Abstract: An optical connector subassembly (1) includes a ferrule (2), a base member (4) and a locking element (6). The ferrule defines an axial passageway (22) for receiving a core of an optical cable and a plurality of holes (24) provided on an outer surface of the ferrule. The base member has a space (42) for receiving a lower portion of the ferrule, a bore (46) that is formed along a central axis of the base member and ends in a funnel (48) for guiding an optical fiber into the passageway, and a plurality of openings (44) formed on the upper portion of the base member and corresponding to the holes of the ferrule and communicating with the receiving space. The locking element has a plurality of free extension portions (62) that extend through the corresponding openings and into the corresponding holes to join the ferrule and the base member together.

Abstract: A sleeve for an optical connector and a method of manufacturing the sleeve is provided. The sleeve is put between an optical fiber 6 and a transmitting module 4b or between an optical fiber 6 and a receiving module 4a so as to optically connect the optical fiber 6 and the transmitting or receiving module. The sleeve 1 integrally has a light-leading path 26 in a flat-headed conic shape, a peripheral projecting portion 27, an outer tube portion 28. A small-diameter end face 29 of the light-leading path 26 of the sleeve 1 faces the transmitting device 4b or the receiving device 4a. The peripheral projecting portion 27 projects from a peripheral surface of the other end portion 30, on a side of a larger diameter, of the light-leading path 26. The outer tube portion 28 is cylindrically formed and extends from a peripheral portion of the peripheral projecting portion 27. The outer tube portion 28 extends over an entire length of the light-leading path 26 along an optical axis P.

Abstract: A lens-fiber alignment housing for passively aligning an optical fiber with a lens, for improved alignment of a laser with the fiber, via the lens. The fiber is disposed in a substantially cylindrical, annular ferrule, the bottom end of which is disposed in the first end of a ferrule sleeve. The housing has an upper cylindrical mating section at a first end for mating with the second end of the ferrule sleeve, and a bottom lens-receiving section for securely receiving and mounting a lens. The lens may be mounted into the lens-receiving section of the housing, so that, when the housing is inserted into the second end of the ferrule sleeve, the lens and fiber are automatically, passively aligned, thereby forming an aligned lens-fiber assembly that can be aligned with the laser in a single active alignment procedure.

Abstract: A fiber collimator includes a holder having a spacer provided therein, an aspherical lens, and a fiber pigtail. The spacer has a design thickness taking a machining tolerance thereof into consideration to be equal to or larger than an effective focal length of the aspherical lens, with a difference thereof no more than 30 &mgr;m. The fiber pigtail and the aspherical lens are separately inserted into two ends of the holder to abut against and fix to two end surfaces of the spacer. Since the spacer has a thickness varies with changes in its machining tolerance, a focus-out distance &Dgr;d of the fiber tip always randomly falls in a fixed range, for example, from 30 &mgr;m≧&Dgr;d≧0, and the finished fiber collimator always has an optimal working distance within an enlarged range from 0 to 140 mm. A method for manufacturing the fiber collimator is also described.

Abstract: A thermally stabilized optical filter device includes a multilayer optical bandpass filter on a transparent substrate, with the transparent substrate being composed of a material having a first coefficient of thermal expansion. An encasement surrounds the transparent substrate such that the bandpass filter is exposed for transmission of predetermined optical wavelengths there through. The encasement is composed of a material having a second coefficient of thermal expansion that is different than the first coefficient of thermal expansion. The encasement provides thermal stability to the optical properties of the bandpass filter by compensating for changes in the filter that occur with temperature variations. In another embodiment, a collet assembly provides means for selectively compressing a filter chip to tune the filter response.

Abstract: An optical collimator (10) includes an input optical fiber (11), an output optical fiber (12), a ferrule (13) receiving the input optical fiber and the output optical fiber therein, a molding lens (14), and a filter (15). The molding lens includes a solid cylindrical main body (141), and a pair of cylindrical protrusions (142, 143) respectively extending from opposite ends of the main body. The main body includes an inmost oblique end face (18), and an opposite aspherical end face (19). The ferrule is received in one protrusion and opposes the oblique end face. The filter is received in the other protrusion and opposes the aspherical end face.

Abstract: Various embodiments of methods and systems for reducing the amount of contamination that enters the optical path of an optical device are disclosed. In one embodiment, an optical device includes a housing containing at least one optical component (active, passive, or both) that is configured to process an optical signal. The optical device also includes a first sleeve that encloses a portion of an optical fiber, an optical path configured to convey the optical signal between the optical component(s) and the end of the optical fiber. A flexible seal contacts a portion of the surface of the first sleeve and contacts the surface of a portion of the housing through which the first sleeve passes.

Abstract: A method is provided for assembling an optical collimator array. The method begins by directing light through a first optical collimator to produce a first optical output beam. The first collimator is supported by a first carrier element. The first collimator is rotated about its central longitudinal axis to adjust a position of the first optical output beam on a surface that intercepts the first optical output beam. The first carrier element is then rotated about a carrier axis perpendicular to the central longitudinal axis and in a plane containing the central longitudinal axis to further adjust the position of the first optical output beam on the surface. The first collimator continues to be rotated about these axes until the first optical output beam is located at a desired position on the surface, at which point the first optical collimator is secured to the first carrier element. Next, the first carrier element itself is secured to prevent rotation about the carrier axis.

Abstract: A fiber optic connector including a body forming a fiber insertion path and an optical lens. The fiber insertion path receives an optical fiber and extends within the body to an internal end. The lens includes a first concave surface formed at the internal end of the fiber channel and a second concave surface formed on an external side of the body. The first and second concave surfaces of the lens are operative to direct light towards each other to enable optical communications between an inserted optical fiber and a connected second connector. Multiple connectors may be incorporated within the same body. A fiber tip cleaner and fiber bonding system may be included within the insertion path. An optical block incorporating the connectors may be configured as a splitter and/or combiner. The connectors and optical blocks may be used to implement a segmented FTTH optical network.

Abstract: A multi-fiber array assembly comprises a main housing, a ferrule holder, a stopper, a front plate, a strain relief assembly, springs and ferrules with optical fibers retained therein. The ferrule holder is retained in the housing, and comprises a ferrule holding plate defining a first array of holes. The stopper is secured to the ferrule holder at a location rearward of the first array of holes, and defines a plurality of passages. The ferrules have a conical front ends, and are extended in the first array of holes. The springs are compressed between the ferrules and the stopper. The optical fibers extend through the passages of the stopper. The front plate is secured to a front end of the ferrule holder and defines a second array of the hole. Each hole of the second array has a rear conical section in which the conical front end of a corresponding ferrule is fitted.

Abstract: An optical package comprises an optical element (e.g., a filter), a reflective surface, an input optical fiber and an output optical fiber. A light signal travels through the input fiber and through the element where it is shaped or modified a first time. The shaped light signal is reflected by the reflective surface and is again transmitted through the element where it is shaped or modified a second time. The twice-shaped light signal then travels out through the output fiber. The package thereby utilizes the element two times. The package is useful in wavelength division multiplex (WDM) telecommunication systems and other light processing systems.

Abstract: An optical assembly includes an input fiber (30) and an output fiber (31), a ferrule (32) receiving the input and output fibers therein, a molded lens (33) and a filter (34). The molded lens includes a solid cylindrical main body (334), and an annular protrusion (333) extending from a front end of the main body. The main body has an oblique rearward end face (331), and an aspherical forward end face (332) opposite to the rearward end face. The ferrule also has an oblique forward end face (322) which is close to and substantially parallel to the oblique rearward end face of the molded lens. The filter is attached to a forward end of the annular protrusion. Light rays from the input fiber pass through and are made parallel by the molded lens. Parallel rays of a predetermined wavelength are transmitted through the filter. Those having other wavelength are reflected at the filter and transmit through the output fiber.

Abstract: An optical collimator (10) for collimating light beams coming from an optical fiber (13) includes the at least one optical fiber, a ferrule (12), a molded lens (11), a mounting tube (14) and a metal holder (15). The optical fiber has an exposed end and the ferrule defines a through hole for receiving and fixing the optical fiber therein. A forward face (122) of the ferrule is ground at an oblique angle and is flush with the exposed end of the optical fiber. The molded lens is cylindrical in shape and has an oblique surface coinciding with that of the ferrule and the exposed end of the optical fiber. The molded lens has a convex surface at its forward face (111).

Abstract: An optical collimator (10) includes an input optical fiber (11), an output optical fiber (12), a ferrule (13) receiving the input optical fiber and the output optical fiber therein, a molding lens (14), and a filter (15). The molding lens includes a solid cylindrical main body (141), and a pair of cylindrical protrusions (142, 143) respectively extending from opposite ends of the main body. The main body includes an inmost oblique end face (18), and an opposite aspherical end face (19). The ferrule is received in one protrusion and opposes the oblique end face. The filter is received in the other protrusion and opposes the aspherical end face.

Abstract: Two sub-assemblies in a fiber optic device are fitted to respective end faces of a central section, along a longitudinal axis. The end faces of the central section are non-parallel. Butting the sub-assemblies to respective ends of the central section permits relative adjustment of the two sub-assemblies in substantially decoupled degrees of freedom. This results in a simpler adjustment procedure for aligning the two sub-assemblies. Furthermore, the mounting of the sub-assemblies using angled faces permits the use of relatively thin layers of adhesive that reduce misalignment problems arising from mismatched thermal expansion when the temperature changes.

Abstract: An optical fiber that transmits an optical signal is fixed to a plug, which connects to another apparatus, by causing an expanded part created by melting the tip of the optical fiber to flow into a fixing part provided in the plug. The expanded part is then solidified.

Abstract: An optical subassembly includes an optical sleeve (1), a lens holder (2) having a cylindrical cavity (21) defined therein, and an optical element (4) received in the cavity. A stepped fixing hole (11) is longitudinally defined through the optical sleeve, for receiving an optical connector. The lens holder includes the cavity, a lens member (3), and a cylindrical protuberance (23) extending from a top surface of the lens holder. The protuberance is coupled into the fixing hole to ensure precise alignment of the optical connector, an optical axis of the lens member and the optical element. The optical sleeve is readily detachable from the lens holder. Therefore, when the optical connector needs to be changed to another kind of optical connector, the original optical sleeve can be replaced with a new suitable optical sleeve. The same lens holder can continue to be used.

Abstract: An optical collimator comprises an optical fiber, a capillary, a GRIN lens and a glass tube. A bore is defined in the capillary. A conical depression is defined in an end of the capillary and in communication with the bore. The optical fiber is retained in the bore of the capillary. An end of the capillary is bonded with an end of the GRIN lens. The capillary and the GRIN lens are encased in the glass tube.

Abstract: The present invention consists of a method and a structure formed by such method relating to optical fibers. Specifically, the invention consists of a chemical mill process for shaping the end of a fiber and thereby simultaneously forming both lens and precision mounting region. Also described is a self-aligning structure with integral lens. Both features improve light coupling. The lens focuses light energy entering and exiting the fiber. The precision mounting region facilitates alignment of fiber at couplings.

Abstract: A compact add/drop optical device. The device prevents adhesive material from blocking the light path. The compact add/drop optical device includes a first optical collimator, a second optical collimator, a filter and two spacer rings, wherein the first optical collimator has a pair of optical fibers and the second optical collimator has an optical fiber. The invention is characterized in that the filter is sandwiched between the two spacer rings. Additionally, using a heat-cured epoxy, one spacer ring adheres to the first optical collimator and the filter, and another spacer ring adheres to the second optical collimator and the filter.

Abstract: A preassembled multifiber connector is provided that includes a connector housing and a windowless multifiber ferrule that is substantially rectangular in lateral cross-section. The windowless multifiber ferrule can be at least partially disposed within an internal cavity defined by the connector housing to thereby form a multifiber connector that is free of optical fibers. Thus, the multifiber connector is capable of being preassembled prior to inserting the plurality of optical fibers into the optical fiber bores defined by the windowless multifiber ferrule. A corresponding method of preassembling a multifiber connector is therefore also provided according to the present invention. A ferrule is also provided that is capable of being selectively converted from a windowless configuration to a windowed configuration. The ferrule of this embodiment includes a ferrule body that not only defines at least one optical fiber bore, but that also defines a well extending through a side surface of the ferrule body.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an optical coupling between an end of an optical fibre and an end of a lens, which provides a reliable joint with a determined spacing and angular orientation. The optical coupling permits movement of the end of the optical fibre relative to the lens in at least two alignment directions. Advantageously, the present invention permits movement of the end of the optical fibre relative to the end of the lens in a direction perpendicular to the optical axis of the lens, before the optical coupling is secured. The optical fibre within an optical fibre tube/ferrule and the lens are secured within separate sleeves and the sleeves bonded together. The end of the optical fibre and the end of the lens are optically aligned before being secured in place relative to each other. Alternatively, the invention provides similar advantages in coupling two lenses to one another via separate sleeves they are contained within.

Abstract: A coupling configuration for connecting an optical fiber provided with a coupling end face at one end to an optoelectronic element is described. A coupling element is disposed between the end of the optical fiber and the optoelectronic element in order to reduce back-reflections. The coupling element, which is made of an optically transmissive material, is in physical contact with the coupling end face of the optical fiber, and its side facing the optoelectronic element has a surface region which reduces back-reflections. To simplify and shorten the coupling housing, the coupling element is of lens-like configuration, for example in the form of a ball, and is held directly in the coupling housing.

Abstract: This invention discloses an optical device including at least one first substrate defining a multiplicity of optical fiber positioning grooves, a multiplicity of optical fibers fixed in each of said multiplicity of optical fiber positioning grooves on the at least one first substrate, whereby the multiplicity of optical fibers lie in an optical fiber plane and the ends of each of the multiplicity of optical fibers lie substantially in a first predetermined arrangement in the optical fiber plane,a second substrate fixed onto the at least one first substrate such that an edge of the second substrate extends beyond the ends of each of the multiplicity of optical fibers, a lens assembly including a third substrate, and a lens fixed onto the third substrate, the lens assembly being mounted onto the second substrate such that the lens lies in a second predetermined arrangement with respect to the ends of each of the multiplicity of optical fibers, whereby the separation between the lens and the ends of each of the

Abstract: A high power expanded beam and methods for making and using the high power expanded beam connector are described herein. Basically, the high power expanded beam connector includes a first lensed optical fiber that is optically coupled to a second lensed optical fiber but physically separated from the second lensed optical fiber. The first lensed optical fiber is capable of expanding a light beam traveling therein and outputting a collimated light beam. The second lensed optical fiber is capable of receiving the collimated light beam and focusing the received light beam such that the light beam travels from the first lensed optical fiber to the second lensed optical fiber. In a similar manner, the high power expanded beam connector can transmit a light beam from the second lensed optical fiber to the first lensed optical fiber.

Abstract: A preassembled multifiber connector is provided that includes a connector housing and a windowless multifiber ferrule that is substantially rectangular in lateral cross-section. The windowless multifiber ferrule can be at least partially disposed within an internal cavity defined by the connector housing to thereby form a multifiber connector that is free of optical fibers. Thus, the multifiber connector is capable of being preassembled prior to inserting the plurality of optical fibers into the optical fiber bores defined by the windowless multifiber ferrule. A corresponding method of preassembling a multifiber connector is therefore also provided according to the present invention. A ferrule is also provided that is capable of being selectively converted from a windowless configuration to a windowed configuration. The ferrule of this embodiment includes a ferrule body that not only defines at least one optical fiber bore, but that also defines a well extending through a side surface of the ferrule body.

Abstract: A compact, low loss optical fiber collimator design consists of a lens, a glass wedge, and a single- or multi-fiber pigtail. The introduction of the glass wedge ensures minimum off-axis beam deflection and hence improves device reliability. By properly selecting the focusing lens, low insertion losses and long working distances in both reflection (for a multi-fiber collimator) and transmission are achieved. These collimators are critical to interferometer type devices and other micro-optical devices where uniform phase front and/or long path length are desired.

Abstract: An optical component 1 comprises a holder 2 formed as a generally elongate tubular member which, at one end, houses a lens 3 and, at the other end, houses an optical fiber 4. The optical fiber 4 is fixed within an elongate tubular ferrule 5. The optical component 1 further includes three adjustment screws 10 which can engage the front of the ferrule 5. The adjustment screws 10 can be used to adjust the radial positioning of the end of the optical fiber 4 and to tilt the ferrule 5 (and thus the fiber 4) with respect to the holder 2 about a pivot point defined by a neck 9 in the holder 2.

Abstract: The invention concerns an optical connector system for data busses, in which optical elements are integrated in the connector and in the connector socket for redirecting the light. With this connector system the light guided along the bus line is decoupled to the optical receiver of a supplemental bus participant and the light transmitted from the supplemental participant is coupled into the bus line. The connector socket is either integrated in the bus line or a bus bridge is subsequently added to the bus line.

Abstract: A method of making an in situ shaped optical element on the terminal end of an optical fiber, and the resultant optical fiber component for manipulating light entering or exiting the terminal end of an optical fiber. The in situ shaped optical element is preferably an inorganic-organic hybrid sol-gel material which is adhered to the terminal end of the optical fiber and shaped in place to define an optical element or surface.

Abstract: A ferrule is provided that defines a shoulder having curved corners. In this regard, the ferrule includes a lengthwise extending shaft and an enlarged rear portion proximate the shaft. The rear portion is larger in lateral cross-section than the shaft to thereby define a shoulder. In addition, that portion of the shaft proximate the enlarged rear portion includes curved corners such that the shoulder has corresponding curved inner corners. A fiber optic connector housing is also provided that defines an inwardly projecting shoulder having curved corners. The fiber optic connector housing includes a forward segment defining a lengthwise extending passage and a rearward segment also defining a lengthwise extending passage. The lengthwise extending passage defined by the rearward segment is larger in lateral cross-section than the lengthwise extending passage defined by the forward segment such that a shoulder is defined at the intersection of the forward and rearward segments.

Abstract: Improved designs of fiber collimators that include an asymmetric sleeve are disclosed. According to one embodiment of the present invention, the asymmetric sleeve is so shaped that, when arranged next to each other, two collimators with the asymmetric sleeve achieves a lateral distance shorter than the outer diameter of the collimators, which makes it possible to design smaller optical components without effecting the performance and characteristics thereof.

Abstract: A thermally stabilized optical filter device includes a multilayer optical bandpass filter on a transparent substrate, with the transparent substrate being composed of a material having a first coefficient of thermal expansion. An encasement surrounds the transparent substrate such that the bandpass filter is exposed for transmission of predetermined optical wavelengths there through. The encasement is composed of a material having a second coefficient of thermal expansion that is different than the first coefficient of thermal expansion. The encasement provides thermal stability to the optical properties of the bandpass filter by compensating for changes in the filter that occur with temperature variations. In another embodiment, a collet assembly provides means for selectively compressing a filter chip to tune the filter response.

Abstract: A method for making an optical collimating device having three or more ports. A test light having the same wavelength as that at which the filter is designed to operate is transmitted through the input collimator. The angle of incidence is measured, and the location where the reflected beam reaches the ferrule is determined. The data dictates where the output fiber pigtail should be positioned within the ferrule to achieve the measured angle of incidence for that transmitted wavelength and the spacing between input and output pigtails based on the angle of reflection. Multiple ferrules containing two or more pigtails corresponding to a particular filter operating at a particular wavelength are segregated into separate collimator bins that are marked accordingly.

Abstract: A ferrule is provided that defines a shoulder having curved corners. In this regard, the ferrule includes a lengthwise extending shaft and an enlarged rear portion proximate the shaft. The rear portion is larger in lateral cross-section than the shaft to thereby define a shoulder. In addition, that portion of the shaft proximate the enlarged rear portion includes curved corners such that the shoulder has corresponding curved inner corners. A fiber optic connector housing is also provided that defines an inwardly projecting shoulder having curved corners. The fiber optic connector housing includes a forward segment defining a lengthwise extending passage and a rearward segment also defining a lengthwise extending passage. The lengthwise extending passage defined by the rearward segment is larger in lateral cross-section than the lengthwise extending passage defined by the forward segment such that a shoulder is defined at the intersection of the forward and rearward segments.

Abstract: An optical fiber which transmits an optical signal is fixed to a plug which connects to another apparatus by causing an expanded part created by melting the tip of the optical fiber to flow into a fixing part provided in the plug and solidify.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for enabling reliable, consistent alignment of a beam of light eating the end of an optical fiber, which has been cut at a non-perpendicular angle, with a collimating lens. The method involves utilizing a spherical shape to generate two bores in the object which intersect the center at a predetermined angle. The predetermined angle is equivalent to the angle of the light beam exiting the end of the optical fiber.

Abstract: In an optical device manufacturing method according to the present invention, a metal film is formed on a side surface of a bare fiber, a film is formed on an end face of the bare fiber, and, thereafter, the bare fiber is inserted into a ferrule until the end face of the bare fiber on which the film was formed is protruded from an end face of the ferrule, and then, the bare fiber is secured to the ferrule. In an optical device according to the present invention, a bare fiber having a side surface on which a metal film was formed is inserted into and secured to a ferrule, and an end face of the bare fiber is protruded from an end face of the ferrule, and a distance L between the end faces satisfies a relationship L<4×d (outer diameter of the bare fiber), and a film is formed on the end face of the bare fiber.

Abstract: A sleeve for an optical connector and a method of manufacturing the sleeve is provided. The sleeve is put between an optical fiber 6 and a transmitting module 4b or between an optical fiber 6 and a receiving module 4a so as to optically connect the optical fiber 6 and the transmitting or receiving module. The sleeve 1 integrally has a light-leading path 26 in a flat-headed conic shape, a peripheral projecting portion 27, an outer tube portion 28. A small-diameter end face 29 of the light-leading path 26 of the sleeve 1 faces the transmitting device 4b or the receiving device 4a. The peripheral projecting portion 27 projects from a peripheral surface of the other end portion 30, on a side of a larger diameter, of the light-leading path 26. The outer tube portion 28 is cylindrically formed and extends from a peripheral portion of the peripheral projecting portion 27. The outer tube portion 28 extends over an entire length of the light-leading path 26 along an optical axis P.

Abstract: The invention is directed to an optical connector in which a length of an optical fiber 5 projects from a connection end surface (16) of a ferrule (1) is accurately set, a method of and a fixture for setting the projection length of the optical fiber. A recess surface (33) is formed in a ferrule receiving surface (32). A depth of the recess surface (33) is equal to a length an optical fiber (5) projects from the connection end surface (16) of the ferrule (1). The ferrule (1) is held by ferrule holding members (35a) and (35b), so that the ferrule (1) is abutted against the ferrule receiving surface (32) by the urging force of compression springs (36). Through the ferrule (1), an optical fiber cored line (3) is projected from the connection end surface (16) of the ferrule (1) and abutted against the recess surface (33).

Abstract: The invention is directed to an optical connector in which a length of an optical fiber 5 projects from a connection end surface (16) of a ferrule (1) is accurately set, a method of and a fixture for setting the projection length of the optical fiber. A recess surface (33) is formed in a ferrule receiving surface (32). A depth of the recess surface (33) is equal to a length an optical fiber (5) projects from the connection end surface (16) of the ferrule (1). The ferrule (1) is held by ferrule holding members (35a) and (35b), so that the ferrule (1) is abutted against the ferrule receiving surface (32) by the urging force of compression springs (36). Through the ferrule (1), an optical fiber cored line (3) is projected from the connection end surface (16) of the ferrule (1) and abutted against the recess surface (33).

Abstract: A method and apparatus of aligning a collimator assembly requiring only a single-axis adjustment and for which the collimator may be paired with any other similarly aligned collimator. A collimator typically includes a fiber grasped by a ferrule. Both the ferrule and a graded-index (GRIN) lens are eventually bonded to the inside of a glass tube with the fiber/lens distance fixed for optimum collimator performance. According to one method of practicing the invention, the tube/lens assembly is fixed, and the ferrule/fiber is slidably inserted into the tube. The position of the ferrule/fiber is adjusted within the tube while the size of the resultant beam is measured at a fixed distance from the output from the lens. If there are two such positions producing the optimum beam size, the position of less separation between the ferrule and fiber is chosen.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an optical coupling between an end of an optical fiber and an end of a lens, which provides a reliable joint with a determined spacing and angular orientation. The optical coupling permits movement of the end of the optical fiber relative to the lens in at least two alignment directions. Advantageously, the present invention permits movement of the end of the optical fiber relative to the end of the lens in a direction perpendicular to the optical axis of the lens, before the optical coupling is secured. The optical fibre within an optical fiber tube/ferrule and the lens are secured within separate sleeves and the sleeves bonded together. The end of the optical fiber and the end of the lens are optically aligned before being secured in place relative to each other.

Abstract: An optics assembly (10) includes an associated optical fiber (12). A ferrule (14) is formed with an output end (16) of the fiber (12) as a reinforcement interface device for connectively confronting a lens (18). Both the ferrule (14) and the lens (18) are inserted into an resilient split holder (20) from two opposite open ends thereof for self-adjustment and self-alignment between both the ferrule (14) and the lens (18), thus assuring both of them are axially aligned with each other. An enclosure (24) encloses the split holder (20) and the associated ferrule (14) and lens (18), optionally.

Abstract: A device for optical connection of an optical fiber (2) with a lens (4) comprises a substantially sleeve-shaped retainer (6) and a connector element (10). The optical fiber (2) is fixed in the retainer (6), and the retainer has an end surface (8) at which the end surface of the optical fiber is intended to be positioned. The connector element has an engagement surface (12) intended to engage the end surface of the retainer, said engagement surface being constituted by a funnel-shaped surface tapering from the end surface of the retainer. (FIG.

Abstract: The invention is directed to an optical connector in which a length of an optical fiber 5 projects from a connection end surface (16) of a ferrule (1) is accurately set, a method of and a fixture for setting the projection length of the optical fiber. A recess surface (33) is formed in a ferrule receiving surface (32). A depth of the recess surface (33) is equal to a length an optical fiber (5) projects from the connection end surface (16) of the ferrule (1). The ferrule (1) is held by ferrule holding members (35a) and (35b), so that the ferrule (1) is abutted against the ferrule receiving surface (32) by the urging force of compression springs (36). Through the ferrule (1), an optical fiber cored line (3) is projected from the connection end surface (16) of the ferrule (1) and abutted against the recess surface (33).

Abstract: Disclosed is an optical fiber connector for ultra high-speed communication which can be produced by easy machining procedures and which enables stable and efficient transmission. The connector comprises a columnar ferrule having a through hole in which a connection end portion of an optical fiber is retained, a tapered portion serving as a connection guide and assuming a conical face formed at the and of the ferrule, and a convex spherical face formed at the end of the tapered portion. An intersection of the convex spherical face and the axis of the ferrule forms a reference abutment point. A straight line passing through this reference abutment point and angled with respect to the ferrule axis forms a reference normal intersecting orthogonal to the convex spherical face.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention provide optical fibre microlenses having anamorphic focusing means which have a major axis which is not perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the optical fibre. In particular, a wedge-shaped optical fibre microlens whose tip is skewed with respect to the longitudinal axis of the optical fibre, is described. Such optical fibre microlenses find particular application in coupling light from semiconductor lasers having asymmetrical output radiation patterns, since they increase the coupling efficiency and reduce the level of back reflection from the microlens to the laser. This is of particular importance for semiconductor lasers used to pump optical fibre amplifiers.

Abstract: A optical fiber alignment device with a collimating lens, includes a ferrule for receiving the optical fiber; a ball having an axial hole for receiving the ferrule; a housing having a socket in one end for receiving the ball; and a lens barrel in the opposite end for receiving a lens sleeve. A compression ring for urging the ball into the socket is forced by a first spring located to apply a compression force to the compression ring by an end cap. A channel in the housing allows for the introduction of a bonding agent to bond the ball in the socket to maintain a desired position after adjustment. A lens fixed in a lens sleeve is located in the lens tube at a position to collimate light exiting from the optical fiber. A second spring located between the lens sleeve and the lens barrel urges the lens sleeve out of the barrel and a channel in the housing is provided for introducing a bonding agent to bond the lens sleeve in the lens barrel to maintain the desired position.

Abstract: A diversion connector is disclosed for mating with an optical fiber of an associated fiber optic transmission means. The connector includes a body having an end face for mating with the associated fiber optic transmission means, the end face traversing the optic axis. A fiber section is mounted in the body and includes a front fiber end and a rear fiber end. The front fiber end is adapted for mating with an end of the optical fiber of the associated fiber optic transmission means. The rear fiber end is at an angle to the optic axis to prevent light energy transmitted by the optical fiber from being reflected back toward the fiber and to protect an operator's eyes from the transmitted light energy.