Abstract: Embodiments disclosed herein include systems and method directed to fiber assemblies having a tray feature. One embodiment of a fiber assembly includes a fiber supporting matrix that includes a base side and a fiber supporting side that opposes the base side. The fiber supporting matrix may have a length and a width. Additionally, the first number of fiber positions may extend along the length of the fiber supporting matrix. The fiber assembly may also include a second number of secured fibers that are secured in a corresponding number of fiber positions, where the second number of secured fibers is less than the first number of fiber positions. The fiber assembly may additionally include a tray region on the fiber supporting matrix for receiving installed fibers that are intended for data transmission.

Abstract: A method for polishing the distal end of a fiber optic connector. The distal end is first polished in the presence of an aqueous slurry comprising two different powders to bring a glass surface and a ferrule surface to a substantially common plane, and subsequently polished in the presence of an acidic solution to prevent the attachment of hydrated silica particles to the ferrule face.