Abstract: A holding fixture for use with an interferometric optical microscope is adapted to receive an optical fiber connector. The fixture comprises a base plate mountable to the microscope and having a base plate opening sized to receive the optical fiber connector. An aperture plate is connected to the base plate, the aperture plate having an aperture opening overlapping the base plate opening. The fixture allows the optical fiber connector to be held in a precise and repeatable orientation relative to the microscope in turn facilitating accurate and precise measurements of endface geometry of the optical fiber connector. A method of using the fixture allows a calibration factor to be calculated for the fixture.

Abstract: A holding fixture for use with an interferometric optical microscope is adapted to receive an optical fiber connector. The fixture comprises a base plate mountable to the microscope and having a base plate opening sized to receive the optical fiber connector. An aperture plate is connected to the base plate, the aperture plate having an aperture opening overlapping the base plate opening. The fixture allows the optical fiber connector to be held in a precise and repeatable orientation relative to the microscope in turn facilitating accurate and precise measurements of endface geometry of the optical fiber connector. A method of using the fixture allows a calibration factor to be calculated for the fixture.

Abstract: The present invention provides an improved fiber optic holding fixture for an optical interferometer, which can be used with a connector ferrule or a combination of an optical fiber end surrounded by a connector ferrule. The fiber optic holding fixture comprises a holding plate suitable for use in an optical interferometer, with a holding means for holding a prepared end of an optical fiber connection in a precision, repeatable orientation, with reference to a reference surface. The holding means comprises a vee-shaped groove in the holding plate which provides contact on two points of the circumference of a connector ferrule, as is known to the art. The improvement comprises a clamping means integrally formed within the holding plate which cooperates with the holding means.

Abstract: An optical fiber cable retention system is disclosed for use in joining or terminating optical fiber cables having as a central core at least one optical fiber with said central core surrounded by a flexible strength member. The cable retention system comprises a pair of tapered and mating engagement components defining an engagement zone therebetween within which a portion of the flexible strength member of an optical fiber cable may be held in compressive engagement, and a band of elastomeric material of suitable dimension to reside in a groove in the male engagement member.