Abstract: A high-density fiber array unit includes a plurality of substrates arranged and connected in an array, a side plate arranged at one side of the plurality of substrates and connected to one of the plurality of substrates, and a plurality of fibers. Each substrate comprises a first surface and a second surface opposing the first surface, and the first surface defines positioning grooves. The side plate is connected to the first surface of one of the substrates, and each fiber can be fixed to and held by a positioning groove. A fiber array apparatus including the fiber array unit is also provided.

Abstract: Disclosed are optical plug connectors that can be converted from a first mating interface to a second mating interface that is different than the first mating interface. The optical plug connector comprises a plug body, a shroud, a ferrule and a first coupling member for securing the optical plug connector. The shroud comprises a first mating interface configuration that may be removed and replaced with a shroud having a second mating interface configuration.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to fiber optic connection systems (5) including a fiber optic adapter (10) having shutter assemblies (34, 17) for obstructing laser beams to protect a person's eyes. The shutter assemblies (34, 17) are spring biased and pivotally movable between closed and open positions. In certain examples, the shutter assemblies (34, 17) can include an integrated locking member (48) that snaps into the fiber optic connectors (12, 14) to hold/retain the connectors in first and second ports (20, 24).

Abstract: A multi-fiber, fiber optic connector is interchangeable between a male connector and a female connector by including a pin retainer having a releasable retention device configured to lock the pins in place within the retainer. The retention device may be opened, for example, with a release tool, to free the retention pins for removal of the pins. A method for switching a connector between a male connector configuration and a female connector configuration may be possible as a result of the releasable retention configuration.

Abstract: A field installable connector system for an optical cable includes a clamp, including a plurality of clamp members, cable guiding space in at least one of the clamp members, the cable guiding space configured to guide an optical cable in position in the clamp, connector receiving space in the clamp configured to receive at least part of a connector connected to the optical cable, a stop configured to block withdrawal of the connector from the clamp, and a housing having a clamp receiving space configured to receive at least part of the clamp and to urge clamp parts together to retain in the clamp at least part of the connector. A strain relief also may be provided. A method of assembling a field installable connector system for an optical cable includes placing an optical connector, optical cable and clamp in a hollow housing that holds the clamp relative to the optical connector and optical cable; and applying a strain relief.

Abstract: Provided is a multi-fiber optical connector which can be easily assembled by having a simple structure and provides high workability at the time of connection. Since a plate-shaped guide 2 adapted to move a fiber is provided on an end surface and a gap x is provided on a rear surface of the plate-shaped guide 2, achieved is a structure in which each of fibers 5 is mutually moved in an optical axis direction along a penetration hole h provided at the plate-shaped guide 2 at the time of connecting connectors. Consequently, the respective fibers 5 which can be elastically connected independently from each other can be collectively connected at the time of connecting the connectors, and furthermore, positioning accuracy between the respective fibers 5 can be improved when the connector is used as a multi-fiber optical connector 1.

Abstract: An optical cross-connect component mutually connecting an end of a first optical fiber group and an end of a second optical fiber group is disclosed. The optical cross-connect component includes a plurality of first connectors housing therein the end of the first optical fiber group, and a plurality of second connectors housing therein the end of the second optical fiber group. The m×n optical fibers in the first optical fiber group are housed in any of the plurality of first connectors, and the m×n optical fibers in the second optical fiber group are housed in any of the plurality of second connectors. The end of the first optical fiber group and the end of the second optical fiber group are connected so as to be butted to each other.

Abstract: An optical interface device for a photonic integrated system includes a plug and a receptacle. The receptacle is operably arranged on a PIC that supports waveguides. The plug operably supports optical fibers. The receptacle and plug are configured to operably engage to establish optical communication between the optical fibers and the waveguides. A tab on the receptacle is configured to constrain longitudinal motion while allowing for lateral motion of the receptacle to adjust its position relative to the PIC to optimize alignment. The plug can include a spacer sized to fit within a recess defined by the tab to further facilitate alignment. The plug can also include lenses to establish the optical communication between the optical fibers and the waveguides. The receptacle and plug can be engaged and disengaged in a manner similar to conventional electrical connectors.

Abstract: A fiber optic ferrule with rear holes and a guide pin clamp allows for changing guide pins in the field. The guide pin clamp has a forward clamp portion to engage the rear face of the fiber optic ferrule, a rearward clamp portion configured to engage the biasing spring, and a guide pin retaining plate. The guide pin retaining plate is movable from a first position to a second position to allow for the removal or insertion of guide pins.

Abstract: An optical connector includes a first sub-assembly that is factory-installed to a first end of an optical fiber and a second sub-assembly that is field-installed to the first end of the optical fiber. The optical fiber and first sub-assembly can be routed through a structure (e.g., a building) prior to installation of the second sub-assembly. The second sub-assembly interlocks with the first sub-assembly to inhibit relative axial movement therebetween. Example first sub-assemblies include a ferrule, a hub, and a strain-relief sleeve that mount to an optical fiber. Example second sub-assemblies include a mounting block; and an outer connector housing forming a plug portion.

Abstract: A cap apparatus is mounted to a fiber optic connector having a ferrule supporting optical fiber(s). A sealing apparatus is cooperatively configured with the cap apparatus for protecting an end face of the ferrule. The cap apparatus includes a body having opposite ends between which a cavity extends. The opposite ends of the body respectively define first and second openings to the cavity. A portion of the fiber optic connector extends through the first opening and into the cavity. The cap apparatus includes a cover mounted to the body and at least partially obstructing the second opening, wherein the end face of the ferrule is positioned within the cavity at a location spaced from the cover. The sealing apparatus is positioned between at least a portion of the cover and the end face of the ferrule.

Abstract: An optical element is coupled to a ferrule that holds an optical fiber for single mode. The optical element includes: a glass-made optical portion in which a plurality of lenses is disposed; and a resin-made holder that holds the optical portion. The lenses are disposed with respect to an end portion of the optical fiber, using at least a part of the holder.

Abstract: A connector is disclosed that includes a housing and first and second attachment areas located in the housing and spaced apart from each other along the mating direction of the connector. The second, but not the first, attachment area is designed to move relative to the housing. The connector further includes an optical waveguide that is permanently attached to, and under a first bending force between, the first and second attachment areas. The connector also includes a light coupling unit located in the housing for receiving light from the optical waveguide and transmitting the received light to a mating connector along a direction different than the mating direction of the connector. The mating of the connector to the mating connector causes the optical waveguide to be under a greater second bending force between the first and second attachment areas.

Abstract: A multi-fiber connector (40) that promotes physical contact with a communicating multi-fiber connector. The multi-fiber connector (40) has a connector body (44) with a front end (47) and a back end (49). The multi-fiber connector (40) also includes a ferrule (10a, 10b) with optical contacts (20a, 20b) at a front end (14a, 14b). The ferrule (10a, 10b) is spring biased toward the front end (14a, 14b) of the connector body (44). The ferrule (10a, 10b) has a pair of alignment pin openings (30a, 30b) extending into the ferrule from a front end (14a, 14b). The ferrule (10b) also has a pair of alignment pins (22) mounted within the alignment pin openings (30a, 30b). The base ends of the alignment pins (22) have a different transverse cross-sectional shape than the alignment pin openings (30a, 30b). This difference in transverse cross-sectional shapes allows the alignment pins to pivot relative to the ferrule along a major axis of the ferrule.

Abstract: A fiber connection assembly includes a first and a second coupling member. The first coupling member includes a first housing, a protrusion protruding from a first side of the first housing, and a first optical connector arranged in the protrusion. The second coupling member includes a second housing, a recess arranged at a first side of the second housing and a second optical connector arranged in the second housing in or next to the recess. The coupling members can be coupled by moving the first member relative to the second coupling member in a first direction towards and onto the second coupling member, thereby inserting the protrusion into the recess, and then by rotating the first coupling member relative to the second coupling member in a plane perpendicular to the first direction and around a rotation axis until the first optical connector is connected to the second optical connector.

Abstract: An optical connector includes a first connector portion having a first optical fiber, a second connector portion having a second optical fiber, and an aligning part. The second connector portion includes a fitting recessed portion in which the first connector portion is fitted. The second connector portion is joined closely in a direction orthogonal to axes of the first and second optical fibers by the first connector portion. The aligning part includes side walls of the fitting recessed portion gradually closing to each other in a fitting direction of the first connector portion to the fitting recessed portion, and side surfaces of the first connector portion inclined at the same inclination angle as the side walls of the fitting recessed portion.

Abstract: A connector is disclosed that includes a light coupling unit designed to receive light from an input side of the light coupling unit and transmit the received light to a mating connector from an output side of the light coupling unit along a direction different than the mating direction of the connector. The light coupling unit rotates when the connector mates with the mating connector.

Abstract: A plug connector, in particular an optical plug connector, has a plug unit comprising at least one plug element which has at least one locking element, and with an actuation unit comprising at least one actuation element which is translationally displaceable with respect to the plug unit for the purpose of actuating the locking element.

Abstract: The fiber array assemblies include an interdigitated signal-fiber array supported on a support substrate and formed by front-end sections of first signal fibers interdigitated with either front-end sections of second signal fibers or spacer fibers. The assemblies also include a fiber pusher device that may comprise glass and first and second ends. The fiber pusher device is disposed so that its first and second ends contact and push against first and second edges of the interdigitated signal-fiber array to remove gaps between adjacent signal fibers. A cover sheet is disposed atop the interdigitated signal-fiber array and covers at least a portion of the fiber pusher device to define a ferrule. A securing material is disposed within a ferrule interior to secure the cover sheet, the interdigitated signal-fiber array and the fiber pusher devices. The fiber array assemblies can be connectorized by adding an interconnect device or the like.

Abstract: An optical cross-connect component mutually connecting an end of a first optical fiber group and an end of a second optical fiber group is disclosed. The optical cross-connect component includes a plurality of first connectors housing therein the end of the first optical fiber group, and a plurality of second connectors housing therein the end of the second optical fiber group. The m×n optical fibers in the first optical fiber group are housed in any of the plurality of first connectors, and the m×n optical fibers in the second optical fiber group are housed in any of the plurality of second connectors. The end of the first optical fiber group and the end of the second optical fiber group are connected so as to be butted to each other.

Abstract: An apparatus having first and second transceiver cells formed in a single integrated circuit. In one example embodiment, an apparatus includes a first transceiver cell including a first set of components configured to enable communication on a first communication link in a network and a second transceiver cell formed underneath the first transceiver cell in a single integrated circuit (IC). The second transceiver cell is optically isolated from the first transceiver cell. The second transceiver cell includes a second set of components configured to enable communication on a second communication link in the network.

Abstract: Embodiments herein include an optical system that passively aligns a fiber array connector (FAC) to a waveguide in a photonic chip. An underside of the FAC is etched to include multiple grooves along a common axis or plane. Some of these grooves are used to attach optical cables, or more specifically, the fibers of optical cables to the FAC. To do so, the fibers are placed in the grooves and a lid is disposed on the underside of the fibers to hold the fibers in the grooves. The optical system uses other grooves in the FAC to mate with ridges in the photonic chip in order to mechanically couple the FAC to the photonic chip. By registering respective ridges in the photonic chip with grooves in the FAC, the FAC is passively aligned to the photonic chip along at least one optical axis.

Abstract: The waveguide structure can be manufactured on wafer-scale and comprises a holding structure and a first and a second waveguides each having a core and two end faces. The holding structure comprises a separation structure being arranged between the first and the second waveguide and provides an optical separation between the first and the second waveguide in a region between the end faces of the first and second waveguides. A method for manufacturing such a waveguide structure with at least one waveguide comprises shaping replication material by means of tool structures to obtain the end faces, hardening the replication material and removing the tool structures from a waveguide structures wafer comprising a plurality of so-obtained waveguides.

Abstract: A telecommunication enclosure (400) is described herein wherein the telecommunications enclosure (400) is configured for making an external optical connection. The enclosure includes a base (410) having at least one port (420) having an integral exterior section (421) disposed around the port (420) outside of the enclosure (400) and an optical coupling (450) disposed at least partially within the port (420). The optical coupling (450) has a first connector housing (455) disposed within the exterior section of the port (420) and a second connector housing (465) disposed within the interior of the telecommunication enclosure (400). In an exemplary aspect, the optical coupling (450) is secured directly within the port (420) of the telecommunication enclosure (400).

Abstract: A fiber optic cable assembly (1), including: at least one fiber optic connector (45a,45b) arranged for insertion into a receiving socket, said connector (45a,45b) including a leading end and a trailing end; at least one latch (55a,55b) for releasably locking the fiber optic connector (45a,45b) to the receiving socket, said latch (55a,55b) including a leading end (63a,63b) and a trailing end (65a,65b), wherein the latch (55a,55b) is cantilevered towards its trailing end (65a,65b); and a manually operable control (69) arranged for sliding movement, said control (69) being arranged to actuate the latch (55a,55b) in response to a user actuating the control (69).

Abstract: An optical fiber with a connector includes a first connector and a plurality of optical fibers attached to the first connector. The first connector includes: at least one fiber-shaped member; and a ferrule including a first end surface and a second end surface arranged in a first direction, and a holding portion holding the optical fibers and the fiber-shaped member. In the holding portion, a plurality of fiber insertion holes extending from the first end surface in the first direction is formed such that the optical fibers and the fiber-shaped member are insertable thereinto. One end of the optical fiber and one end of the fiber-shaped member are held by the holding portion in a state of being inserted into the fiber insertion hole. The optical fiber extends to the outside of the ferrule. The other end of the fiber-shaped member is located inside the ferrule.

Abstract: An optical fiber with a connector includes a first connector and a plurality of optical fibers attached to the first connector. The first connector includes: at least one fiber-shaped member; and a ferrule including a first end surface and a second end surface arranged in a first direction, and a holding portion holding the optical fibers and the fiber-shaped member. In the holding portion, a plurality of fiber insertion holes extending from the first end surface in the first direction is formed such that the optical fibers and the fiber-shaped member are insertable thereinto. One end of the optical fiber and one end of the fiber-shaped member are held by the holding portion in a state of being inserted into the fiber insertion hole. The optical fiber extends to the outside of the ferrule. The other end of the fiber-shaped member is located inside the ferrule.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to system and method for cleaning an end face of a bare optical fiber (100). The system and methods include inserting the end face of the bare optical fiber (100) through a layer of material (500) that includes electrospun fibers.

Abstract: This disclosure generally relates to high-speed fiber optic networks that use light signals to transmit data over a network. The disclosed subject matter includes devices and methods relating to ferrule assemblies and/or ferrule alignment assemblies. In some aspects, the disclosed devices and methods may relate to a ferrule assembly including: optical fibers, an upper clamp member and a lower clamp member configured to retain the optical fibers that are positioned between the upper and lower clamp members, and a ferrule body surrounding at least a portion of the upper and lower clamp members; and an alignment sleeve including a sleeve cavity configured to receive the ferrule body such that the ferrule assembly is capable of being longitudinally repositioned with respect to the alignment sleeve.

Abstract: Embodiments described herein include an apparatus for passive alignment of one or more optical fibers with photonic circuitry. Generally, the apparatus includes a substrate that defines a channel configured to receive an engagement portion of a ferrule member. The apparatus further includes deformable and/or non-deformable members within the channel that form alignment faces arranged at opposite ends of the channel. The alignment faces can deform and/or limit the movement of the engagement portion of the ferrule member in order to align the optical fibers along a first dimension. A top surface of the substrate may be configured to engage with one or more lateral surfaces of the ferrule member when the engagement portion is received into the channel, thereby aligning the optical fibers along a second dimension.

Abstract: An electronic cigarette charging apparatus is used for charging a battery component (1) of an electronic cigarette. A first electrode connecting piece and a second electrode connecting piece used for being electrically connected to the electronic cigarette charging apparatus are disposed at an end of the battery component (1). The electronic cigarette charging apparatus comprises a first charging electrode (5) that corresponds to the first electrode connecting piece and may extend and contract, and a collision sound-making mechanism (6) disposed on an extension and contraction path of the first charging electrode (5). During charging, the first charging electrode (5) elastically contracts along the extension and contraction path to a predetermined position, and the first charging electrode (5) and the first electrode connecting piece are electrically connected. The first charging electrode (5) triggers the collision sound-making mechanism (6) to make an engaging prompt sound.

Abstract: A spring push for a fiber optic connector includes an engagement member having a slot to receive a handle that also engages a distal portion of the engagement number. The spring push, along with the handle, allows for fiber optic connectors to be installed and removed from adapters in high density applications. The spring push can be installed into a connector housing and, along with other components, be a fiber optic connector. The engagement member may also originate from other parts of the fiber optic connector.

Abstract: A fiber optic ferrule with rear holes and a guide pin clamp allows for changing guide pins in the field. The guide pin clamp has a forward clamp portion to engage the rear face of the fiber optic ferrule, a rearward clamp portion configured to engage the biasing spring, and a guide pin retaining plate. The guide pin retaining plate is movable from a first position to a second position to allow for the removal or insertion of guide pins.

Abstract: An optical apparatus, comprising a Silicon Photonics (SiP) device, with multiple optical waveguides and an array of collimating lenses, configured to receive light from the multiple optical waveguides in paths not including optical fibers and to collimate the light of the multiple optical waveguides into collimated beams. A receptacle is configured to receive an external optical device in an orientation aligned with the collimated beams from the array of collimating lenses.

Abstract: An optical fiber with a connector includes a first connector and a plurality of optical fibers attached to the first connector. The first connector includes: at least one fiber-shaped member; and a ferrule including a first end surface and a second end surface arranged in a first direction, and a holding portion holding the optical fibers and the fiber-shaped member. In the holding portion, a plurality of fiber insertion holes extending from the first end surface in the first direction is formed such that the optical fibers and the fiber-shaped member are insertable thereinto. One end of the optical fiber and one end of the fiber-shaped member are held by the holding portion in a state of being inserted into the fiber insertion hole. The optical fiber extends to the outside of the ferrule. The other end of the fiber-shaped member is located inside the ferrule.

Abstract: In accordance with the following description, an optical communication connector includes a ferrule having retractable alignment pins that are actuable between an extended position and a retracted position. For example, the connector may include an inner housing assembly having optical fibers and an outer housing positioned over the inner housing assembly. The outer housing is shaped to be removable from the inner housing assembly, which has a movable pin clamp mechanically coupled to alignment pins for aligning the connector with another connector. The pin clamp may be slid from a first position (corresponding to a male gender) to a second position (corresponding to a female gender). Separately or in combination with changing gender, the polarity of a communication connector may be changed due to its inclusion of an asymmetric polarity-changing feature that is actuable by an installer to change a polarity of the communication connector.

Abstract: The dual-purpose adapter for inspecting circular (plug-type or receptacle-type) ruggedized fiber optic connector has a guide and a fitting tip. The guide is formed by fastening a template inserter to a frame in two alternative opposite directions. The template inserter has light channels corresponding in relative positions to the endfaces in the ruggedized connector, and two locating holes for coupling and aligning with the ruggedized connector through two guide pins. Depending upon the direction in which the template inserter is fastened to the frame, the fitting tip may be inserted into a respective end of the light channels to allow the optical axis of an inspector probe connected to it to intersect at right angle with PC or APC endfaces for inspection by the inspector probe. For receptacle-type connectors, the guide further includes the two guide pins which can be locked from axial movement at two positions.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a fiber optic connector including a connector body (122) having a front end and a rear end. A shutter (74) is mounted at the front end of the connector body (122). The shutter (74) is movable relative to the connector body (122) between an open position and a closed position. The fiber optic connector (69) includes an optical fiber (100) having an end face that is accessible at the front end of the connector body (122) when the shutter (74) is in the open position. The fiber optic connector (69) also includes a cleaning material (501) provided at an inner side of the shutter (74) that covers the end face of the optical fiber (100) when the shutter (74) is in the closed position.

Abstract: An optical module with an improved coupling portion to couple an optical device with an external fiber is disclosed. The coupling portion includes a stub to secure a coupling fiber in a center thereof, a bush to support the stub, a sleeve to receive the stub in a portion thereof and an external ferrule in another portion, and a sleeve cover to cover the sleeve. The coupling portion further includes a latch put between the bush and the cover by being hooked with both the bush and the cover. The latch electrically isolates the bush from the cover even when the bush and the sleeve cover are made of metal.

Abstract: According to an aspect a bulkhead assembly is provided having particular application with a downhole tool, in particular for oil well drilling applications. The bulkhead assembly includes a bulkhead body and an electrical contact component disposed within the bulkhead body, wherein at least a portion of the electrical contact component is configured to pivot about its own axis, without compromising its ability to provide a pressure and fluid barrier. In an embodiment, a ground apparatus is provided to provide an electrical connection for at least one ground wire. The ground apparatus may be positionable on the bulkhead body of the bulkhead assembly. In an aspect, a downhole tool including the bulkhead assembly and ground apparatus is also generally described.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to system and method for cleaning an end face of a bare optical fiber (100). The system and methods include inserting the end face of the bare optical fiber (100) through a layer of material (500) that includes electrospun fibers.

Abstract: Keying may be used to indicate various features of cables, cable connectors, and/or equipment. The keying mechanisms of the connectors systems disclosed herein identifies whether each plug is a pinned plug or a pinless plug. The keying mechanisms disclosed herein identify the number of optical fibers terminated at each plug. For example, one type of keying mechanism may indicate a cable plug manufactured under a 40 Gb/sec standard and another type of keying mechanism may indicate a cable plug manufactured under a 100 Gb/sec standard. The keying mechanisms may indicate a cabling/wiring pattern to be used (e.g., indicates a polarity of the cable). The cables and/or plugs may be color coded based on the keying mechanism. Accordingly, the keying may alert a user to the features of the cable that are not readily apparent upon a cursory inspection.

Abstract: The ferrule has a rear end and a front end, an opening that is formed in the rear end and communicates with fiber holding holes holding the optical fibers formed from the rear end toward the front end, and first connection parts which are formed at the front end and to which the lens array is connected. The lens array has a rear face and a surface including an outgoing plane, lenses receiving the light from the optical fibers, and second connection parts connected to the first connection parts, the lenses and the second connection parts being formed on the rear face, and a flat face from which the light from the optical fibers is emitted, and third connection parts connected to an opposite connector, the flat face and the second connection parts being formed on the surface.

Abstract: Trunk gland adapters include an adapter body having an internal bore that is sized to receive a trunk cable gland so that a front end of the trunk cable gland extends through a front opening of the internal bore and a plurality of attachment clips that are configured to releasably attach the adapter body to a mounting aperture in a wall of a fiber optic enclosure. elated trunk gland units and methods of routing a trunk cable into an enclosure are also disclosed.

Abstract: The utility model relates to the technical field of optical fiber cutting device, and particularly relates to a kind of multi-function cutting fixture which is used to fix the optical fiber in cutting process. The utility model of multi-function cutting fixture for the optical fiber cutting device includes the clamp body and the clamp cover. One side of the said clamp body is pivoted to the said clamp cover, and the other side of the said clamp body is clamping connected to the said clamp cover. The said clamp body is equipped at least with No.1 fiber placing groove, No.2 fiber placing groove and No.3 fiber placing groove. The said clamp cover is equipped with the elastomer that contacts with the said No.1 fiber placing groove, and No.1 contact structure that contacts with the said No.2 fiber placing groove. The said No.1 contact structure is equipped with a convex body that contacts with the said No.3 fiber placing groove.

Abstract: Provided is an optical connector plug of which housing is provided with: a first member that has at least a lower surface section that covers the lower side of a providing space in which an optical fiber and a ferrule are provided, a half of a back surface section from which the optical fiber is led out, and a half of a front surface section from which the ferrule is led out, and is composite-molded out of a thermoplastic resin; and a second member that has at least an upper surface section that covers the upper side of the providing space, the remaining half of the back surface section and the remaining half of the front surface section, and is composite-molded out of a thermoplastic resin into the same shape as the first member.

Abstract: A female hardened fiber optic connector for terminating an end of a fiber optic cable that is suitable for making an optical connection with another hardened cable assembly and cable assemblies using the same are disclosed. The female hardened fiber optic connector includes a connector assembly, a crimp body, and a shroud. The crimp body has a first shell and a second shell for securing the connector assembly at a front end of the shells and a cable attachment region rearward of the front end for securing a cable. The crimp body fits within the shroud and is secured within the shroud using a locking feature disposed on a rim area of the shroud. The female hardened connector may further include a receptacle having a non-hardened receptacle port and a hardened receptacle port, where alignment fingers of the female hardened connector fit into distinct openings on the non-hardened receptacle port side.

Abstract: A ferrule assembly for an optical fiber connector has a first ferrule component having a structured surface defining features for aligning a section of an optical fiber, and a second ferrule component that is coupled to the first ferrule component by a web, wherein the web is flexible to allow folding the web to fold the second ferrule component over the groove in the first ferrule component. The optical alignment features includes one or more open grooves for receiving a bare section of an optical fiber. The section of the optical fiber is retained in the groove between the two ferrule components.

Abstract: A multi-fiber, fiber optic connector is interchangeable between a male connector and a female connector by including a pin retainer having a releasable retention device configured to lock the pins in place within the retainer. The retention device may be opened, for example, with a release tool, to free the retention pins for removal of the pins. A method for switching a connector between a male connector configuration and a female connector configuration may be possible as a result of the releasable retention configuration.

Abstract: A hybrid optical fiber adapter comprises a first adapter end configured to receive a first optical fiber connector, and a second adapter end configured to receive a second optical fiber connector of a different type from the first optical fiber connector. The hybrid adapter further comprises a spring configured to couple to the second adapter end such that the second optical fiber connector received into the second adapter end is disposed between the spring and the second adapter end, so as to allow floating of the second optical fiber connector. In one embodiment, the first optical fiber connector is an LC connector and the second optical fiber connector is a micro connector. The hybrid adapter may be coupled to a module such that the second adapter end protrudes into the module, requiring less space inside the module compared to conventional hybrid adapters, without sacrificing optical performance.