Abstract: One ferrule embodiment includes a number of optical fibers, an alignment fixture, and an encapsulating material. The alignment fixture has a number of apertures for placement of the ends of the number of optical fibers. The encapsulating material is formed around at least a portion of the number of optical fibers and at least a portion of the alignment fixture.

Abstract: A ferrule embodiment includes a ferrule having a number of optical fibers each having an end and an optoelectric power source to convert light traveling through at least one of the optical fibers into electricity to provide power to a component.

Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to an optical device including a circuit board, an optical network and a lens kit. The circuit board has a mounting surface, and the optical fiber network is coupled to the circuit board opposite the mounting surface. The optical network includes two or more optical waveguides arranged in layers. A via extends through the mounting surface and into the optical network. The lens kit includes at least two lens pucks. At least one lens puck has a reflective element. The lens pucks are arranged to correspond with at least some of the optical waveguides. The lens kit is adapted to be inserted within the via and to reflect light traveling along an axis of the via into the optical network. The present disclosure is also directed to the lens kit and methods of making the lens kit and the optical device.

Abstract: A parallel mounted MEMs optical diagnostic switch disposed within an optical connector for directing optical signals from one or a plurality of light sources to one or a plurality of light collectors by activating a feedback loop through the use of micro electro mechanical systems (MEMS). The present invention includes one or more mirrors mounted parallel to the path of optical transmission through the tool. The mirrors and can be automatically activated at power up or selectively thereafter for detecting faults in any upstream fiber optic component. When in the passive mode, the present invention retracts away from the optical path so as not to interfere with normal system operations.

Abstract: Optical routers or optical interconnection devices that include an optical coupling method and optical coupling apparatus wherein a plurality of layers that contain optical devices that require optical coupling can be optically coupled by inserting optical coupling elements therein to transfer a light signal from one location on one layer to another location on a different layer. The optical coupling elements can include various light directing members such as reflectors, beam splitters/combiners or other components that can act on a light signal to modify, or control the light signal in a desired manner. In addition, an optical coupling elements can be transparent to the light signal so as not affect the direction or the integrity of the light signal as it passes through the optical coupling element.

Abstract: An interface system and a method of making an interface assembly or connection between a first device having a number of optical leads and a second device having a number of optical leads. In the preferred process one forms an optical fabric assembly having a number of free or unattached optical leads without any coupler attached thereto. To transfer a signal from the free or unattached optical leads one forms an optical coupler by connecting one end of an optical lead to a connector. The other end of the optical lead is maintained in a free or unattached condition. One can then test the optical coupler to determine if the connections is properly formed so that a signal can pass into the optical lead through the connector or vice versa.

Abstract: An optical switching device uses a first set containing at least one MEMS mirror that receives light from a light source. A second set of MEMS mirrors are arranged to receive light from the mirror(s) of the first set. The mirrors can be independently aimed so any mirror of the first set can direct light to any mirror of the second set. A set of light collectors collects light reflected from the second set of mirrors. A collimating lens may be included between any of the mirrors and the light sources/collectors. The MEMS mirrors may be activated by being flipped down or otherwise disconnect any mirror of the first or second set.

Abstract: An optical sensing device uses a set of source mirrors directing light from a set of light sources to a movable collector mirror. Each of the light sources has a unique wavelength. The collector mirror is coupled to a MEMS actuator that moves the collector mirror in response to a physical phenomena. A light collector gathers light from the collector mirror and the physical phenomena can be measured by determining the relative intensity associated with each of the light sources in the light gathered at the collector.

Abstract: An optical connector provides the reliability of a butt-coupled connection with the mating simplicity of an expanded-beam coupling arrangement. In an example embodiment, an optical fiber connector arrangement includes a first ferrule having an expanded-beam arrangement disposed therein. The expanded-beam arrangement within the first ferrule includes a first lens that is coupled to a first optical fiber and a second lens that is coupled to a second optical fiber, wherein the second optical fiber protrudes from the first ferrule. The connector arrangement further includes a second ferrule arranged to receive the first ferrule. The second ferrule supports a third optical fiber and is shaped to receive the first ferrule. The second optical fiber is butt-coupled to the third optical fiber within the second ferrule when the second ferrule is engaged with the first ferrule.

Abstract: An optical connector having alignment members for aligning with a connector on two mutually perpendicular axis with the optical connector including a displaceable block carrying optical fibers therein that is spatially positionable along a third axis to provide optical communication through the optical connector even though the optical connector may not have continuous optical fibers extending therethrough.

Abstract: An optical connector provides the reliability of a butt-coupled connection with the mating simplicity of an expanded-beam coupling arrangement. In an example embodiment, an optical fiber connector arrangement includes a first ferrule having an expanded-beam arrangement disposed therein. The expanded-beam arrangement within the first ferrule includes a first lens that is coupled to a first optical fiber and a second lens that is coupled to a second optical fiber, wherein the second optical fiber protrudes from the first ferrule. The connector arrangement further includes a second ferrule arranged to receive the first ferrule. The second ferrule supports a third optical fiber and is shaped to receive the first ferrule. The second optical fiber is butt-coupled to the third optical fiber within the second ferrule when the second ferrule is engaged with the first ferrule.