Abstract: A silicon-based photonic chip is provided that includes an interface for optically coupling the photonic chip to an optical fiber or an optical fiber assembly. The interface includes: a single-mode waveguide configured to guide light and to provide a first light beam; a first optical element configured to expand the light beam in a first direction in-plane of the photonic chip, thereby providing an expanded light beam; and a second optical element configured to deflect and to further expand the expanded light beam in a second direction, thereby providing an output light beam from the photonic chip. Also provided are methods for fabricating such a photonic chip.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for controlling propagation of a light beam using a beveled endcap of an optical fiber, where the endcap has a first end coupled to the optical fiber and a second end having a bevel that circumscribes a facet. The bevel has an angle relative to the plane of the facet that directs a peripheral portion of the light beam towards a lens and the facet directs a central portion of the light beam towards the lens. As such, the light beam is collimated with substantially all of the power of the light beam propagating through the lens and all the power delivered with fiber core to the output endcap is propagating through the lens despite the divergence of the delivered beam and a restricted aperture of the lens.

Abstract: An exchangeable optic fiber connector assembly, including a pair of optic fiber connectors and a switching structure, is provided. Each optic fiber connector has a first locking portion and a first stopping portion. The switching structure has a pair of guiding slots. The optic fiber connectors respectively pass through the guiding slots to be movable and rotatable along the corresponding guiding slots. The switching structure further has a plurality of second locking portions and a plurality of second stopping portions disposed at two opposite ends of each guiding slot. Each optic fiber connector is locked with one of the second locking portions through the first locking portion, and the second stopping portion next to the locked second locking portion is located on a moving path of the first stopping portion.

Abstract: Fiber laser amplification systems and methods are disclosed for use with a chirally coupled core (3C) optical fiber enabling the generation of a high-power output beam having a controlled stable polarization state. Vector modulation instabilities which typically induce undesirable sidebands in 3C fiber optics are greatly reduced even at high peak powers, enabling operation of the up to power levels limited mainly by stimulated Raman scattering (SRS). Polarization extinction ratios (PER) demonstrate long-term stability and minimal degradation due to changes in system temperature. Delays in reaching stable operation during start-up are also greatly reduced.

Abstract: A multiple fiber push-on (MPO) optical connector is provided having a ferrule configured to house multiple optical fibers and including a stepped portion extending from at least one pair of opposing exterior surfaces of the ferrule. A one-piece housing-backpost is provided having a distal end in a connection direction and a proximal end in a cable direction. The one-piece housing-backpost is configured to receive a ferrule spring and the ferrule from the distal end. The housing-backpost includes at least one resiliently-deformable ferrule-retaining protrusion extending from a sidewall to engage the corresponding stepped portion of the ferrule. The resiliently-deformable ferrule-retaining protrusion is configured to deform towards the housing-backpost interior sidewall as the ferrule is inserted from the distal end and to extend outward against the stepped portion of the ferrule when the ferrule is seated in the housing-backpost to maintain the ferrule in the housing-backpost.

Abstract: Systems and methods for delivering multiple passive optical network services are disclosed. One system includes a first optical transmission service comprising a common wavelength pair routed from a source to each of a plurality of subscribers and a second optical transmission service comprising a plurality of unique wavelength pairs, each of the unique wavelength pairs assigned to a subscriber among the plurality of subscribers. The system includes a splitter optically connected to first fiber carrying the first optical transmission service, the splitter including a plurality of outputs each delivering the first optical transmission service, and a wavelength division multiplexer connected to a second fiber, the wavelength division multiplexer separating each of the unique wavelength pairs of the second optical transmission service onto separate optical fibers.

Abstract: The present invention provides an optical connector capable of fixing the tensile strength fibers of the optical cable to the optical connector while keeping the tensile strength sufficiently without sacrificing the easiness of assembling the optical connector. The optical connector The optical connector is configured to be attached to an optical cable having an optical fiber and tensile strength fibers extending along a longitudinal direction of the optical fiber, having: a connector body having a male screw; and a fixing member used for fixing the tensile strength fibers to the connector body, the fixing member having a female screw, wherein the tensile strength fibers are configured to be interposed between the male screw and the female screw and fixed to the connector body when the male screw formed on the connector body and the female screw formed on the fixing member are screwed with each other, and the male screw has a notch extending in a direction crossing a screw thread of the male screw.

Abstract: A fiber optical connector includes a connector housing, a slidable block, and a handle. The connector housing includes an elastic arm outwardly and inclinedly extending out of the connector housing. Two sides of the elastic arm respectively include engaging protrusions and protruding blocks. The slidable block is fitted out of the connector housing. The slidable block includes sidewalls and slidable grooves formed on side surfaces of the sidewalls. The protruding blocks are respectively engaged in the slidable grooves, and one side of each of the sidewalls includes a buckling groove. An extension block is extending from a first end of the handle and the extension block is received between the sidewalls. The handle includes buckling blocks located out of the extension block, and the buckling blocks are respectively engaged in the buckling grooves.

Abstract: An adapter holding a plurality of connectors and a clip positioned around a group of connectors securing the connectors together as a single assembly. The clip removes the group connectors from the adapter upon removal therefrom.

Abstract: A plug-in connection for the transmission of electric current having a male connector and a female connector, wherein the male connector includes a plug-in extension having electrical contacts, and the female connector includes a plug-in extension receptacle having electrical mating contacts, and at least one projection is arranged on one jacket wall, and the other of these jacket walls incorporates at least one receptacle slot which matches the projection. The plug-in extension, with the projection and the receptacle slot in an undamaged state, can only be inserted into the plug-in extension receptacle from an unambiguously defined plug-in position.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present disclosure are directed to hybrid optical fiber ferrules and methods of fabricating the same. In one embodiment, an optical fiber ferrule includes a glass faceplate, a plastic body molded about the glass faceplate, and at least one fiber through-hole extending through the plastic body. In another embodiment, a method of fabricating an optical fiber ferrule includes disposing a glass faceplate within a die comprising at least one fiber die pin, an injecting the die with plastic to form a plastic body such that the glass faceplate is embedded within the plastic body, wherein the at least one fiber die pin defines at least one fiber through-hole. Other materials with suitable coefficients of thermal expansion may be used for the faceplates of the fiber optic ferrules according to the concepts disclosed.

Abstract: A behind-the-wall optical connector having an outer housing configured to be inserted into an adapter with a corresponding inner surface, and a latch attached to one side of housing configured to lock the connecter into an adapter opening. The latch is further configured with a locking channel and guide to accept a pull tab with a catch at one end, the pull tab releases the connector from the adapter opening when the tab is pulled rearward or away from the adapter. The ferrule assembly is inserted into a first end of the housing and when latched to the adapter, the assembly is retained in the housing without any locking structure therein.

Abstract: Systems and methods for delivering multiple passive optical network services are disclosed. One system includes a first optical transmission service comprising a common wavelength pair routed from a source to each of a plurality of subscribers and a second optical transmission service comprising a plurality of unique wavelength pairs, each of the unique wavelength pairs assigned to a subscriber among the plurality of subscribers. The system includes a splitter optically connected to first fiber carrying the first optical transmission service, the splitter including a plurality of outputs each delivering the first optical transmission service, and a wavelength division multiplexer connected to a second fiber, the wavelength division multiplexer separating each of the unique wavelength pairs of the second optical transmission service onto separate optical fibers.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to an optical fiber alignment device that has an alignment housing that includes first and second ends. The alignment housing defines a fiber insertion axis that extends through the alignment housing between the first and second ends. The alignment housing includes a fiber alignment region at an intermediate location between the first and second ends. First and second fiber alignment rods are positioned within the alignment housing. The first and second fiber alignment rods cooperate to define a fiber alignment groove that extends along the fiber insertion axis. The first and second fiber alignment rods each having rounded ends positioned at the first and second ends of the alignment housing.

Abstract: A vehicle is provided in which separation of positively charged airflow from a positively charged surface of a vehicle body can be prevented. A vehicle body is insulated from a road surface, and positive static charges accumulate on the vehicle body during propulsion. The vehicle comprises a self-discharge device adapted to decrease a positive potential of a window pane at which positively charged airflow flowing along a vehicle surface deviates therefrom during propulsion by discharging the static electricity through the airflow to produce negative ions according to the positive potential of the window pane.

Abstract: Systems and methods for delivering multiple passive optical network services are disclosed. One system includes a first optical transmission service comprising a common wavelength pair routed from a source to each of a plurality of subscribers and a second optical transmission service comprising a plurality of unique wavelength pairs, each of the unique wavelength pairs assigned to a subscriber among the plurality of subscribers. The system includes a splitter optically connected to first fiber carrying the first optical transmission service, the splitter including a plurality of outputs each delivering the first optical transmission service, and a wavelength division multiplexer connected to a second fiber, the wavelength division multiplexer separating each of the unique wavelength pairs of the second optical transmission service onto separate optical fibers.

Abstract: A fiber-optic connector ferrule body (10) that includes a depth that extends from a front end (12) to a rear end (14) of the ferrule. The ferrule includes a contact face (16) at the front end of the ferrule. The contact face includes a major dimension that extends along a major axis (X) defined by the contact face and a minor dimension that extends along a minor axis (Y) defined by the contact face. The major and minor axes are perpendicular to one another. The ferrule also defines alignment pin receivers (18) that extend rearwardly from the front end of the ferrule. The alignment pin receivers have tight-fit sections (26) that extend into the ferrule body from the contact face and flex sections (28) that extend from the first transverse cross-sectional shape to the rear end. The first and second transverse cross-sectional profiles define a degree of rotational flexibility between alignment pins (24) received in the alignment pin receivers (18) and the ferrule body (10).

Abstract: A fiber optic connector assembly incorporates features that improve structural rigidity and the integrity of transmitted signals. These features also facilitate a technique for reversing polarity of the connector assembly with little or no risk of twisting the optical fibers and without requiring the housing assembly to be disassembled. The connector is marked or embossed with transmit and receive connector labels that facilitate visual identification of the polarity of the connector. One side of the duplex connector can be marked with “A” and “B” labels corresponding to the receive and transmit connectors, respectively. The opposite side of the duplex connector can be marked with two “A” labels corresponding to the receive and transmit connectors, respectively. Thus, a user can readily identify whether the connector is configured for “A-B” polarity or “A-A” polarity.

Abstract: The present invention concerns a connection system comprising: a plurality of connection plugs on each of which is mounted a locking lever with two arms each one supporting a locking hook of a locking system, an assembly comprising: an electrical equipment box panel, designed to lodge an electronic circuit card, the panel comprising a plurality of openings; a plurality of adjacent sockets. According to the invention, the plurality of sockets is monobloc with the equipment panel and the sockets and the plugs are configured such that when each plug is connected to one of the sockets and locked to the latter by means of the locking lever in the position of attachment of the hooks to the locking lugs of the socket, two adjacent arms of adjacent plugs are in planar, pointlike or linear bearing against each other.

Abstract: Trunk gland adapters include an adapter body having an internal bore that is sized to receive a trunk cable gland so that a front end of the trunk cable gland extends through a front opening of the internal bore and a plurality of attachment clips that are configured to releasably attach the adapter body to a mounting aperture in a wall of a fiber optic enclosure. Related trunk gland units and methods of routing a trunk cable into an enclosure are also disclosed.

Abstract: In a duplex optical connector plug 10A, when one of first and second optical connector assemblies 11a, 11b is rotated around its axis in a clockwise direction or a counterclockwise direction, a rotational force of one of first and second gears is transmitted to the other of the gears by an intermediate gear. Thereby, interlockingly with the one of the optical connector assemblies 11a, 11b, the other of the optical connector assemblies 11a, 11b is rotated around its axis in the clockwise direction or the counterclockwise direction which is the same direction as the optical connector assemblies 11a, 11b.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to an optical fiber alignment device that has an alignment housing that includes first and second ends. The alignment housing defines a fiber insertion axis that extends through the alignment housing between the first and second ends. The alignment housing includes a fiber alignment region at an intermediate location between the first and second ends. First and second fiber alignment rods are positioned within the alignment housing. The first and second fiber alignment rods cooperate to define a fiber alignment groove that extends along the fiber insertion axis. The first and second fiber alignment rods each having rounded ends positioned at the first and second ends of the alignment housing.

Abstract: Surface enhanced Raman spectroscopy is employed to obtain chemical data with respect to cells while electrophysiological data relating to cell membranes is obtained using the patch clamp technique. A SERS-facilitating assembly is coupled to a micropipette and is used in conjunction with a monochromatic light source for generating scattered light. Surface enhanced Raman spectroscopy is employed to obtain the chemical data. Electrophysiological data is obtained using the same micropipette to perform the patch clamp technique.

Abstract: A device for receiving a data carrier has a receiving body that has a receiving region with a circular-cylindrical cross-section, wherein the receiving region has a circular opening on one end of the receiving body that corresponds to the cross-section of the receiving region, a data carrier which is arranged at least partially in the receiving region, and a circular-cylindrical fixing pin that is arranged on the other end of the receiving body.

Abstract: A pigtail fiber module comprises: a large mode area fiber (LMA fiber) 10 having a fiber core wire 1 composed of a core where single-mode light travels and a clad, and a protective coating 2 surrounding the core wire; and a fiber holding member, and has the following structure. The fiber holding member includes a ferrule 20 having a through hole 21, and a capillary 30 having a narrow hole 31 and incorporated in a tip end side of the ferrule. The narrow hole houses the fiber core wire of the LMA fiber. The through hole houses the LMA fiber having the protective coating. An end portion of the narrow hole at the through hole side is provided with a sealing member 40 for sealing a gap between the fiber core wire and the narrow hole and shutting the narrow hole off from the through hole, and the protective coating is fixed to the through hole with a thermosetting adhesive.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to fiber optic connection systems including fiber optic connector having retractable noses for protecting bare fiber ends of ferrule-less connectors. In certain examples, the retractable noses are used in combination with protective shutters. In other examples, the retractable noses can accommodate multiple optical fibers.

Abstract: An optical fiber connector and method for assembly and use are disclosed. The optical fiber connector is configured to have a small footprint so that the connector may be pushable or pullable through a conduit if use of a conduit may be needed. The connector may include a first number of connector components configured to fit through a conduit, and a second number of connector components that are configured to be installed to the first components, for example, after the connector is pushed or pulled through a conduit.

Abstract: An optical coupling module includes a top surface, a bottom surface parallel and opposite to the top surface, a front side surface, and a rear side surface parallel and opposite to the front side surface. The bottom surface defines a bottom groove including a first optical surface. Optical coupling lenses are arranged on the first optical surface. The bottom groove further includes a mounting surface parallel to the first optical surface and perpendicularly connected with the front side surface. Grooves in the mounting surface receive and locate optical fibers, which intersect with a straight line along the optical axes of the optical coupling lenses, the straight line runs between the optical coupling lenses and the photoelectric conversion members.

Abstract: Disclosed are methods for creating a demarcation of at least one optical fiber in a structure along with a fiber optic cable. The method may include the steps of providing at least one optical fiber having a covering, heating a portion of the covering, and deforming the covering about the at least one optical fiber at a first location to inhibit movement of the at least one optical fiber with respect to the covering. The method may be applied to one or more optical fibers within a covering such as bare loose fibers, ribbonized fibers, buffered fibers or the like.

Abstract: Latching mechanisms for pluggable electronic devices when received within a host cage of a host device. In one example embodiment, the host cage is configured to be connected to a host printed circuit board and configured to at least partially surround a host connector. The host cage includes a pair of inwardly biased leaf springs that extend toward the host connector and thereby engage with the latching mechanism of the pluggable electronic module in order to secure the pluggable electronic module within the host cage.

Abstract: An LC optical fiber cable adapter includes a main body and a connecting mechanism. The main body includes a base wall, and first and second connecting walls extending respectively from opposite lateral edges of the base wall. The first connecting wall has a first front wall segment and a first rear wall segment. The second connecting wall has a second front wall segment and a second rear wall segment. The connecting mechanism includes a first connecting unit provided on the first front wall segment, and two second connecting units. Each of the second connecting units is provided on a respective one of the second front and rear wall segments of the second connecting wall, and has a contour matching that of the first connecting unit.

Abstract: Communication system including a support frame having a pair of spacer walls that oppose each other. The spacer walls defines a receiving gap directly therebetween. The communication system also includes a floatable connector assembly including a connector module and a communication cable coupled to the connector module. The connector module is configured to engage a mating module along a central axis to establish a communicative connection. At least a portion of the connector assembly is disposed between the spacer walls within the receiving gap. The communication system also includes a positioning gasket having a plurality of alignment members that directly engage at least one of the connector assembly or the support frame. The alignment members permit the connector assembly to float with respect to the support frame during the mating operation in a direction that is transverse to the central axis.

Abstract: A fiber optic connector has a mechanical splice assembly and a mechanical splice assembly holder. The mechanical splice assembly holder includes a body section and a cable retention section. The cable retention section includes a pair of cable retention arms extending from the body section and a guiding groove that is extended out from the body section. The guiding groove is located between the two cable retention arms.

Abstract: A method for installing and removing a row of cables from a cable array is provided. The method includes providing an installation tool having a first body with a plurality of arms extending from one side. The plurality of arms being configured to receive a cable connector body, the plurality of arms including at least one first projection extending from one of the plurality of arms. The installation tool is moved onto a row of cables held coupled together by a bracket, each of the cables in the row of cables having a cable connector body. The connector bodies are engaged into receptacles and the bracket is moved with the at least one first projection.

Abstract: A fiber optic connector assembly comprises a ferrule assembly including a ferrule and a hub. The ferrule has a distal end and a proximal end. The proximal end of the ferrule is mounted to the hub. The ferrule defines a fiber passage that extends through the ferrule from the proximal end to the distal end. The fiber optic assembly further comprises an optical fiber having an end portion potted within the fiber passage of the ferrule. A loose tube receives the optical fiber. The loose tube has a distal end positioned inside the hub and defines a venting opening that starts at the distal end of the loose tube and extends proximally along a length of the loose tube.

Abstract: Fiber management structures for fan-out assemblies that are used to furcate a fiber optic cable are disclosed, as are fiber optic assemblies with fiber management structures and related methods. The fiber management structures each include channels extending between opposed first and second ends. A plurality of fan-out tubes are received in the plurality of channels such that the fiber management structure organizes the fan-out tubes, thereby allowing a compact furcation body to be formed even when furcating high fiber count cables.

Abstract: A connector incorporating a module, in which an incorporated electrical component may be cooled efficiently and reliably, is provided. A transmission apparatus disposed inside a main body cover of a module-incorporating connector is provided with a ceramic board at which an electrical component and such are mounted. A metal cover touches an upper face of the electrical component. A portion of the metal cover is disposed in an insertion portion of the main body cover. Heat generated by the electrical component is propagated via the metal cover to the insertion portion of a first cover member. When the module-incorporating connector is connected to a socket of a device, the insertion portion is disposed inside an exterior case, in which temperature is controlled by an air conditioner, and cooling is performed reliably and efficiently.

Abstract: An optical connector adapted to be attached to an electronics module having optical-electrical conversion electronics and a module optical window. The optical connector has a connector optical window and a port for an optical link that is optically couplable to the connector optical window. The connector optical window is constructed and arranged to optically align with the module optical window when the optical connector is attached to the electronics module.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are various systems and methods relating to communication devices that include modular transceivers, such as small form pluggable transceivers. According to one embodiment, a communication device may include a chassis defining an interior and an exterior of the communication device. The chassis includes a top, a bottom, and a plurality of sides that together with the top and the bottom form an enclosure. One of the sides may include a first segment disposed in a first plane and a second segment disposed in a second plane. The second segment includes an outwardly extending communication transceiver housing configured to receive a communication transceiver. The communication transceiver may extend through an aperture in the second segment and into interior of the communication device to contact an electrical connector, while a second portion of the communication transceiver in the communication transceiver housing remains on the exterior of the communication device.

Abstract: A multiport optical fiber connection terminal with a compact footprint has a configuration that allows for easy accessibility and interconnection of cables, while providing several mounting options and including storage space within the terminal. The terminal may include cable connectors that are configured to allow for weather proof installation of pre-terminated fiber optic cables with the terminal ports.

Abstract: Gradient index (GRIN) lens assemblies employing lens alignment channels, as well as fiber optic connectors and fiber optic cable assemblies employing such GRIN lens assemblies, are disclosed. In one embodiment, a GRIN lens assembly includes a lens holder body having a mating face, a surface extending from the mating face, and a lens alignment channel. The lens alignment channel is defined by a narrow portion extending from the surface to a first depth and at least partially along a length of the surface, and a wide portion extending from the narrow portion to a second depth. A lens opening defined by the wide portion of the lens alignment channel at the mating face is disposed in the mating face. The wide portion of the lens alignment channel is configured to support a GRIN lens disposed in the lens alignment channel.

Abstract: A fiber optic connector has a connector outer housing and a connector inner housing. The connector inner housing has a projection to interact with a latch on an adapter into which the connector is inserted. The force required to move the connector outer housing relative to the connector inner housing is less than the force to remove the connector inner housing from the latch. A groove or opening may also be formed in the connector outer housing to effectively shorten the connector outer housing and prevent interaction of the latch with the outer housing, reducing debris.

Abstract: A connection port provides electrical and/or optical interface capability. The combined electrical and optical interface port may include an optical communication light engine within the connection port itself. The connection port includes a connector housing, an electrical interface assembly, and an optical interface assembly incorporated together. One implementation of the optical communication light engine includes a laser diode to generate optical signals, a photo diode to receive optical signals, and an optical integrated circuit (IC) to control optical interface.

Abstract: A fiber optic cable sub-assembly comprises a fiber optic cable including at least one optical fiber, a cable jacket that houses the optical fiber and at least one metal strength member. A collar is attached to an end portion of the metal strength member, wherein the optical fiber extends beyond an outer axial end of the collar. In another example a fiber optic cable assembly is fabricated from the fiber optic cable sub-assembly wherein a connector housing is attached to the collar, and an interface operably connects an end portion of the optical fiber to an active optical component within the connector housing. In further examples, methods of assembly for a fiber optic cable sub-assembly are provided along with using the sub-assembly for making a fiber optic cable assembly.

Abstract: Indexable optical fiber connectors, optical connector arrays, and optical connector systems are disclosed. According to one embodiment, an optical fiber connector includes a connector body comprising an optical coupling face and a connector housing that surrounds the connector body. The connector housing includes a first interconnecting surface having an indentation arraying feature, and a second interconnecting surface having a protrusion arraying feature. The first interconnecting surface and the second interconnecting surface are orthogonal to the optical coupling face. The indentation arraying feature is configured to mate with a corresponding protrusion arraying feature of a first adjacent interconnecting optical fiber connector by a non-locking engagement relationship. Similarly, the protrusion arraying feature is configured to mate with a corresponding indentation arraying feature of a second adjacent optical fiber connector by a non-locking engagement relationship.

Abstract: An optical fiber connector includes a connector body and a submodule having a user-selectable configuration, such as a splitter or coupler. The connector body has a submodule mounting region. A first end of the connector body has a pluggable optical fiber port. A second end of the connector body has at least one body fiber guide. The submodule is releasably mounted in the submodule mounting region. The submodule has at least one submodule fiber guide aligned with at least one body fiber guide and at least one submodule fiber guide aligned with the pluggable optical fiber port. One or more optical fibers are routed through the connector body in accordance with the submodule configuration.

Abstract: A fiber optic connector assembly comprises a ferrule assembly including a ferrule and a hub. The ferrule has a distal end and a proximal end. The proximal end of the ferrule is mounted to the hub. The ferrule defines a fiber passage that extends through the ferrule from the proximal end to the distal end. The fiber optic assembly further comprises an optical fiber having an end portion potted within the fiber passage of the ferrule. A loose tube receives the optical fiber. The loose tube has a distal end positioned inside the hub and defines a venting opening that starts at the distal end of the loose tube and extends proximally along a length of the loose tube.

Abstract: A connector is provided, including a connector body, a fastener and an elastomer. The fastener is pivoted on the connector body with a hook end and a press end positioned on both sides thereof, respectively. The two ends of the elastomer contact the connector body and the press end of the fastener, respectively. The connector of the invention may accomplish plugging and unplugging of an electronic equipment in a single hand press way without bracer arrangement by a configuration of the press end, and may maintain an engagement state between the hook end and the electronic equipment with an arrangement of the elastomer.

Abstract: A connectorized fiber optic cabling assembly includes a loose tube fiber optic cable and a connector assembly. The cable has a termination end and includes: an optical fiber bundle including a plurality of optical fibers; at least one strength member; and a jacket surrounding the optical fiber bundle and the at least one strength member. The connector assembly includes a rigid portion and defines a fiber passage. The connector assembly is mounted on the termination end of the cable such that the optical fiber bundle extends through at least a portion of the fiber passage. The plurality of optical fibers of the optical fiber bundle have a ribbonized configuration in the rigid portion of the connector assembly and a loose, non-ribbonized configuration outside the rigid portion. The plurality of optical fibers undergo a transition from the ribbonized configuration to the loose, non-ribbonized configuration in the rigid portion of the connector assembly.

Abstract: A method for preparing a ferrule assembly avoids polishing while providing adequate control over fiber end protrusion and co-planarity. A distal end of the fiber is prepared before securing the fiber in a ferrule, and before or after inserting the fiber into the ferrule. The prepared fiber is manipulated to provide a desired spatial relationship between the fiber end and the ferrule's end face, and then secured to maintain the desired spatial relationship. Preferably, the fiber end is prepared using a laser cleaving technique to provide a suitable end without abrasive polishing. An interferometer may be used to obtain measurements, during manipulation of the prepared fiber within the ferrule, that indicate whether the prepared fiber is satisfactorily positioned. In accordance with other aspects of the invention, a ferrule assembly prepared in accordance with the method, and a connector or other optical package including such a ferrule assembly are provided.