Abstract: A method of installing fiber optic cables consists of cutting a shallow and narrow trench or channel within a road surface or building wall. A narrow fiber optic cable is laid within the channel, and subsequently covered with a patch material. A branching cable network is provided by cutting at periodic and selected locations, a slightly broader and deeper region of the channel, within which cable loops and/or junction boxes are installed. The nodes may consist of branching nodes, or alternatively non-branching nodes containing a cable loop and/or junction box, the installation of which at a location permits a junction node to be formed at a close by location. The invention also consists of a junction box for use with the system.

Abstract: A lens array for use in fiber optic communications modules where multiple optical fibers are used in either transmitting or receiving optical signals. The lens array is adapted for optically interfacing a set of photoactive components such as semiconductor lasers or photo diodes deployed on an integrated circuit chip with a set of optical communications fibers supported in a ferrule. The individual lens elements within the array are shaped to have a greater height than width and are fitted together by being truncated along their boundaries with adjoining lenses. The increased height of the lens elements allows them to gather and transfer more light between the photoactive components and the optical fibers.