Abstract: 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 the centering of 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 against the action of a spring in one for each connector part arranged respective channel, so that each holder is self-centering independent of the other holders.

Abstract: A terminating sleeve for optical waveguides, having disposed at its distal end an optical waveguide insertion opening leading into an optical waveguide receiving channel disposed in the longitudinal direction in the terminating sleeve, the terminating sleeve being formed integrally with a coupling means disposed at the proximal end and serving for coupling and uncoupling light, the optical waveguide receiving channel extending from the optical waveguide insertion opening up to the coupling means and the terminating sleeve inclusive of the coupling means being made from an optically transparent material.

Abstract: An optical connection for connecting an active optical device (6,52) or a passive optical device (41,63) to an optical fiber (3), having a thick metal coating (2) deposited circumferentially around the fiber. In this optical connection the device (6,52,41,63) is bonded to the polished endface of the fiber (5), with particular use being made of the thick metal surface (7) on the endface of the fiber. In another embodiment, the optical fiber (3) is etched to form various surfaces (31,32,33) for optical coupling. This etching also allows for accurate passive alignment of an etched active device (52) or a passive device (42,63) with the optical fiber.

Abstract: The tip of a first optical fiber 8 is fused integrally to a second optical fiber 7, having a single refractive index and an identical outer diameter, which has a spherical lens 10 with the length and diameter to produce a beam expansion by Gaussian diffusion to at least 80 .mu.m or greater at the exit and a radius of curvature greater than 200 .mu.m. The spherical part of the second fiber is formed by thermal fusion; a spherical lens having the desired diameter at the optical fiber tip is formed by feeding the optical fiber tip into a thermal fusion unit to form the spherical lens. An optical fiber terminal for optical coupling composed of a single mode optical fiber, a non-doped silica fiber beam expansion segment, and a non-doped silica spherical lens, is connected to a polarization-independent optical isolator.

Abstract: A coupling between two optical fibre cables has a ceramic ferrule at the end of each cable through which its fibre projects. Each fibre is melted into a spherical termination which sits in a frusto-conical recess at the end of the ferrule. A layer of a transparent resilient adhesive lies between the termination and the recess. The ferrules extend respectively into recesses at opposite ends of a ceramic tube which has a passageway coated with a reflecting layer so that radiation from one cable is focussed by its termination on the termination of the other cable and stray radiation is reflected by the reflecting layer.

Abstract: A connector assembly 1 for optical fibers 3, 3 comprising: a holder 2 for holding optical fibers 3, 3 such that light signals emanated from one of the optical fibers 3, 3 is transmitted into at least one other of the optical fibers 3, 3, a grip 21 at a rear of the holder 2, a passage 37 through the holder 2 permits flushing of contaminants, a cover 4 is applied on the holder 2 to prevent further contamination and to clamp the grip 21 on the optical fibers 3, 3 while the grip 21 is being held to grip 21 the optical fibers 3, 3.