has a pair of optical fibers and the second optical collimator has an optical fiber. The invention is characterized in that the filter is sandwiched between the two spacer rings. Additionally, using a heat-cured epoxy, one spacer ring adheres to the first optical collimator and the filter, and another spacer ring adheres to the second optical collimator and the filter.

Abstract: The present invention provides improved optical switches in which no mechanical movement is required to direct optical pathways between plural fiber ports. Advantageously, the inventive switches incorporate two-stage polarization rotation to improve isolation depth, as well as temperature and wavelength independence. The inventive switches also incorporate light bending devices to allow two fibers to be coupled to the light beams using a single lens achieving small beam separation for compactness. In the inventive switch, an optical signal is spatially split into two polarized beams by a birefringent element, which passes through a polarization rotation device that comprises waveplates, walk-off elements, and electrically controllable polarization rotators, and recombine into an output fiber, achieving polarization independent operation.

Abstract: A packaging method and apparatus that improve the yield and reliability of multi-port fiber optical devices are disclosed. The method utilizes a flexible metallic connection between a solid frame holding input and output optics (including fibers, collimators) and the main body of an optical device. Optical alignment and realignment are accomplished following the soldering and/or hermetically sealing of the entire package. A flexible connection is made with permeable material that has minimum stress memory associated with realignments and can tolerate repeated adjustment or realignment without becoming structurally unsound.

Abstract: An optical fiber collimator includes a transparent rod having a diameter large compared with the core diameter of the fiber but small compared with the lens. A first fusion splice connects the optical fiber to one end of the transparent rod and a second fusion splice connects the second end of the rod to the lens.

Abstract: A high power expanded beam and methods for making and using the high power expanded beam connector are described herein. Basically, the high power expanded beam connector includes a first lensed optical fiber that is optically coupled to a second lensed optical fiber but physically separated from the second lensed optical fiber. The first lensed optical fiber is capable of expanding a light beam traveling therein and outputting a collimated light beam. The second lensed optical fiber is capable of receiving the collimated light beam and focusing the received light beam such that the light beam travels from the first lensed optical fiber to the second lensed optical fiber. In a similar manner, the high power expanded beam connector can transmit a light beam from the second lensed optical fiber to the first lensed optical fiber.

Abstract: An optical isolator includes a first optical collimator, a first birefringent crystal, a Faraday rotator, a second birefringent crystal and a second optical collimator. The first and second collimators have the same structure and configuration. Each first and second collimator includes a ferrule, an optical fiber retained in the ferrule, and a collimating lens, all of which are secured in a tube. The first and second birefringent crystals are respectively fixed to the first and the second collimators. The Faraday rotator is stationed between the first and second collimators, and fixed onto an end of the first collimator. In assembly, the first and second collimators and the Faraday rotator are all secured in a stainless steel outer tube. The second collimator is rotated within the outer tube until correct relative alignment of optical axes of the birefringent crystals is attained.

Abstract: An optical waveguide and a first lens are formed on an underlying surface. The optical waveguide guides light along a first direction. The first lens is continuous with one end of the waveguide and converges light radiated from the end plane of the optical waveguide and diverging along directions parallel to the underlying surface. A second lens converges light transmitted through the first lens and diverging along directions perpendicular to the underlying surface. A support member supports the first and second lenses. It is possible to prevent a shift of positions of the optical waveguide and lens to be caused by a temperature change and to prevent a light coupling efficiency from being lowered.

Abstract: A sleeve (21) includes a core (22) of transparent synthetic resin and a cladding (23), also of transparent synthetic resin, having a smaller refractive index than the core. The core includes an optical waveguide (24) extending in an optical axial direction to taper in a conical shape and a lens (27) formed at the large diameter end of the waveguide. The lens receives light and converges it. There is a circular flange-like guide integral to the outer wall in the vicinity of the lens. The cladding (23) is formed concentrically with the core in intimate contact with the outer wall of the core. The configuration improves the transmission efficiency of light and contributes to cost reduction of the sleeve.

Abstract: An optical waveguide coupler can be adjusted in the field and can couple and redirect optical energy leaving a first optical waveguide oriented in a first position into a second optical waveguide oriented in second position different from the first position. The optical coupler can maximize the optical energy transfer between two optical waveguides, while minimizing any back reflection or other optical return losses. The optical coupler provides an automatic core-to-core alignment of optical waveguides in free space by using aspherically shaped lenses with predetermined prescriptions in combination with a reflecting device that is accurately positioned between the two lenses.

Abstract: The invention concerns an optical connector system for data busses, in which optical elements are integrated in the connector and in the connector socket for redirecting the light. With this connector system the light guided along the bus line is decoupled to the optical receiver of a supplemental bus participant and the light transmitted from the supplemental participant is coupled into the bus line. The connector socket is either integrated in the bus line or a bus bridge is subsequently added to the bus line.

Abstract: A method of making an in situ shaped optical element on the terminal end of an optical fiber, and the resultant optical fiber component for manipulating light entering or exiting the terminal end of an optical fiber. The in situ shaped optical element is preferably an inorganic-organic hybrid sol-gel material which is adhered to the terminal end of the optical fiber and shaped in place to define an optical element or surface.

Abstract: The present invention discloses an improved in-line micro-optic component. The in-line micro-optic component includes an optical core attached to a first optical collimator by applying a first heat-curing epoxy. The in-line micro-optic component further includes a first gold-plated stainless steel holder holding the first optical collimator. The first optical collimator is inserted and fixed in the first stainless steel holder by applying a second heat-curing epoxy. The inline micro-optic component coupler further includes a second optical collimator. The in-line micro-optic component coupler further includes a second gold-plated stainless steel holder holding the second optical collimator. The second optical collimator is inserted and fixed in the second stainless steel holder by applying a third heat-curing epoxy.

Abstract: An optical connector provides the reliability of a butt-coupled connection with the mating simplicity of an expanded-beam coupling arrangement. In an example embodiment, an optical fiber connector arrangement includes a first ferrule having an expanded-beam arrangement disposed therein. The expanded-beam arrangement within the first ferrule includes a first lens that is coupled to a first optical fiber and a second lens that is coupled to a second optical fiber, wherein the second optical fiber protrudes from the first ferrule. The connector arrangement further includes a second ferrule arranged to receive the first ferrule. The second ferrule supports a third optical fiber and is shaped to receive the first ferrule. The second optical fiber is butt-coupled to the third optical fiber within the second ferrule when the second ferrule is engaged with the first ferrule.

Abstract: Optical devices, such as couplers, isolators and filters, are important building blocks in most WDM systems, within which light from a fiber is collimated, processed, and then focused onto another fiber. Unfortunately, during the processing of the light the beam gets walked-off from its initial path. In order for the light to fully couple between the fibers it is imperative that this walk-off be accounted for. Conventional systems simply mount the focusing lens and output ferrule offset from the collimating lens and input ferrule to ensure good coupling. However, there are several advantages to positioning the collimating lens coaxial with the focusing lens. Accordingly, the present invention relates to a method for optically coupling fibers with coaxial lenses by rotating an angle polished end face of at least one (preferably two) of the ferrules and lenses relative to the other ferrules and lenses. A greater range of positions is obtained when two of the ferrule and/or the lens are rotated.

Abstract: A method for making an optical collimating device having three or more ports. A test light having the same wavelength as that at which the filter is designed to operate is transmitted through the input collimator. The angle of incidence is measured, and the location where the reflected beam reaches the ferrule is determined. The data dictates where the output fiber pigtail should be positioned within the ferrule to achieve the measured angle of incidence for that transmitted wavelength and the spacing between input and output pigtails based on the angle of reflection. Multiple ferrules containing two or more pigtails corresponding to a particular filter operating at a particular wavelength are segregated into separate collimator bins that are marked accordingly.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a bonding collar for coupling optical components and methods for manufacturing the bonding collar and mounting the optical components to the bonding collar. The bonding collar is composed of a material having a thermal expansion coefficient comparable to that of the coupled optical components and is formed by a first socket into one end of a cylindrical blank and a square second socket in communication with the first socket so that when a GRIN lens is inserted in the first socket and a filter is placed in the second socket, the GRIN lens and filter will directly contact each other. Further, the manufacturing process ensures alignment between the two sockets. The filter and GRIN lens are bonded to the bonding collar by applying adhesive to the visible interfaces that the bonding collar forms with the GRIN lens and the filter.

Abstract: An ellipsoidal solid immersion lens (ESIL) for use as a collimator for a waveguide. The ESIL has a refractive index n, an ellipsoidal surface portion defining a geometrical ellipsoid with geometrical foci F1, F2 along a major axis of length M. The ESIL has an attachment surface portion for joining to the waveguide. The attachment surface portion passes near or through the second geometrical focus F2. The geometrical foci F1, F2 are separated by a distance S=M/n, such that a substantially collimated light beam exhibiting a Gaussian type intensity profile propagating along the major axis M and entering the ESIL through the ellipsoidal surface portion converges to a Gaussian beam waist substantially at the second geometrical focus F2.

Abstract: A method and apparatus of aligning a collimator assembly requiring only a single-axis adjustment and for which the collimator may be paired with any other similarly aligned collimator. A collimator typically includes a fiber grasped by a ferrule. Both the ferrule and a graded-index (GRIN) lens are eventually bonded to the inside of a glass tube with the fiber/lens distance fixed for optimum collimator performance. According to one method of practicing the invention, the tube/lens assembly is fixed, and the ferrule/fiber is slidably inserted into the tube. The position of the ferrule/fiber is adjusted within the tube while the size of the resultant beam is measured at a fixed distance from the output from the lens. If there are two such positions producing the optimum beam size, the position of less separation between the ferrule and fiber is chosen.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an optical coupling between an end of an optical fiber and an end of a lens, which provides a reliable joint with a determined spacing and angular orientation. The optical coupling permits movement of the end of the optical fiber relative to the lens in at least two alignment directions. Advantageously, the present invention permits movement of the end of the optical fiber relative to the end of the lens in a direction perpendicular to the optical axis of the lens, before the optical coupling is secured. The optical fibre within an optical fiber tube/ferrule and the lens are secured within separate sleeves and the sleeves bonded together. The end of the optical fiber and the end of the lens are optically aligned before being secured in place relative to each other.

Abstract: Disclosed is an optical fiber connector for ultra high-speed communication which can be produced by easy machining procedures and which enables stable and efficient transmission. The connector comprises a columnar ferrule having a through hole in which a connection end portion of an optical fiber is retained, a tapered portion serving as a connection guide and assuming a conical face formed at the and of the ferrule, and a convex spherical face formed at the end of the tapered portion. An intersection of the convex spherical face and the axis of the ferrule forms a reference abutment point. A straight line passing through this reference abutment point and angled with respect to the ferrule axis forms a reference normal intersecting orthogonal to the convex spherical face.

Abstract: A method for optically connecting an optical element, including glass, for example an end portion of an optical fibre having a core consisting of glass, to a lens consisting of glass. The optical element and the lens are fixed in a connector element in a pre-determined position in relation to each other and the surface of the lens facing the optical element is treated with an anti-reflection agent, for example magnesium fluoride. The thickness of the layer of the anti-reflection agent is adapted with regard to the refractive index of the glass of the optical element, the refractive index of the glass of the lens and the wave length of the light which is transmitted through the system so that the light transmission of the optical connection will be as high as possible and so that the reflections in the connection are thereby as low as possible.

Abstract: There is provided an optical attenuator for reducing back-reflection by forming the sections of optical fibers of the optical attenuator into non-spherical lenses. For this purpose, in an optical attenuator for attenuating a predetermined optical signal, the sections of first and second optical fibers spaced by a predetermined distance to face each other are formed into non-spherical lenses. Thus, optical attenuation precision is improved and impacts of back-reflection is avoided.

Abstract: An improved fiber optic cable connector is provided that exhibits a consistent return loss rating of 60 dB or better. The connector comprises matable connector housings that terminate the ends of respective optical cables to be joined. Within each housing, the optical fiber of the respective cable is secured within a ceramic ferrule that extends axially of the connector. The endface of each optical fiber is exposed at the end of its respective ferrule. The ends of the ferrules are ground and polished in such a way that the endfaces of the optical fibers exhibit a planar undercut with respect to the lip of the axial passageway in which the fibers are secured. When the ferrules are brought and pressed together end-to-end as the connectors are mated, the material of each ferrule compresses until the endfaces of the optical fibers engage each other with near null pressure.

Abstract: An optical system for coupling an output beam in an alignment direction from a semiconductor device output beam from a semiconductor device through a lens arrangement to focus the beam onto a center point of an input end surface of an optical transmission medium. The optical system includes a steering lens positioned between the semiconductor device and a focusing lens with the center of the steering lens in relative axial alignment with the output beam and may be laterally translated in a direction transverse to the axial direction of said beam for initially aligning the focused point of said beam in close proximity to said center point.

Abstract: A diversion connector is disclosed for mating with an optical fiber of an associated fiber optic transmission means. The connector includes a body having an end face for mating with the associated fiber optic transmission means, the end face traversing the optic axis. A fiber section is mounted in the body and includes a front fiber end and a rear fiber end. The front fiber end is adapted for mating with an end of the optical fiber of the associated fiber optic transmission means. The rear fiber end is at an angle to the optic axis to prevent light energy transmitted by the optical fiber from being reflected back toward the fiber and to protect an operator's eyes from the transmitted light energy.

Abstract: An optical device having at least one slant optical connecting interface is disclosed. The optical device comprises a ferrule assembly, a GRIN rod lens assembly and a means for aligning the interface. The ferrule assembly comprises a pair of optical fibers with the distal ends thereof inserted symmetrically with respect to a reference line in a main body thereof, an aligning reference surface constituted by two surfaces which are provided on the outer periphery of the main body, and an end surface composed of the optical fibers and a main body end surface which have been polished to a slant surface. The GRIN rod lens assembly comprises of a GRIN rod lens, an aligning sleeve supporting the GRIN rod lens, an aligning reference surface which is constituted by two surfaces which are provided on the outer periphery of the aligning sleeve, and an end surface which has been formed by polishing the GRIN rod lens to a slant surface.

Abstract: An improved fiber optic cable connector is provided that exhibits a consistent return loss rating of 60 dB or better. The connector comprises matable connector housings that terminate the ends of respective optical cables to be joined. Within each housing, the optical fiber of the respective cable is secured within a ceramic ferrule that extends axially of the connector. The endface of each optical fiber is exposed at the end of its respective ferrule. The ends of the ferrules are ground and polished in such a way that the endfaces of the optical fibers exhibit a planar undercut with respect to the lip of the axial passageway in which the fibers are secured. When the ferrules are brought and pressed together end-to-end as the connectors are mated, the material of each ferrule compresses until the endfaces of the optical fibers engage each other with near null pressure.

Abstract: Lens connector for optical through-connection of light guides, which comprises two lens connector halves whose frontal faces face one another. The lens connector half (1) comprises a coupling housing provided with an internal space open at the front and rear of the coupling housing and with an optical system housed in the front-most portion of the internal space. The end of the light guide is fastened in the rearmost portion of the internal space (22). In the one lens connector half the light beam emanating from the guide fastened therein is widened by the optical system (24) and in the other lens connector half the received light beam is focused, by the optical system housed therein, onto the light guide associated therewith.

Abstract: A device for optical connection of an optical element, for example an end portion of an optical fiber (2), with a spherical lens (4) comprises a connector element (14). The connector element has a surface for defining the position of the spherical lens and a surface for defining the position of the optical element in relation thereto. A surface of the connector element for defining the position of the spherical lens (4) are constituted by a circular edge surface (18) formed with a radius.

Abstract: An optical coupling device includes a ferrule that holds an optical fiber; a ball lens that focuses light from the optical fiber upon a point; and a housing that aligns the ferrule and the ball lens. A method for manufacturing such an optical coupling device includes the steps of fabricating a ferrule to support and hold a single-core optical fiber; inserting and fitting the single-core optical fiber into the center of the ferrule; grinding the face of the ferrule holding the single-core optical fiber; fabricating a ball lens whose surface is coated with an anti-reflection film to focus light from the single-core optical fiber on a point; fabricating an integral housing on the basis of a calculation of an offset distance for aligning the ferrule and the ball lens; fixing the ferrule to the inside of the housing; and pushing the ball lens into the housing with a predetermined pressure to fix the ball lens to the inside of the housing.

Abstract: An optical connector ferrule includes a ferrule body which is cylindrical and has a transition portion extending from a cylindrical body to a terminal end of the ferrule body. The terminal end is provided with an inclined convex end face defining a plane of inclination inclined relative to the bore axis. The transition portion has an outer surface shaped for the transition portion to have a circular cross section taken perpendicular to a center line extending orthogonal to the plane of inclination.

Abstract: A multi channel connector for transmission means, preferably optical fiber ends, diodes or the like, equipped with lenses. The connector comprises two connector parts shaped for cooperation with at least one centering means for centering the transmission means. The centering means are respectively male and female shaped. The transmission means are each located in a related holder in both connector parts. Each holder has in limited extent radial mobility as well as axial mobility so that each holder is self-centering independent of the other holders.

Abstract: An optical connector ferrule is provided having an standard single mode optical fiber therein whose mode field diameter is approximately 10 .mu.m along its length. An end portion and the end face of the optical fiber are heated to thermally expanded the mode field diameter to approximately 20 .mu.m or greater for reducing power density at the end face. By providing an expanded mode field diameter at the end face of the fiber, the power density is lessened, thereby lessening the probability that any dirt or debris at the end face will become heated sufficiently to damage the optical fiber.