Abstract: Embodiments for processing of gradient index (GRIN) rods into GRIN lenses attachable to optical devices, components, and methods are disclosed. A cylindrical GRIN rod comprises an optical axis and a longitudinal axis at a center axis, where the index of refraction may be greatest at the optical axis. The GRIN rod includes GRIN lenses along the longitudinal axis. The GRIN lenses include a first optical surface and a second optical surface opposite the first optical surface. Separation processes and devices may separate the GRIN lenses from the GRIN rods and these processes may be automated. Other processes may polish the first and the second optical surfaces. A gripper may insert the GRIN lens into an optical device.

Abstract: Datacenter connection systems for use in datacenter enclosures are disclosed. In one embodiment, a datacenter connection system includes a first module and a feed-through optical cable assembly. The first module includes a first faceplate having at least one first feed-through opening, a first surface, and at least one first module connector disposed on the first surface. The feed-through optical cable assembly includes an optical cable having at least one optical fiber, a first feed-through attach member coupled to the optical cable, and a first optical connector coupled to a first end portion of the at least one optical fiber. The at least one optical fiber passes through the first feed-through attach member, and the first feed-through attach member is disposed within the at least one first feed-through opening. The first optical connector is coupled to the at least one first module connector.

Abstract: A secure cable housing system for use within a secure fiber optic communications network is provided. The secure cable housing system includes a non-secure cable box and a secure equipment box. The secure network equipment box includes a secure interior cavity, and the non-secure cable box is smaller than the secure interior cavity such that the non-secure cable box fits within the secure interior cavity. The secure network equipment box allows the optical cable to be received into the secure interior cavity without disconnecting the fiber optic cable from the non-secure box.

Abstract: Calibration of optical time domain reflectometry optical loss measurement in optical fibers having potentially dissimilar light backscattering properties is disclosed. For example, an optical time domain reflectometer (OTDR) can be employed to perform a single-ended optical loss measurement on an optical fiber before and after joinder (e.g., a splice) to determine the efficiency of the joinder. The individual optical fibers provided in a joined optical fiber may have dissimilar backscatter light collection efficiencies resulting in an erroneous OTDR optical loss measurement, because an OTDR assumes the backscatter light collection efficiency of the joined optical fiber is identical before and after joinder. An OTDR calibration factor is first determined before an OTDR optical loss measurement of the joined optical fiber is made. The OTDR calibration factor is used to correct any error in an OTDR optical loss measurement of the joined optical fiber.

Abstract: A drop cable assembly has a drop cable and an outer sheath formed around the drop cable that encloses and reinforces the drop cable. The drop cable is accommodated within a cavity of the outer sheath and includes strength members.

Abstract: An optical subassembly includes an optical device assembly including an active device and an optical fiber cable operably connected to the active device that sends optical signals to the active device and receives optical signals from the active device. A carrier module has a cable receiving space that receives the optical fiber cable therein. The carrier module includes a device support structure that supports the active device for placement on a mating surface during controlled manufacturing.

Abstract: Multi-port optical connection terminal assemblies, related terminals and methods are disclosed herein. In one embodiment, a multi-port optical connection terminal assembly may include an enclosure including an internal cavity, an input orifice, and optical connection nodes. The multi-port optical connection terminal assembly may also include an optical splitter comprising a body, an input optical fiber, and output optical fibers. At least a portion of the body of the optical splitter may be disposed outside the internal cavity of the enclosure. The input optical fiber of the optical splitter may be disposed outside the internal cavity of the enclosure, and the plurality of the output optical fibers of the optical splitter may be disposed inside the internal cavity. In this manner, the enclosure of the multi-port optical connection terminal assembly is not required to be sized to completely contain the optical splitter.

Abstract: According to various embodiments, an optical assembly may include a ferrule element having a fiber guiding portion separated from an in-wall locating feature by an access region, and a lens element positioned opposite access region and aligned with the in-wall locating feature. The optical assembly also includes an optical component coupled to and extending through the fiber guiding portion and the access region such that a proximal end of the optical component is positioned within the in-wall locating feature. The optical component includes a coated portion that is coated with an insulator in positions proximate to the fiber guiding portion and an uncoated portion substantially free of the insulator in positions proximal to the in-wall locating feature. The optical assembly also includes a lens cover coupled to the ferrule element and positioned proximate to the lens element.

Abstract: A slack cable storage apparatus includes a housing having a top, a bottom, sides, a back extending between the top, bottom and sides thereby defining a storage volume and a cable opening extending through the housing. A spooling assembly is located in the storage volume. The spooling assembly includes a spooling member about which a cable is to be wound. A retainer is moveably connected to the spooling member. The retainer has a cable storing configuration where the retainer overlies a spooling volume adjacent the spooling member and a cable access configuration where the retainer is moved to allow access to the cable when spooled about the spooling member.

Abstract: Cables jacket are formed by extruding discontinuities in a main cable jacket portion. The discontinuities allow the jacket to be torn to provide access to the cable core. The discontinuities can be longitudinally extending strips of material in the cable jacket, and can be introduced into the extrudate material flow used to form the main portion through ports in the extrusion head. The discontinuities allow a section of the cable jacket to be pulled away from a remainder of the jacket using a relatively low peel force.

Abstract: A fiber optic connector includes a ferrule. The ferrule includes an inner piece including silica and an outer piece including ceramic. The outer piece surrounds the inner piece and the inner piece extends beyond an end of the outer piece by a distance of at least 10 micrometers.

Abstract: Fiber optic cable sub-assemblies having an end cap device with an internal bend relief are disclosed. In one embodiment, the fiber optic cable sub-assembly has at least one optical fiber of a fiber optic cable attached to a circuit board with the end cap device providing strain relief to the fiber optic cable. The circuit board includes an active optical component in operable communication with the optical fiber for forming an active optical cable (AOC) assembly. Additionally, a strain relief device may be used for attaching an end portion of the fiber optic cable to the circuit board, thereby forming the cable sub-assembly. Methods of assembling the fiber optic cable sub-assembly are also.

Abstract: Transformable cable reels, related assemblies and methods are disclosed. The transformable cable reels may be provided in a first reel configuration for spooling on cable to the transformable cable reel and to pay out the spooled cable from the transformable cable reel. Cable spooled on the transformable cable reel may be payed out during cable installations. The transformable cable reel may also be configured in a second reel configuration for storage of any excess cable after cable payout. As one non-limiting example, the volume of the cable reel may be less in the second reel configuration than in the first reel configuration so that less volume is required to store the transformable cable reel. Providing the transformable cable reel in the second reel configuration may make it more feasible to store the transformable cable reel in fiber optic equipment, and/or avoid storing excess cable removed from a cable reel.

Abstract: Embodiments disclosed herein include fiber optic connectors employing a movable optical interface connected by optical fibers to a fiber optic cable, components and methods. In one embodiment, the movable optical interface moves between an extended position for cleaning by the user of the movable optical interface and a retracted position to optically connect the fiber optic connector to an optical device in a mechanically-secure manner. Because the fiber optic cable employs the movable optical interfaces, embodiments described herein involve one or more fiber protection features to prevent optical fiber attenuation and/or damage to the end portions of the optical fibers.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for stripping tight-buffered optical fibers are disclosed. The methods include removing a portion of the buffer layer and thin-coating layer to expose the bare fiber at the optical fiber end, wherein the cuts to the optical fiber needed to strip the optical fiber are made simultaneously. In some methods, a portion of the cover is used to clean the bare fiber as the cover portion is removed. In other methods, the normal force that secures the cover is alleviated so that the cover portion can be removed without breaking the bare fiber. Different apparatus configured to effectuate the stripping methods are disclosed.

Abstract: A fiber optic module having a module housing and a module sub-assembly. The module housing defines at least an interior space, at least one adapter aperture and at least one input aperture. The module sub-assembly defines at least one fiber optic cable, for example, passing through the at least one input aperture, at least one multi-fiber connector on an end of the fiber optic cable, and at least one single fiber connector on an opposite end of the fiber optic cable, the multi-fiber connector being in optical communication with the at least one single fiber connector, the multi-fiber connector capable of flexing on the at least one fiber optic cable relative to the module housing.

Abstract: Cables are constructed with embedded discontinuities in the cable jacket that allow the jacket to be torn to provide access to the cable core. The discontinuities can be longitudinally extending strips of polymer material coextruded in the cable jacket.

Abstract: A method for laser processing arrays of optical fibers and high-fiber count splicing connectors and adapters are disclosed. The method includes the steps of providing a structure having optical fibers arranged in a plurality of rows and placing a protection element adjacent to a first row of optical fibers and a second row of optical fibers. Thereafter, the first row of optical fibers can be processed using the laser. The protection element may also be used to move optical fibers. In one embodiment, the protection element has a first portion and a second portion that have relative movement therebetween. In other variations, an absorption element may be provided adjacent the first row of optical fibers for inhibiting incidental damage to the structure.

Abstract: A fiber optic plug assembly for a fiber optic cable includes a plug body and cable attachment element. The plug body has a main portion with a front end and back end and at least one latching arm extending from the main portion. The cable attachment element has a front portion received in the back end of the main portion of the plug body, a rear portion located outside of the plug body, and a passage configured to allow at least one optical fiber to extend through the cable attachment element and into the main portion of the plug body. The rear portion of the cable attachment element receives at least a portion of the at least one latching arm. An optical connector system with a fiber optic plug assembly is also provided.

Abstract: A fiber optic cable includes a strength member, a layer of polyethylene contacting the exterior of the strength member, and a yarn wound around the strength member. The yarn is between the strength member and the layer of polyethylene.