Abstract: An apparatus, integral to a polishing fixture, that enables a plurality of fiber optic connectors to be independently aligned to a polishing surface. Once inserted into the apparatus, a reference connector is positioned over an optical interferometer, whose focal plane is parallel with that of the polishing surface plane. The apparatus is then adjusted to the known interferometric geometry of the reference connector. This procedure is performed for each integral apparatus insuring that all consecutive connectors inserted into said apparatus are polished to the same interferometric geometry as that of the reference connector. The same apparatus also permits connector geometries to be measured by the interferometer while the connectors are mounted in the polishing fixture.

Abstract: An apparatus, integral to a polishing fixture, that enables a plurality of fiber optic connectors to be independently aligned to a polishing surface. Once inserted into the apparatus, a reference connector is positioned over an optical interferometer, whose focal plane is parallel with that of the polishing surface plane. The apparatus is then adjusted to the known interferometric geometry of the reference connector. This procedure is performed for each integral apparatus insuring that all consecutive connectors inserted into said apparatus are polished to the same interferometric geometry as that of the reference connector. The same apparatus also permits connector geometries to be measured by the interferometer while the connectors are mounted in the polishing fixture.

Abstract: An apparatus that enables the radiusing and beam profiling of an optical fiber tip protruding from a polishing fixture. When engaged with the polishing fixture, the apparatus positions the fiber tip in a high temperature plasma field generate by an electrode pair. The apparatus is provided with a window that permits the active viewing and monitoring of radiusing procedure. After the radiusing procedure, the same apparatus also permits the analysis of the beam pattern created when light is transmitted through the radiused fiber tip.

Abstract: An apparatus that enables a magnification system to view the surface of optical connectors without the need to remove the connectors from a polishing workholder. A connector is placed into a centering insert that is integral to a polishing workholder. The magnification system is fitted with an adapter that engages with the centering insert. This engagement locates the ferrule of the optical connector in the focal plane of the magnification system for viewing and inspection of surface quality.

Abstract: An optical fiber and optical connector cleaning device which removes contaminants and particulants from fiber end face surfaces. The device consists of a surface treated with a high bonding adhesive. A template with a plurality of alignment holes is positioned upon the adhesive surface. A fiber connector with contaminants residing upon its fiber surface is guided by a template hole and makes contact with the adhesive surface. After connector disengagement, contaminants remain bonded to the adhesive surface resulting in a contaminant-free optical fiber and optical connector.

Abstract: An apparatus for polishing the end faces of bare optical fibers or connector terminated fibers so that their shape is either convex or angled. The base structure of the apparatus utilizes several rotating disks upon which deformable pads are mounted. Attached to each pad are polishing films with progressively finer grades of abrasive action. A connector ferrule containing a protruding fiber is mounted in an exchangeable work fixture. Depending upon the selected work fixture, the fiber face is pressed against the coarsest rotating polishing film at a predetermined angle. A carriage linearly traverses the work fixture across the radius of the polishing film resulting in the removal of fiber end face material. Once the circumference of the film is reached the work fixture is repositioned so that radial movement can commence across the adjacent finer grade polishing film.

Abstract: The disclosure describes a connector for fiber optic transmission cables, incorporating into it a variable attenuator. The variable attenuation is achieved by having a screw arrangement vary an air gap, and additional embodiments of the invention feature ways of fixing the attenuation at a given level and of minimizing back-reflection.