Abstract: An optical fiber connector includes a longitudinally extending ferrule having fusion access means defined therein such that an optical fiber stub and a second optical fiber can be fused in the field during installation of the optical fiber connector. In one embodiment, the fusion access means includes a fusion access slot which extends transversely across the ferrule from a first side of the ferrule to a bottom portion of the fusion access slot such that a bore defined longitudinally through the ferrule opens into the fusion access slot. In this embodiment, the radial distance between the bottom portion of the fusion access slot and the second side of the ferrule, opposite the first side, is greater than a predetermined radial distance such that the fusion access slot does not significantly weaken the ferrule so that the ferrule remains structurally intact during use.

Abstract: An optical connector is provided for connecting an optical fiber to, for example, a laser. The optical connector comprises a housing defining a passage therethrough and a stop for abutment against a face of a ferrule containing an optical fiber. The stop is positioned and shaped so that in use the area of contact between the stop and the ferrule end face is less than 10% of the total area of the end face of the ferrule, and the area of contact between the stop and the ferrule end face is close to a central axis of the ferrule. Many different designs of angled ferrule are available for reducing the level of optical reflections within optical systems. The present optical connector allows these many different designs of angled ferrules to be accurately aligned to an optical device.

Abstract: A fastening device, which serves for fastening and strain relief of two monomode fibers, comprises two retainer components acting independently of one another. The device includes a cuboid base member of a plastic material that has two separate bores proceeding in a longitudinal direction from one end face to the other end face. Each of said bores has a transverse slot for at least a portion of the length of the bore extending to a side wall, which transverse slot is closable by a clamp arrangement including a clamp rail to form a frictional lock on any fiber disposed in the bore and the fastening device includes a retainer plate insertable in a retainer slot extending parallel to one of the end faces to form a positive lock on a fiber disposed in the bore.

Abstract: A coupler is provided for coupling standard optical fiber connectors of the type with a ferrule extending from a connector housing. The coupler has a monolithic ferrule sleeve that defines a passageway configured for receiving and operatively aligning the ferrules from the two connectors to be coupled. A first latch portion is spaced from and generally parallel with the ferrule sleeve. A midpoint of the first latch portion is connected to a midpoint of the ferrule sleeve. A second latch portion is similarly connected to the ferrule sleeve opposite the first latch portion. The first and second latch portions are configured for engaging the connector housings of the connectors to be coupled.

Abstract: A device for interconnecting the bare ends of two or more optical fibers uses a common receptacle having a fiber clamping element therein and camming surfaces for actuating the element, and at least one plug having a camming finger for engaging one of the camming surfaces. The camming surfaces are located such that, when only one of the camming surfaces is actuated, the clamping element rocks to a side of the pocket opposite the one camming surface and remains in the open state, but when both of the camming surfaces are actuated, the clamping element is forced to the closed state. The plug includes a fiber protector free to slide within the plug housing, substantially enclosing the bare end of the fiber when the plug housing is removed from the receptacle, but retracting when the plug housing is inserted into the receptacle to direct the bare end of the fiber toward said guide tube.

Abstract: A device for interconnecting the bare ends of two or more optical fibers uses a common receptacle having a fiber clamping element therein and camming surfaces for actuating the element, and at least one plug having a camming finger for engaging one of the camming surfaces. The camming surfaces are located such that, when only one of the camming surfaces is actuated, the clamping element rocks to a side of the pocket opposite the one camming surface and remains in the open state, but when both of the camming surfaces are actuated, the clamping element is forced to the closed state. The plug includes a fiber protector free to slide within the plug housing, substantially enclosing the bare end of the fiber when the plug housing is removed from the receptacle, but retracting when the plug housing is inserted into the receptacle to direct the bare end of the fiber toward said guide tube.

Abstract: A connection structure of the present invention allows an optical waveguide device having a base plate connected to a connecting member to be removably connected not only to an optical connector but also to another optical waveguide device having an identical configuration without resorting to optical axis adjustment. The connection is therefore easy and highly reproducible.

Abstract: An optical fiber connector comprises a main body, two ferrules, an adapter, a keying element and a shroud. The main body has a first side wall, a second side wall, a third side wall opposite the first side wall, a fourth side wall opposite the second side wall, two latching arms respectively extending out from the first and third side walls, and two receiving bases attached to the second side wall. Each of the latching arms has at least one latching lug. The two ferrules are received in the receiving bases. The adapter is connected to the fourth side wall of the main body, wherein an optical fiber cable extends out from the adapter and is divided into two parts in an interior of the main body, and the two parts of the optical fiber cable are connected to the ferrules. The shroud movably envelops the receiving bases and has two through holes corresponding to the ferrules and at least one latching hole corresponding to the latching lug.

Abstract: A device for interconnecting the bare ends of two or more optical fibers uses a common receptacle having a fiber clamping element therein and camming surfaces for actuating the element, and at least one plug having a camming finger for engaging one of the camming surfaces. The camming surfaces are located such that, when only one of the camming surfaces is actuated, the clamping element rocks to a side of the pocket opposite the one camming surface and remains in the open state, but when both of the camming surfaces are actuated, the clamping element is forced to the closed state. The plug includes a fiber protector free to slide within the plug housing, substantially enclosing the bare end of the fiber when the plug housing is removed from the receptacle, but retracting when the plug housing is inserted into the receptacle to direct the bare end of the fiber toward said guide tube.

Abstract: The method for butt-coupling an optical fibre connector comprising a cylindrical ferrule consists of the following steps:a) preparing the head of the optical fibre for insertion into the ferrule;b) applying a thin layer of resin to the fibre, taking care not to soil the cut end of the fibre with said resin;c) inserting said fibre into the sized hole of the cylindrical ferrule;d) by means of an alignment bush, coupling said ferrule to a reference ferrule in which a piece of fibre has been previously housed and fixed such that the end surface of said fibre lies inward of the end surface of the reference ferrule;e) crosslinking the resin.

Abstract: An alignment piece for optical conductors comprises a support plate, a guiding plate made with very high accuracy, one or more alignment channels for the conductors, which alignment channels have ends formed in the guiding plate, a first positioning element and a first positioning means formed in the guiding plate and holding the first positioning element at a predetermined location with respect to the ends of the alignment channels. The first positioning element has a supporting zone engaging the conductors. The alignment piece comprises a second positioning element and a second positioning means formed in the alignment piece at the side of the first positioning element opposite of the ends of the alignment channels and holding the second positioning element at a predetermined location with respect to the ends of the alignment channels.

Abstract: The present invention provides a rotary joint for optical fibers comprising a plug assembly and a first ferrule having a fiber-entry end mounted coaxially therein, a receptacle assembly and a second ferrule having a fiber-entry end mounted coaxially therein, wherein at least one of the plug-mounted ferrule and the receptacle-mounted ferrule is biased outwardly from a fiber entry-end of the ferrule, and an alignment sleeve for optically connecting the first and second ferrules and maintaining the optical connection during rotation of one of the plug assembly and the receptacle assembly about an axis parallel to a longitudinal direction of the assembly relative to the other of the plug assembly and the receptacle assembly.

Abstract: An automotive fiber optic cable splice for connecting first and second fiber optic cables in an abutting connection is provided. The splice includes a casing with first and second ends, the casing encircling the first and second fiber optic cables; first and second end caps generally at the first and second ends of the casing; first and second ferrules positioned within the casing for aligning the first and second fiber optic cables generally adjacent the abutting connection of the first and second fiber optic cables; first and second crimps radially gripping the first and second fiber optic cables, respectively, creating on each fiber optic cable a crimped region thereon; and first and second seals radially sealing the fiber optic cables and sealing the fiber optic cables within the casing adjacent the respective first and second end caps, the first and second seals biasing the first and second fiber optic cables toward one another.

Abstract: A connector for coaxial interconnection of optical fibers includes an elastically deformable housing having regions with differing geometries and elastic properties. The geometries and elastic properties in the housing regions are adapted to retain against a channeled mount optical fiber components with widely varying diameters and a wide range of tolerances.

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.

Abstract: The invention relates to an optical waveguide plug for plug connections between optical waveguides (12). Conventional plugs have the disadvantage that a fitter could make relatively easy, even unintentional contact with the polished end of the optical waveguide (12) in the pin (1) which holds it. According to the invention, a restoring spring (6) which withdraws the pin (1) to a protected position when the plug is in the rest state is provided.

Abstract: A multiple position fiber optic receptacle comprises a first receptacle member (1) joined to a second receptacle member (3). Captivated within and between the first and second receptacle members (1,3) is a coupling mechanism (17), an alignment sleeve (5), and a floating bottleneck (6). The floating bottleneck (6) permits independent adjustments of each alignment sleeve (5) relative to a ferrule to minimize the insertion force associated with ferrule to alignment sleeve misalignment. In an alternate embodiment, a floating bottleneck is removable permitting repair of the receptacle.

Abstract: A fiber optic apparatus for controlling the polarization state of light, for connecting polarization sensitive devices, and for providing a controlled variable attenuation in a fiber optic system. The center portion of a strand of optical fiber is placed in a rotatable fiber squeezer and is squeezed to produce a birefringent medium having a birefringent axis in the direction of squeezing pressure and the magnitude of the birefringence is controlled by the amount of pressure imposed by the fiber squeezer on the fiber center portion. Rotating the squeezer causes the birefringent axis to change and hence changes the polarization of light passing through the fiber strand. A desired polarization state is obtained by controlling the squeezing pressure and the rotation angle of the fiber squeezer.

Abstract: An optical fibre connector is shown comprising a jack mounted to a mother board and a plug mounted to a daughter board. The plug has a slidable insert retained by thrust lances against a shoulder of the plug housing such that the insert can be inserted into a cavity of the jack. Latches of the jack serve to latch onto ribs of the plug insert so as to butt a ferrule of the plug against a ferrule of the jack resiliently together. Further insertion of the insert into the jack causes ribs to release the thrust lances of the plug insert such that the insert springs rearwards allowing the plug housing to slide forwards without spring resistance, enabling absorption of a certain tolerance in the spacing between the daughter board and the mother board.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for changing the path of an optical signal are disclosed. An optical bypass device having an optical input and output, and a waveguiding region optically connecting the input and output, is used to form a multiplicity of improved connectors and switches. In a first embodiment of the device, the waveguiding region comprises a plurality of reflective surfaces. In a second embodiment, the waveguiding region comprises a core of optically suitable material and a layer of cladding, where the relationship between the refractive index of the core and cladding is such that an optical signal may be guided by the core. The optical bypass device is integrated, with and without actuating means, into various connectors to provide loopback of an optical signal when a connector is demated.

Abstract: A method for making an optical interconnect unit is disclosed. A mold (100) with surface (107) having a groove (112) is formed. An optical fiber (117) is placed into the groove (112) of the surface (107). A molding material is applied onto the surface (107) of the mold (100) and onto the optical fiber (117), thereby affixing the optical fiber (117) to the molding material.

Abstract: A connector is provided for securing one or more optical fibers to a mounting member, such as an instrument panel module wall or a light pipe within an instrument panel. The connector generally includes a body characterized by a longitudinal axis, a first end, an oppositely disposed second end, and an internal passage formed within the body along the longitudinal axis. The internal passage is tapered so as to have a smaller cross-section at the second end than at the first end, with the internal passage at the first end being sized to receive the one or more optical fibers. Expandable members are formed at the second end of the body, which enable the internal passage at the second end to radially expand and accommodate the optical fibers. In doing so, the expandable members serve to grip the optical fibers when disposed within the internal passage. At least one pair of resilient members extend from the midportion of the body, and both extend towards either the first or second end of the body.

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: There is presented a fiber optic coupler assembly for disposition in an urwater bulkhead, the coupler assembly comprising a hydraulic fitting portion of substantially cylindrical configuration and having first threads on an exterior portion thereof. A first shank portion extends axially from the fitting portion and has formed thereon as an integral portion thereof a collar portion configured as a nut. A second shank portion extends axially from the collar portion, and a hub portion extends axially from the second shank portion and has second threads thereon. A tubular portion extends axially from the fitting portion in a direction opposite from the first shank portion. A bore extends through the tubular portion, fitting portion, first shank portion, second shank portion, and hub portion and is configured to receive known fiber optic terminators.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for changing the path of an optical signal are disclosed. An optical bypass device having an optical input and output, and a waveguiding region optically connecting the input and output, is used to form a multiplicity of improved connectors and switches. In a first embodiment of the device, the waveguiding region comprises a plurality of reflective surfaces. In a second embodiment, the waveguiding region comprises a core of optically suitable material and a layer of cladding, where the relationship between the refractive index of the core and cladding is such that an optical signal may be guided by the core. The optical bypass device is integrated, with and without actuating means, into various connectors to provide loopback of an optical signal when a connector is demated.

Abstract: A FC-type optical fiber cable connector's adaptor, which includes a front casing, which has an externally threaded tubular outer coupling flange and a tubular inner coupling flange concentrically disposed around a center hole thereof for coupling the ferrule of a first optical fiber cable connector, and a back hole in line with the circular center hole thereof, a rear casing, which has an externally threaded tubular outer coupling flange and a tubular inner coupling flange concentrically disposed around a center hole thereof for coupling the ferrule of a second optical fiber cable connector, and a front stub mounting tube fitted into the back hole on the front casing, and a split sleeve inserted into the circular center holes on the front and rear casings and having two opposite ends respectively stopped against an inside annular flange within the circular center hole on either casing.

Abstract: A clip (10) is composed of two halves (12). Each half (12) has a main plate (14) from which a left side wall (16) and a right side wall (18) extend vertically at two opposite side edges. Each side wall (16, 18) incorporates a corresponding auxiliary wall (26, 28), which is extending vertically from the main plate (14) approximate a central slot (20) in the main plate (14), to form a cavity (22, 24) therein. A rear wall (30) extending from the rear edge of the main plate vertically, has two generally semi-circular openings (32, 34) therein in alignment with such two cavities (22, 24), respectively. A stopper (36) is formed generally in alignment with the auxiliary wall (28) which is facing to the right wall (18). A catch (42) and a latch (38) are respectively on the right and the left walls (18, 16).

Abstract: A mechanical splice according to the invention does not use any adhesive for holding the aligned fibers in position. A biasing means is employed for operating upon the gripping and alignment means to align and grip the fibers, by way of a sleeve member. The biasing means is held in a preloaded state by a closure prevention means such that the biasing means cannot act to move the gripping and alignment means into the gripping state. Thus, the mechanical splice is in a preloaded and cocked condition before insertion of the optical fibers to be aligned and mechanically spliced together. Operation of the splice is quick and simple and is performed merely by movement of the closure prevention means out of the cocked position.

Abstract: Both the fiber and the bulk Fabry-Perot etalons can be made temperature insensitive by the addition of a compensator element. This element adjusts the optical length of the air-gap in the etalon cavity so as to compensate for any changes in the optical length of the fiber or the etalon slab due to ambient temperature changes.

Abstract: An optical fiber splicer-connector comprises a fiber section, a splice section, and a connecting section. The splice section is located between the fiber section and the connecting section. A fiber channel is disposed on the fiber section for accepting an optical fiber and for guiding the optical fiber to the splice section. Means for splicing optical fibers is located on the splice section. A fiber channel is disposed on the connecting section for accepting an optical fiber and for guiding the optical fiber to the splice section. The connecting section includes a connecting body for releasably attaching the splicer to an adapter. In one embodiment, the splice section and the connecting section are provided as separate, interengagable pieces.

Abstract: The sleeve portion (1) contains a sleeve (2), the sleeve openings of which are overlain by moveable protective flaps (6, 6'). The protective flaps are placed under spring tension and are forced out of the closed position into an opened position during insertion of a plug ferrule (3) into the sleeve (2). The protective flaps have the effect that, when a plug is withdrawn out of the sleeve portion, no light can be emitted from the sleeve opening. The pivotable mounting of the protective flaps ensues between an inner sleeve housing (8) and an outer sleeve housing (9).

Abstract: A pair of rigid metallic clips is inserted over containment numbers in a fiberoptic connector coupling. Rigid leg members mounted on the clips extend along latching members of the containment members, thereby limiting displacement of the latching members owing to spring pressure in connector sleeves joined by the connector coupling.

Abstract: An optical functional element is contained in and grounded to a metal package. A grounding lead member, which is connected to a grounding lead pin forming portion via a connecting lead portion, is welded to the outer surface of the metal package either before or after resin molding.

Abstract: An adapter assembly is provided for interconnecting a pair of opposing optical fiber connectors generally along an optical axis. The adapter assembly is constructed as a double-ended receptacle for receiving the connectors in opposite open ends thereof. The assembly further includes a pair of halves each defining one of the open ends for receiving one of the connectors. Each half has an interconnection operatively associated with its respective connector. At least one latch arm is provided on one of the adapter halves, within the peripheral bounds thereof, projecting generally parallel to the optical axis toward the other adapter half and engageable with a complementary latch on the other half.

Abstract: An adapter for holding two fiber optic connectors in coaxial alignment. The connectors include a generally cylindrical ferrule having an axial bore and a ferrule holder having means for retaining the ferrule and a raised ridge located on its outer surface. The connector further includes a grip housing having an axial bore in which the ferrule holder is located. The grip housing also includes a cut out through which the raised ridge of the ferrule holder is exposed. The adapter comprises a unitary main body having an axial bore connecting a first opening and a second opening. The axial cavity is sized to receive an inner housing. The inner housing has at least one retaining clip which is located exterior to an axial chamber within the inner housing. The retaining clip includes means to releasably lock the raised ridge of the ferrule holder in place when said connector is inserted into the axial cavity of the adapter.

Abstract: A device for connecting optical fibers, the device being of the type comprising a ferrule possessing a capillary channel of section that is substantially complementary to the optical fibers to be connected and that is suitable for receiving the respective ends of two optical fibers, wherein the device further includes a body overmolded on the ferrule and defining two entry cones centered on the capillary channel and opening out respectively into the two axial ends of the capillary channel.

Abstract: A disengagable adapter for mechanically coupling optical fibers is provid The disengagable adapter separates into two complementary receptacle parts. Each receptacle part receives through a bore a single optical-fiber located within an optical-fiber connector plug. Each receptacle part attaches to and securely holds a different connector plug. The receptacle parts mate with each other in a complementary fashion and thereby connect the two optical fiber connector plugs together. These connector plugs accordingly align the two optical fibers located within the plugs. The optical fibers can be separated either by demating the complementary parts or by disconnecting one side of the adapter from its connector plug. Mounting the complementary parts to a plate facilitates multiple, simultaneous connections.

Abstract: An optical fiber connecting apparatus includes an optical fiber having a cladding made of a fluoroplastic material, a fixing sleeve made of a fluoroplastic material in which the optical fiber is inserted, an adhesive layer made of a fluoroplastic material provided between an outer circumferential surface of the optical fiber inserted in the fixing sleeve and an inner surface of the fixing sleeve, and a ferrule for fitting the fixing sleeve therein.

Abstract: A method of manufacture of an optical module using a mold die including cavity portions for holding an optical connector, electronic circuit parts, and lead pins which constitute component parts of the optical module, so as to form a package. The mold die has alignment portions in which rectangular channels for aligning the optical connector are formed. Partition plates are disposed vertically between the cavity portions and the alignment portions and adapted to prevent a resin from flowing out from the cavity portions during the resin molding. An optical connector, circuit parts, and lead pins are held in the die. Resin is injected into the cavity portion to form the optical module.

Abstract: This invention relates to an image sensor with photo sensors (13). An object thereof is to simplify mounting operation of an image sensor chip (12) provided with the photo sensors (13). In order to accomplish this object, according to this invention, the photo sensors (13) and electrodes (15) are disposed on the underside of the image sensor chip (12). The image sensor chip (12) is bonded to the upper side of a transparent substrate (18) by means of a transparent photo-setting type insulating resin (16), so that the electrodes (15) come into contact with circuit conductor layers (17) disposed on the upper side of the transparent substrate (18). With the above-mentioned construction, since fine metal wire (75) by which the electrodes (15) and the circuit conductor layers (17) are connected to each other is not required, mounting operation can be simplified.

Abstract: A cable joint for joining the ends of two optical fibre cables, each having a core of optical fibres (12) and a king wire (14) surrounded by armor wire (17) and an outer sheath (18), comprises an insert (20) between the core and the armor wire of each cable and a protective sleeve (38) swaged directly to the armor wire braced by the insert. The directly engaged sleeve provides a simple, efficient joint. An over-moulded cover (40) seals the joint.

Abstract: An integrally-molded ceramic cylindrical alignment sleeve is composed of a cylindrical sleeve body and at least three convex portions located on the inner surface of the sleeve body, each of the convex portions extending from one end to the other in the longitudinal direction of the sleeve body, with the upper surface of each of the convex portions being formed in the shape of a reverse arc and the section where each of the convex portions connects to the inner surface of the sleeve body being in the shape of a continuous R. A method of producing this integrally-molded ceramic cylindrical alignment sleeve is disclosed.

Abstract: A connector for a pair of loosely buffered or tightly buffered optic fiber cables. Each of the cables comprises an optic fiber having a jacket thereabout and a bare free end. The connector comprises a first section, a second section, and a pair of jacket clamps. Each of the first and second sections are arranged to receive a respective one of the cables. The jacket clamps engage respective ones of the jackets to hold the cables in place. The first section has a fiber retaining, conical member located therein. That member is formed of a substantially hard, yet somewhat compressible material, and includes a fiber-receiving bore extending therethrough. The internal diameter of the bore is very slightly larger than the external diameter of the fibers. The first and second sections are arranged to be releasably secured together to bring the bare free ends of the fibers into abutment within the bore to establish a light transmissive joint between them.

Abstract: An optical fiber connecting ferrule according to the present invention comprises head and tail cylindrical sections of relatively large diameter, and an intermediate cylindrical section of relatively small diameter integrally connected to said head and tail cylindrical sections. With this arrangement the ferrule can be flexibly bent at its intermediate cylindrical section under undesired force applied to the ferrule, thus causing no adverse effect on an associated slotted sleeve, and hence causing no insertion loss in transmission even when undesired force is applied to the ferrule.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for the optical conductive connection of two optical waveguides 1, 2, comprising a sleeve body 3, 13 overlapping the ends of the optical waveguides, and being twistable and plastically deformable. In order to achieve a simple construction and handling of the device, the invention provides that the sleeve body 3, 13 is composed of an outer sleeve jacket 7, 17 with a continuous longitudinal slot. The sleeve jacket is twistable and elastically deformable. The inner side of the sleeve jacket, of support crosspieces 8, 18, form circular segments, in their cross sections, and enclosing a central through-opening 9, 19 for receiving the ends of the optical waveguides 1, 2.

Abstract: The crimp splice serves the purpose of connecting light waveguide fibers which are fixed by radial pressure. For this purpose, the light waveguide fibers are placed in a guide channel in the base surface or area of, for example, an outer part, are pressed against one another, and are fixed by a clamping action between an inner part and the outer part. A required pressing power for the clamping is achieved by pressing legs of the two parts together. The crimp splice is simple to produce and permits easy assembly.

Abstract: The invention relates to an optical plug connector comprising two plugs (1,2) each of which holds an end portion of an optical waveguide (OWG 10) and which can be inserted from opposite sides into a coupling sleeve (7) until the end faces of the OWGs (10) are located against each other, and comprising a guide element (5,9) for guiding and aligning the OWGs (10), which guide element can be axially inserted in both plugs (1,2) and which extends beyond their joint area. Damage to the OWGs caused by an inappropriate attempt to form a plug connection without using a guide element is precluded in that stop elements (17,18) are provided at the plugs, which stop elements cooperate with the stop elements of the mating plug in such a manner that when the guide element (9) is not inserted, the OWG-holding elements (12) of the plugs are prevented from moving completely towards each other in an axial direction.

Abstract: An adapter for coupling a fiber optic connector has a terminus and a throat area provided with a fluted region. Mating connectors are aligned with the terminus by the fluted region. The adapter is injection molded as a single piece using polymeric materials and accommodates fiber optic connectors having tips in the form of right circular cylinders. The insertion force required between two connector tips during alignment is substantially reduced, minimizing damage to the fiber end-faces.

Abstract: The present invention provides an optical energy beam transmission path structure comprising at least one pair of optical fibers each having a connection end, and at least one fiber connector for connecting the connection ends of the paired fibers substantially coaxially. A small axial air gap is formed between the connection ends of the paired fibers, and an annular clearance is formed immediately around the connection end of the glass body of each fiber.

Abstract: An optical module comprises an optical connector, to one end of which one end of an optical fiber is connected; an optically operating element secured to the optical connector, the optically operating element being optically coupled to the optical fiber; electronic circuit elements forming an electronic circuit connected to the optically operating element; a substrate bearing the electronic circuit elements; lead pins consisting of inner and outer leads, the inner leads being connected to the electronic circuit; and a molded resin member holding as one unit the optical connector, the optically operating element, the electronic circuit elements, the substrate and the lead pins except the one end of the optical connector and the outer leads of the lead pins.