Abstract: A connector assembly, configured to releasably couple a socket assembly, includes zero or more data conductors. An optical pathway is configured to: receive an optical signal from an optical light source positioned within the socket assembly; and provide at least a portion of the optical signal to an optical light target positioned within the socket assembly.

Abstract: A high density optical fiber array assembly and assembly method includes a housing securing a front array mask etched with extreme precision to define openings arranged in a predetermined pattern. A series of guide plates form a series of fiber guide channels that align with the mask openings, which plates are stacked within the housing so that the bottom of one acts as a cover for the channels of another. Fibers can be tool inserted along the channels as one group, such as a row of fibers, or manually inserted and advanced sequentially. Alternately, the mask and guide plate stack are mounted to and within a mounting block and the mounting block assembly inserted into the assembly housing substantially all remaining voids in the housing are filled with bonding material.

Abstract: Various configurations of micromachined optomechanical switching cells are disclosed herein. In accordance with the invention, an optomechanical switching cell is provided which includes an actuator positioned on a substrate and a mirror coupled to the actuator. The switching cell also includes an electrode disposed upon the substrate under the actuator. An insulator may also be interposed between the substrate and the electrode. In another aspect of the present invention the switching cell includes a latch having a first end region connected to the substrate and a second end region engaged by the mirror.

Abstract: A holder for single head fiber optic connectors comprises a body and a pair of arms. The body has a guarding portion. The arms extend from the body so as to form a pair of receiving spaces between the body and the arms. The single head fiber optic connectors are held in the receiving spaces by the arms and the guarding portion.

Abstract: A method for making a chirped grating device capable of a broad bandwith for optical communication systems is disclosed. An intrinsically-chirped optical grating is externally strained to alter the range of chirping. The external strain may be induced by a gradient-generating body bonded onto the length of the fiber grating that may be latchably strained so that the grating characteristics may be changed or tuned while avoiding use of a continuous power supply. Various optical networking applications using such dispersion compensating devices are also disclosed.

Abstract: Connection device for multiple-core optical fibers based on optical elements in free space. This device comprises a first optical means (36) which is refractive or diffractive, and at least one second means (38, 40) which is diffractive. The first means causes the light beams exiting cores (30) of fiber (28) to diverge as far as an area in which these beams are separated in space and have cross sections whose size is compatible with the spatial bandpass of the second means. The latter is positioned in this area and directs the beams, independently from one another, towards corresponding optical components (34). Application to optic telecommunications.