Abstract: A fiber optic ferrule, preferably an MT-type ferrule, and connector design is provided that includes a unitary v-groove lens array (v-lens). The v-lens comprises a plurality of lenses and corresponding plurality of open v-grooves to align optical fibers with the plurality of lenses. Because the v-groove lens array is a unitary structure, high precision manufacturing is required for only the v-groove lens array, and not for other components forming the ferrule. A housing holds the v-groove lens array and preferably comprises a cantilever configured to retain the optical fibers substantially within their corresponding v-grooves. An opening in the housing allows an adhesive to be placed in contact with the housing, optical fibers and v-groove lens array thereby retaining the various components in a fixed relationship. A fiber optic connector may include the fiber optic ferrule in accordance with the present invention disposed within a suitable connector housing.

Abstract: A ferrule for connecting a optical fiber to a mating optical fiber or an item of network gear includes a guide hole having a consistent first dimension in a first region and a larger dimension in a second region. A guide or alignment pin inserted through the guide hole forms a locational or sliding fit with the guide hole in the first region and a loose fit in the second region, allowing the ferrule to rock through the angle formed by the dimension of the second region. Rocking the ferrule through this angle closes the lossy air gap formed by end-face tilt resulting from imperfect polishing of the face of the ferrule and decreases insertion loss.

Abstract: A method of cross-connecting or reorganizing individual optical fibers of a plurality of fiber optic ribbons include the steps of providing a substrate having an adhesive thereon with a mixing zone within the boundaries thereof. A plurality of individual optical fibers are routed onto the substrate to form a plurality of fiber optic input ribbons, reorganizing the fibers in the mixing zone, and forming a plurality of fiber optic output ribbons. At least some of the output ribbons have fibers from more than one of the input ribbons. The input and output ribbons are coated on the substrate outside the mixing zone to hold the routed fibers in ribbon form, leaving at least portions of the fibers in the mixing zone uncoated. The coated ribbons are stripped from the substrate with the uncoated fibers from the mixing zone being loose. A holding device is placed about at least the uncoated loose fibers between the input and output ribbons.