Abstract: An electric arc apparatus for processing an optical fiber includes one or more first electrodes and one or more second electrodes. The first electrode(s) each have an end portion that terminates at an opening defined by the first electrode(s). The opening is configured to accommodate the optical fiber extending along a longitudinal axis. The second electrode(s) each have an end portion that terminates at a location spaced from the opening defined by the first electrode(s). The first electrode(s) or second electrode(s) are configured to receive a voltage that generates a plasma field between the first electrode(s) and second electrode(s), which are shaped to focus the plasma field so that the plasma field extends across the longitudinal axis and modifies the end of the optical fiber. Methods of processing an optical fiber with an electric arc apparatus are also disclosed.

Abstract: A receptacle ferrule assembly for a fiber optic receptacle connector. The receptacle ferrule assembly comprises a first lens with first second optical surfaces and a receptacle ferrule body having first and second ends. At least one monolithic optical system is formed in a monolithic receptacle ferrule body and includes a lens formed at the second end of monolithic receptacle ferrule body and an optical surface formed at the first end of monolithic receptacle ferrule body. The optical surface is situated adjacent to, and mated to the second optical surface of the first lens The monolithic optical system is configured, in conjunction with the first lens, to define a receptacle optical pathway from the second end of the monolithic optical system to the first surface of the first lens. According to some embodiments the first lens is a gradient index lens.

Abstract: Monolithic beam-shaping optical systems and methods are disclosed for an optical coherence tomography (OCT) probe that includes a transparent cylindrical housing having asymmetric optical power. The system includes a transparent monolithic body having a folded optical axis and at least one alignment feature that supports the end of an optical fiber adjacent an angled planar end wall. The monolithic body also includes a total-internal reflection surface and a lens surface that define object and image planes. Light from the optical fiber end traverses the optical path, which includes the cylindrical housing residing between the lens surface and the image plane. Either the lens surface by itself or the lens surface and the reflective (eg, TIR) surface in combination are configured to substantially correct for the asymmetric optical power of the cylindrical housing, thereby forming a substantially rotationally symmetric image spot at the image plane.

Abstract: A ferrule holder for a tool for processing an end face of an optical fiber held by a ferrule of an optical fiber connector is disclosed. The ferrule holder includes first and second confronting faceplates, with the first face plate operably arranged with the tool. The first and second face plates are configured to magnetically engage while being kinematically aligned. The second face place is configured to receive the optical fiber connector and the ferrule therein so that the end face of the optical fiber resides immediately adjacent an aperture of the first face plate. Light from a light source in the tool is directed through the aperture to process the fiber end. The second face plate can be disengaged from the first face plate and replaced with another second face plate configured to accommodate a ferrule having a different size.

Abstract: Gradient index (GRIN) lens chips and associated small form factor optical arrays for optical connections, and related fiber optic connectors are disclosed. By aligning GRIN lenses within a GRIN lens chip, a more precise and reliable alignment may be achieved with respect to optical fibers than if a single conventional ferrule is utilized to align and secure both GRIN lenses and optical fibers. The GRIN lens chip may include a GRIN lens received and thereby aligned within a groove disposed between a fiber end and a terminal end of a GRIN lens holder body. The optical fibers may also be received and thereby aligned within a groove of a ferrule body. In this manner, when the GRIN lens chip containing the GRIN lenses is aligned with a ferrule body containing the optical fibers, then the GRIN lenses may be precisely located relative to the optical fibers.

Abstract: Devices and methods for optical-fiber processing for connector applications are disclosed, wherein the devices and methods utilize a quantum cascade laser operated under select processing parameters to carry out end face polishing. The method includes supporting the optical fiber in a ferrule so that a bare end section of the fiber protrudes from an end of the ferrule by a protrusion distance. The method then includes irradiating the end face with light from the quantum cascade laser to polish the end face. The quantum cascade laser can also be used to form a bump in a central portion of the end face, wherein the bump facilitates physical contact between respective end faces of connected optical fibers.

Abstract: Embodiments disclosed herein include fiber optic connectors that include a tray that translates from a retracted position to an extended position along with cable assemblies using the connector and methods for making the same. In one embodiment, the connector includes a housing, a fiber optic body having an optical interface with at least one optical channel, at least one optical fiber in optical communication with the at least one optical channel of the optical interface, a tray that is movable between a first position that retracts the tray into the housing and a second position where the tray extends from the housing, wherein the fiber optic body is essentially stationary with respect to the tray, and an actuator for moving the tray between the first position and the second position.

Abstract: Disclosed are optical ports and devices using the optical ports. The optical port includes a mounting body having a first pocket and at least one mounting surface for securing the optical port, one or more optical elements, and a first alignment feature disposed in the pocket, wherein the alignment feature includes a piston that is translatable during mating. The one or more optical elements may be an integral portion of the mounting body or a discrete lens. In other embodiments, the mounting body may include a plurality of pockets and one of the pockets may include a magnet for securing a plug to the optical port. The optical port may optionally have a minimalist optical port footprint so that the complimentary mating optical plug engages a portion of the frame during mating.

Abstract: A device-to-device optical connector assembly is configured to provide an optical signal as an expanded beam to an expanded beam plug cable. The connector assembly includes an active receptacle having a lead-in portion that receives a light beam from an opto-electronic device, a lead-out portion and a turn portion that turns the light beam and delivers a collimated light beam to the lead-out portion. A waveguide rod is optically coupled to the lead-out portion of the active receptacle that receives the collimated light beam and carries the collimated light beam from the active receptacle to the expanded beam plug cable. In one embodiment, the waveguide rod has a step index core waveguide profile with its fundamental mode generally matching the coupling optics of a complementary cable assembly or the like within a predetermined value.

Abstract: A system and method for making a thin sintered silica sheet is provided. The method includes providing a soot deposition surface and forming a glass soot sheet by delivering a stream of glass soot particles from a soot generating device to the soot deposition surface. The method includes providing a sintering laser positioned to direct a laser beam onto the soot sheet and forming a sintered glass sheet from the glass soot sheet by delivering a laser beam from the sintering laser onto the glass soot sheet. The sintered glass sheet formed by the laser sintering system or method is thin, has low surfaces roughness and/or low contaminant levels.

Abstract: Disclosed are optical ports and devices using the optical ports. The optical port includes a mounting body having a first pocket and at least one mounting surface for securing the optical port, one or more optical elements, and a first alignment feature disposed in the pocket, wherein the alignment feature includes a piston that is translatable during mating. The one or more optical elements may be an integral portion of the mounting body or a discrete lens. In other embodiments, the mounting body may include a plurality of pockets and one of the pockets may include a magnet for securing a plug to the optical port. The optical port may optionally have a minimalist optical port footprint so that the complimentary mating optical plug engages a portion of the frame during mating.

Abstract: A beam-shaping optical system suitable for use with optical coherence tomography includes a beam-shaping body having a beam-shaping element and an alignment feature. An optical fiber is coupled to the alignment feature. The fiber has a fiber end configured to emit an electromagnetic beam. The fiber and the body are configured to direct the beam into the beam-shaping element such that the beam is shaped solely by reflection into an image spot.

Abstract: A non-cylindrical hypotube is disclosed, such as for use in OCT and endoscopy. The hypotube is defined by a non-cylindrical, rotationally symmetric tube and has an interior, a proximal-end section with an outer diameter D1, a distal-end section with an outer diameter D3, and a middle section between the proximal-end and distal-end sections and having an outer diameter D2, wherein D2<D1, and D2<D3. The distal-end section is sized to accommodate the optical probe and includes an outer surface with an aperture that allows for optical communication therethrough.

Abstract: An optical fiber connector for coupling light to or from an input fiber is disclosed. The connector includes a first alignment member that holds an achromatic GRIN lens. The achromatic GRIN lens has a half-pitch axial length L, wherein 0.5 mm?L?5 mm. The optical fiber connector has a field fiber that interfaces with the achromatic GRIN lens. The connector is operable between operating wavelengths of 800 nm and 1600 nm with a coupling loss of less than 0.2 dB.

Abstract: An integrated torque assembly for optical coherence tomography includes an optical fiber cable having an optical fiber surrounded by an outer jacket. An optical probe is operably attached to the distal end of the optical fiber cable. The outer jacket includes outwardly extending protrusions. The optical fiber cable and optical probe are operably disposed within an interior of a guide tube having an inner surface. The protrusions reduce the amount of surface area the optical fiber cable presents to the guide tube inner surface and thus reduces friction during operation.

Abstract: An electric arc apparatus for processing an optical fiber includes one or more first electrodes and one or more second electrodes. The first electrode(s) each have an end portion that terminates at an opening defined by the first electrode(s). The opening is configured to accommodate the optical fiber extending along a longitudinal axis. The second electrode(s) each have an end portion that terminates at a location spaced from the opening defined by the first electrode(s). The first electrode(s) or second electrode(s) are configured to receive a voltage that generates a plasma field between the first electrode(s) and second electrode(s), which are shaped to focus the plasma field so that the plasma field extends across the longitudinal axis and modifies the end of the optical fiber. Methods of processing an optical fiber with an electric arc apparatus are also disclosed.

Abstract: An electric arc apparatus for processing an optical fiber includes one or more first electrodes and one or more second electrodes. The first electrode(s) each have an end portion that terminates at an opening defined by the first electrode(s). The opening is configured to accommodate the optical fiber extending along a longitudinal axis. The second electrode(s) each have an end portion that terminates at a location spaced from the opening defined by the first electrode(s). The first electrode(s) or second electrode(s) are configured to receive a voltage that generates a plasma field between the first electrode(s) and second electrode(s), which are shaped to focus the plasma field so that the plasma field extends across the longitudinal axis and modifies the end of the optical fiber. Methods of processing an optical fiber with an electric arc apparatus are also disclosed.

Abstract: Integrated torque jacket systems and methods for optical coherence tomography are disclosed. The system includes an optical fiber cable having an optical fiber surrounded by an outer jacket. An optical probe is operably attached to the distal end of the optical fiber cable. The optical fiber cable includes either a plurality of low-friction bearings or a spiral member operably attached thereto along its length, thereby defining the integrated torque jacket system. The integrated torque jacket system resides within the flexible guide tube with a close fit that allows for rotation and axial translation of the integrated torque jacket system within the guide tube interior. The integrated torque jacket system serves to transfer torque and axial translation applied at its proximal end to the distal end to rotate and axially translate the optical probe within the guide tube.

Abstract: A torque transmission assembly comprising: (i) an optical fiber coupled to an optical sensing component and capable of rotating and translating the optical sensing component and of transmitting light to and from the optical sensing component; and (b) an annular structure surrounding the optical fiber, the annular structure in conjunction with said optical fiber transmits torque from a rotating component to the optical sensing component, wherein the annular structure does not include a steel wire torque spring.

Abstract: An optical fiber connector for coupling light to or from an input fiber is disclosed. The connector includes a first alignment member that holds an achromatic GRIN lens. The achromatic GRIN lens has a half-pitch axial length L, wherein 0.5 mm?L?5 mm. The optical fiber connector has a field fiber that interfaces with the achromatic GRIN lens. The connector is operable between operating wavelengths of 800 nm and 1600 nm with a coupling loss of less than 0.2 dB.