Abstract: A fiber optic terminus (10) for use in fiber optic cable connections which terminus (10) includes an optical fiber (12) disposed within and supported by a ferrule (24). The fiber optic terminus (10) is characterized by a terminus end profile (50) wherein the end surface (52) of the optical fiber (12) is recessed or undercut relative to face surface (28) of the ferrule (24). In another embodiment of the invention, the face surface (28) of the ferrule (24) defines a surface angle .phi. which is less than about 2.0 degrees to minimize transmission losses when termini are assembled in opposed relation.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a fiber optic terminus (10) having an optical fiber (12) disposed within and supported by a ferrule assembly (22). The method includes the steps of: stripping a fiber optic cable (8) to expose the optical fiber (12), bonding the stripped-end of the fiber optic cable (8) to a ferrule assembly (22), cleaving the optical fiber (12) in close proximity to a face surface (28) of the ferrule assembly (22), polishing the cleaved-end of the optical fiber (12) to achieve a terminus end profile, and inspecting the polished-end of the optical fiber (12) to determine whether the terminus end profile conforms to predefined acceptance criteria.