Abstract: An optical backplane interconnect comprises a backplane comprising parallel D-fibers (1) that form an optical bus embedded in a plastics substrate (15), which form a coupling with respective parallel D-fibers (23) at an angle .PHI. in a connecting block (21) that is mounted on a card (2). Circuit components on the card are connected by optical fibers (9) to the fibers in the connecting block. The card is held by connections (18, 19), and as the card is pushed into position, coupling means, comprising balls (25, 26) on the connecting block, it self-aligns in groove (27) on the backplane, to set the angle .PHI. between the fibers, to provide a controlled, reliable optical coupling.

Abstract: An optical fiber feedthrough comprising a glass seal for sealing the optical fiber within a metal sleeve. The fiber is held in a fixed position with respect to the sleeve while a glass solder, preferably an annular preform, is heated to its glass transition temperature and then cooled to form a glass to metal seal.