Abstract: The present disclosure provides a Multi-fiber push on (MPO) connector channel verification apparatus and method for verifying the MPO cable polarity and each optic fiber position in MPO cables or patch-cords. The apparatus includes a verification module that provides an illumination source configured to direct light on fiber end faces in an MPO connector at an end of the MPO cable according to predetermined sequences such that an inspection microscope at the other end of the MPO cable may be utilized to analyze the illumination sequence of illuminated fibers occurring at the other end of the MPO cable to verify the channel locations and polarity of the MPO cable.

Abstract: A lightweight miniature interferometric device for interferometric inspection of circular multi-channel fiber optic connectors that includes the interferometric microscope, holding fixture, multi-axis motion mechanism and computing device. The system performs an interferometric inspection of multi-channel fiber optic connector. The method of interferometric inspection provides automatic scan of the multi-channel fiber optic connector, reconstructing 3D surfaces of fiber optic termini of the connector and analyzing its parameters. The system connects to the connector by holding fixture and performs an interferometric inspection of each fiber optic terminus of the connector by means of multi-axis motion mechanism.

Abstract: An interferometric measurement method aims at calculating angular misalignment between fiber and ferrule axes for single fiber ferrules. The misalignment is measured by scanning side surface of reference fiber inserted into the ferrule and side surface of the ferrule. For single fiber connectors and ferrules, the method also aims at calculating fiber core concentricity and ferrule circularity and for single fiber connectors, end face angle of polish. The concentricity, the circularity and the angle of polish are measured by scanning side surface of the ferrule and end face of the connector or ferrule. Interferometric data from the side surfaces of the reference fiber and the ferrule, or from the end face of the connector or ferrule and the side surface of the ferrule, is gathered during one scanning session—either one simultaneous scan or several scans without moving or re-inserting the connector or ferrule.

Abstract: Four fixture types are intended for alignment of multi-fiber connectors and ferrules in interferometric microscopes for measuring connector end-face geometry. A methodology of fixtures' calibration ensures validity and accuracy of measurements. First fixture type is equipped with a locking mechanism. In one embodiment it contains two guide holes and is intended for male connectors. In another embodiment intended for female connectors and ferrules it contains two removable guide pins on a bar inserted into the guide holes from back or front side of the fixture. Second fixture type has single window in the base and a pair of guide pins located near opposite sides of the window. Third fixture type has a single window and single guide pin in the base located near one window side. Fourth fixture type has a single guide pin in the center of the base and a pair of windows on both sides of the pin.

Abstract: An interferometric measurement method aims at calculating end face surface angle of multi-fiber connector or ferrule taking into account parallelism deviation angles of the connector or ferrule guide holes. The parallelism deviation angles are measured by scanning the side surfaces of guide pins inserted into the guide holes, which is done simultaneously with the end face scanning. Interferometric data from connector or ferrule end face and side surfaces of the guide pins is gathered during one scanning session—either one simultaneous scan or several scans without moving or re-inserting the connector or ferrule.

Abstract: An interferometric measurement method precisely determines parallelism and 3D position of guide pin holes and fiber holes in multi-fiber ferrules used in connectors. The parallelism and position are measured for the ferrule with inserted reference guide pins and reference fibers by scanning the ferrule from side in an interferometric system. Fiber hole deviations from designated locations on the ferrule end face and distance between the fiber holes and the guide pin holes are calculated as well.