Abstract: The invention pertains to a modular optical connection system that permits simple swapping of optical connectors of different form factor types. Furthermore, it allows a single optical connector design of a given form factor to be used to make optical connectors in various different board-to-board configurations, such as orthogonal, coplanar, and backplane. In accordance with the invention, an outer housing is mounted on a board which housing allows two inner housings to mate with each other through the outer housing. A single outer housing can be used with different inner housings adapted to accept various different connector form factors therein and permits the two mating inner housings to float longitudinally within the outer housing. It also allows the two mating inner housings to engage and disengage via simple push engagement and pull disengagement.

Abstract: A method of qualifying a ferrule assembly as being adequate to make physical contact upon application of a certain mating force, said ferrule assembly comprising a ferrule having an mating face and two or more fibers in said ferrule extending from said mating face, said method comprising (a) determining a coplanarity line of the ends of said fibers of said ferrule assembly, (b) determining minus coplanarity, said minus coplanarity being the greatest parallel offset between said coplanarity line and a fiber end below the coplanarity line; and (c) determining whether said ferrule assembly will make physical contact as a function of at least said minus coplanarity and said certain mating force.

Abstract: A multi-fiber ferrule and optical fibers therein make easier contact with other multi-fiber ferrules and connectors with a small fiber tip radius and a modulus of elasticity. A method for qualifying multi-fiber ferrules (and connectors) is also disclosed.

Abstract: The invention pertains to a modular optical connection system that permits simple swapping of optical connectors of different form factor types. Furthermore, it allows a single optical connector design of a given form factor to be used to make optical connectors in various different board-to-board configurations, such as orthogonal, coplanar, and backplane. In accordance with the invention, an outer housing is mounted on a board which housing allows two inner housings to mate with each other through the outer housing. A single outer housing can be used with different inner housings adapted to accept various different connector form factors therein and permits the two mating inner housings to float longitudinally within the outer housing. It also allows the two mating inner housings to engage and disengage via simple push engagement and pull disengagement.

Abstract: A method of qualifying a ferrule assembly as being adequate to make physical contact upon application of a certain mating force, said ferrule assembly comprising a ferrule having an mating face and two or more fibers in said ferrule extending from said mating face, said method comprising (a) determining a coplanarity line of the ends of said fibers of said ferrule assembly, (b) determining minus coplanarity, said minus coplanarity being the greatest parallel offset between said coplanarity line and a fiber end below the coplanarity line; and (c) determining whether said ferrule assembly will make physical contact as a function of at least said minus coplanarity and said certain mating force.

Abstract: A multi-fiber ferrule and optical fibers therein make easier contact with other multi-fiber ferrules and connectors with a small fiber tip radius and a modulus of elasticity. A method for qualifying multi-fiber ferrules (and connectors) is also disclosed.

Abstract: A method of coupling a high-power optical signal between an optical fiber and a mating optical component, the optical signal ranging in wavelength from x to y, and having a first diameter while propagating in a mode field within the fiber, the method comprising: (a) converting the high-power optical signal between the first diameter in the fiber and a second diameter significantly greater than the first diameter using a GRIN lens fused to an end of the fiber, the GRIN lens having a diameter substantially the same as that of the optical fiber and a length l complying with the following equation: ¼x+½nx?l?¼y+½ny, wherein n=0, 1, 2, 3 . . . 100; (b) establishing physical contact between the GRIN lens and a coupling surface of the mating optical component; and (c) while the high-power optical signal is at the second diameter, optically coupling it between the lens and the mating optical component.

Abstract: A method of coupling a high-power optical signal between an optical fiber and a mating optical component, said optical signal having a first diameter while propagating in a mode field within said fiber, said method comprising: (a) converting said high-power optical signal between said first diameter in said fiber and a second diameter using a collimator optically coupled to said fiber, said second diameter being significantly greater than said first diameter, and (b) while said high-power optical signal is at said second diameter, optically coupling it between said lens and said mating optical component.

Abstract: A ferrule assembly (10) comprising: (a) an array of optical fibers (15,15a) each having a mating end face and (b) a ferrule (11) with the fibers (15,15a) disposed therein, the ferrule (11) having a front and rear orientation and a front surface (13), the front surface (13) having at least a mating surface (43) and a non-mating surface (44), the mating surface (43) extending forward beyound the non-mating surface (44) and presenting the mating end face of at least one of the fibers.

Abstract: A fiber optic connector utilizing a fiber array ferrule 20 has a housing 1 with an internal geometry that provides transverse alignment of the ferrule relative to the housing 1 when the connector is in an unmated condition and permits transverse displacement of the ferrule relative to the housing when the connector is in a mated condition. This structure advantageously permits proper pre-mating alignment with a mating connector ferrule or other optical device while also improving isolation of the ferrule from external loads imposed on the housing 1 when the connector is in a mated condition.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a connector assembly comprised of an adapter 14 that is engageable with one or more connectors 12. The adapter 14 has a plurality of alignment tabs 28 formed therein. When the adapter 14 and the connector 12 are in mated engagement, the alignment tabs 28 are positioned within a plurality of recesses 44 formed in the connector 12.

Abstract: Disclosed is a connector which can be used to terminate, among other things, an optical fiber. The connector includes a housing, and the housing defines a cavity. The housing has an end configured for insertion into an associated receptacle. On the housing is a latch for securing the housing in the associated receptacle. The latch has a first end and a second end opposite the first end, and each end of the latch is either connected to or simply supported by the housing.