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: Device allowing the end (4) of an optical fiber (3) to be positioned and held in place inside a substrate (1), wherein:

Abstract: An optical fiber array is presented, in which the adherence of a lower substrate to an upper substrate is good, and no stress concentrations occur in the optical fibers. In a lower substrate 2, V-grooves 3 are formed that have an inscribed circle A that is formed between the V-grooves and the virtual plane of the upper surface of the lower substrate, and which is larger than the optical fibers 1 that are accommodated in the V-grooves 3. A UV curing adhesive 5 of a 2000 cp viscosity is filled into the V-grooves 3, and the optical fibers 1 are arranged within the V-grooves 3. Next, a predetermined amount of UV rays are irradiated on the adhesive 5 to raise its viscosity to at least 3000 cp, after which an upper substrate 4 is arranged on the optical fibers 1 and pressure adhered, and UV rays are irradiated a again to completely cure the adhesive 5.

Abstract: A termination clamp for the optical fiber of a fiber optic cable is disclosed. The clamp includes a crimpable housing, adapted to receive first and second clamp members. The fiber extends between the clamp members and crimping of the housing secures the fiber within the termination. One clamp member includes an exit chamfer to avoid bending of the fiber during crimping.

Abstract: A fiber-optic endpiece includes a base member and a fixing member which can be inserted in the base member. The base member has a coupling end face and a depression with a bottom surface and lateral guide structures. The bottom surface has a groove for accepting an optical waveguide. The depression, the groove, and the optical waveguide extend to the coupling end face. The fixing member has a front face, a rear face and guide faces. The guide faces interact with the guide structures such that the fixing member is clamped in the depression. The optical waveguide is thus clamped between the base member and the fixing member when the fixing member is inserted. The coupling end face of the base member and the front face of the clamped fixing member lie in a common plane when the fixing member is in an inserted position. The depression and the fixing member have respective cross sections which diminish uniformly along a longitudinal direction of the depression.

Abstract: A multiple-port optical device uses improved fiber ferrules comprising various capillary designs and shapes to precisely position optical fibers and, in particular, the optical fiber cores. The fibers are screened for geometric characteristics which further aide in precisely positioning the fiber cores. The ferrules, capillaries, fibers, and adhesives are combined to reduce adverse thermal effects and maintain the position of the fibers over a broad range of environmental conditions in which DWDM packages and modules are required to operate.

Abstract: The present invention provides a fiber array, in which light reflections caused by exfoliation of the end face adhesive due to volume increases of a peripheral adhesive B disposed around the fibers are prevented. FIG. 1(a) shows an initial connection state. Stripped fibers are positioned such that they protrude with respect to an end face 1a of a V-groove substrate 1 provided with V-grooves 7, and the adhesive B is formed flush with the end face 1a of the V-groove substrate 1 without protruding. Then, after being subjected to high temperature and high humidity, the adhesive B swells and expands in the longitudinal direction, so that it protrudes in outward direction from the end face 1a of the V-groove a substrate 1 and the end face of the fiber array as shown in FIG. 1(b), but the tip of the adhesive B does not swell beyond the tips of the stripped fibers, so that it does not exert any stress leading to exfoliation at the coupling face with the adhesive A.

Abstract: The present invention provides a novel class of integrated angled-dual-axis confocal scanning endoscopes. An integrated angled-dual-axis confocal scanning endoscope according to the present invention advantageously exploits an angled-dual-axis confocal arrangement in a silicon micro-machined and fiber-coupled construction, rendering it enhanced resolution, faster scanning, higher sensitivity, highly integrated and scalable structure. An integrated angled-dual-axis confocal scanning endoscope thus constructed can be readily miniaturized for many applications, such as in vivo imaging of biological specimens. One or two illumination beams may be employed in an angled-dual-axis confocal scanning endoscope of the present invention, thereby providing an assortment of reflectance and fluorescence images. An angled-dual-axis confocal scanning endoscope of the present invention is further capable of providing various line and cross-sectional-surface scans with fast speed and high precision.

Abstract: In an optical connector for securing an optical fiber by inserting it into an optical fiber positioning hole of a connector ferrule body, an end face of the optical fiber is disposed within the optical fiber positioning hole, a predetermined length region of the optical fiber on the end face side is in a free state adapted to expand and contract, and the end face of the optical fiber is buried in a refractive index matching material filling near an opening portion of the optical fiber positioning hole.

Abstract: A fiber array apparatus and formation method mitigates or eliminates height offset and/or angular offset of the respective fiber cores in the array. In one aspect, the fibers are mounted in the array such that the respective core-to-clad offset axes of the fibers, defined between the fiber core center and the cladding center of each fiber, are substantially parallel. In another aspect, the plurality of fibers are cut from the same fiber spool, ensuring consistency in cladding outer diameter. In this manner, precision in core-to-core pitch and consistency in core-to-core height are achieved in the fiber array.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an angled opto-mechanical connector (10) and to a manufacturing process for the same. The connector (10) comprises a fixture (1) with straight and parallel grooves (2, 3) of two sizes running on the upper side of the fixture (1) from a first fixture side (1a) to a second fixture side (1b). A lid (4) is fastened above the fixture (1). Fibre ends (8a) of optical fibres (8) are placed in the capillaries which are formed between the smaller grooves (2) of the fixture and the lid (4) in such a way that they stick out through the side of the fixture (1b). A plastic capsule (11) encloses the fixture (1), the lid (4) and the fibres (8) completely or partially. The fibres (8) stick out from the plastic capsule (11) in a direction separated from that defined by the grooves of the fixture. The connector (10) can also have an opto-mechanical interface of the above mentioned type at its other end (10b).

Abstract: A multi-channel optical connector that includes a multi channel optical fiber block including at least one optical fiber capable of being optically coupled to at least one optical device. The multi-channel optical fiber block is incorporated in a plastic molding that is complimentary in shape to that of an optical device array block, and thus can be plugged into the optical device array block. The close tolerances maintained in manufacturing of the connector results in accurate alignment of the fibers captured in the multi-channel optical fiber block with the optical devices in the optical device array block. The close tolerances can be achieved by using MEMS (Micro Electro Mechanical System) processing techniques to manufacture the V-grooves in a silicon V-block, which is part of the multi-channel optical fiber block. Alternatively, V-grooves can be produced in the multi-channel optical fiber block by plastic molding.

Abstract: A multi-port fiber optic device (10) includes a dual fiber first collimator (12) which comprises a ferrule (18) with the input fiber (30) and the output fiber (32) therein, a gradient index rod lens (20) adhesively attached to the ferrule (18), and a filter (22) adhesively attached to the lens (20) opposite to the ferrule (18). A second collimator (14) is generally positioned in front of the first collimator (12), includes the similar components thereof while being symmetrical to the first collimator (12) along the middle portion of the whole assembly, except that one of the dual fiber of the second collimator (14) functions idle, thus the pigtail of such a fiber being removed.

Abstract: A high density multiple chip fiber array connector having a ferrules located by alignment chips within the connector. The ferrules each contain an array of optical fibers and have grooves on opposing ends that cooperate with ridges formed on said alignment chips to locate the ferrules within the connector. Alignment pins are provide at opposing end of the alignment chips to position the connector with respect to a complementary connector when mated thereto. The connector is fabricated by bonding the ferrules, alignment chips and alignment pins together and then placing these components within a 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: The invention relates to a connector element for optical fiber, said connector element comprising: a ferrule (3) serving to hold a stripped end portion of an optical fiber; a ferrule support (2) having a front end suitable for supporting the ferrule, a rear end (10), and a channel extending from the rear end (10) to the front end and via which the non-stripped portion of the optical fiber can pass through said support (2) so that the stripped end portion of the fiber can be engaged in the ferrule (3); and a body (1) inside which the ferrule (3) and its support (2) are received, said body having a front end for connecting the connector element to another connector element, and a rear end (11) extending beyond the rear end (10) of the ferrule support, when the connector is in the assembled state.

Abstract: The optical transmitter/receiver apparatus of the invention includes: an optical fiber for transmitting/receiving an optical signal therethrough; and a first base including mutually spaced optical signal transmitting and receiving regions and a fiber end supporting region located between the optical signal transmitting and receiving regions. A semiconductor laser device for emitting the optical signal to be transmitted is secured to the optical signal transmitting region of the first base. A fiber end supporting portion for supporting one end of the optical fiber, to which the optical signal emitted from the semiconductor laser device is incident, is formed in the fiber end supporting region of the first base. A second base for supporting the body of the optical fiber is secured to the optical signal receiving region of the first base.

Abstract: A fiber optic connector having improved alignment and manufacturing characteristics over traditional connectors. A fiber optic connector of the present invention has a first connector ferrule and alignment means for aligning the first connector ferrule with a matching second connector ferrule. The fiber optic connector includes a first connector ferrule including a first mating surface. The mating surface defines at least one receiving cavity, and at least one protruding alignment rod is seated in the cavity and extends from the mating surface. The alignment rod has a diameter D1 and protruded from the mating surface a protrusion distance p1, wherein p1≦2D1. In an exemplary embodiment the rod has a spherical tip and 0.5D1≦p1≦2D1.

Abstract: A stackable multi-fiber ferrule of the present invention enables relatively tighter stacking between fiber arrays, resulting in increased interconnection density. The present invention achieves tighter stacking by incorporating an inner support member having alignment pin grooves on only one side, thereby permitting the thickness of the support member to be reduced. Thus, the thickness of the inner support member may be thinner than that of conventional support members because the inner support member of the present invention does not have to accommodate opposing alignment pin grooves on both sides thereof. Thus, a multi-fiber stackable ferrule in accordance with the present invention will have alignment pin holes on alternating rows of fibers, that is, on every other interface between adjacent support members. Accordingly, a stackable multi-fiber ferrule in accordance with the present invention is capable of improved interconnection density.

Abstract: The present invention provides a fiber optic connector comprising a fiber pressing member and a substrate having a part A with multiple fiber arranging grooves in which bare portion of optical fibers are fixed, and a part B in which coated portion of optical fibers are fixed, and its manufacturing method. The connector enables to prevent an increase in transmission loss or breakage of the optical fibers by reducing the localized stress on the fibers from the rear end of the fiber pressing member and the rear end edge of the fiber arranging grooves.

Abstract: An optical fiber array is provided in which an optical fiber tip end is housed in a holding member 2. The holding member 2 consists of a substrate 3 and a cover plate 5. The substrate 3 forms a sectional V shaped housing groove (V groove 4) for housing the optical fiber 1 on the top face. The substrate 5 covers the top face of the substrate 3. Then, an adhesive is filled between the substrate 3 and the cover plate 5, and an optical fiber 1 is fixed in the housing groove. At this time, a distance Y between the substrate 3 and the cover plate 5 is L/6≦Y≦L relevant to a distance L from a contact point between the housed optical fiber 1 and the housing groove to the cover plate 5. In this manner, even under severer environment, a release of the holding member or the like hardly occurs, and good characteristics are maintained.

Abstract: An optical connector ferrule 1A is mounted on the distal end of a fiber optic ribbon cable 2 to form an optical connector Ca. A mating surface 11 of the optical connector Ca opposes an optical connector Cb to be mated. Fiber accommodating holes 13 are formed in the mating surface 11 so as to accommodate optical fibers, and a pair of guide projections 10 are formed on the mating surface 11 so as to be positioned with the optical connector Cb. The ferrule 1A is integrally molded with a resin. This provides an optical connector ferrule allowing the easy manufacturing of an optical connector with good transmission performance.

Abstract: A V-groove chip for fiber arrays having a wick stop trench. The wick stop trench intersects the V-grooves and is preferably deeper than the V-grooves. The wick stop trench prevents adhesive from moving via capillary action along the entire length of a V-groove. This is very useful for manufacturing V-groove fiber arrays because often it is desirable to adhesive the fiber to the V-groove chip in multiple gluing steps. For example, two gluing steps are beneficial if rotational alignment of the fiber (e.g., for polarization maintaining fiber arrays) is desired. Also, if longitudinal alignment of the fiber is desired, two gluing steps are beneficial. Two gluing steps allows the front and rear portions of the optical fiber to be secured independently, thereby improving precision in fiber placement. Preferably, the wick stop trench is filled with solidified adhesive.

Abstract: An arrayed optical fiber connector for positioning multiple optical fibers to align the end faces of the optical fibers with multiple optical axes at a given input/output face of light is constructed as a board that includes a groove in which the multiple optical fibers are disposed in a given alignment arrangement; a fixing member that is received in the groove and is laid with the multiple optical fibers in a given alignment arrangement; and a fixing plate that is fixed on the surface of the board in which the groove is formed and fixes the multiple optical fibers and the fixing members inside the groove while securing the given alignment arrangement of the multiple optical fibers and the fixing members.

Abstract: MT ferrule. A polymer fiber optic MT ferrule includes hermaphroditic L-shaped halves having multiple fibers mounted in V-grooves formed within surfaces of ferrule halves. Ferrule halves include holed walls perpendicular to the major surface of the V-grooves for providing alignment of the ferrule to guide pins of an MT receptacle having an alignment assembly and an alignment member mounted within the alignment assembly to provide for precision alignment.

Abstract: Even when the V groove pitch is different from the pitch of sheathed portions of optical fibers, the optical fibers can be avoided from receiving any significant stress in bias.

Abstract: A method and arrangement for aligning a waveguide connector to at least one optical device is set forth. The arrangement includes a waveguide connector and a substrate carrying at least one waveguide. The waveguide connector having both guide legs and aligning elements. The method includes the step of shaking the arrangement at a frequency and amplitude sufficient to cause opposing aligning elements disposed on the waveguide connector and on the substrate to engage each other.

Abstract: An optical connector element having a coupling face for coupling to another optical connector element. It comprises: a ferrule; a ferrule holder co-operating with the ferrule to form a continuous ferrule assembly; a body receiving said ferrule assembly and open on the coupling face end so as to enable said ferrule assembly to be inserted into it; resilient means tending to urge the ferrule assembly inserted into the body so that it is pushed back out of said body; means for preventing the ferrule assembly from rotating relative to the body; and snap-fastening shapes on the ferrule assembly and on the body. The snap-fastening shapes on the body are situated on that side of the resilient means which is closer to the coupling face, and they are mounted on the body in a manner such that they can retract reversibly.

Abstract: There is provided a glass substrate having a V-groove portion for arranging an optical fiber core and a countersunk portion for containing an optical fiber coated portion, formed on the extension of the V-groove portion, on the surface thereof. The surface roughness of an inside side face of the countersunk portion is 1 &mgr;m or less in Rmax, or 0.2 &mgr;m or less in Ra at least at the connecting portion of the V-groove portion and the countersunk portion. The glass substrate is manufactured by a two-stage molding method in which a first molding step for forming a concave portion in the surface of a glass substrate molded body by grinding or pressing, and a second molding step for pressing the glass substrate molded body obtained by the first molding step from the top and bottom surfaces while reheating the molded body are performed.

Abstract: A fiber Optic circuit switch comprises elements constructed entirely from a coating layer on a substrate. A procedure for production of the fiber optic circuit switch is disclosed.

Abstract: An optical waveguide component has a first optical member in which a predetermined first core pattern groove is formed and a second optical member in which a predetermined second core pattern groove is formed, the first and second optical members being combined together so that said first and second core pattern grooves are opposingly overlapped with each other, and the first and second core pattern grooves being filled with a core material.

Abstract: The present invention provides an optical module, a plug for connecting an optical fiber, or an optical coupler provided with a configuration that permits the connection of an optical fiber without using a ferrule. For this purpose, the optical module, the plug for connecting an optical fiber, or an optical coupler equipped with the same is provided with: a substrate (14); an optical device (16) mounted on the substrate; a connecting optical fiber (18), one end of which is positioned with respect to the optical device, and the distal end of a transmitting optical fiber to be connected is positioned with respect to the other end thereof; and a guide (26) for guiding the distal end of the transmitting optical fiber to be connected. The distal end of the transmitting optical fiber is positioned with respect to the first end of a connecting optical fiber by disposing the distal end of the transmitting optical fiber in the guide.

Abstract: An optical fiber array has an upper substrate, a lower substrate where a V-groove is formed, and optical fibers inserted and arranged on the V-groove, the upper substrate and the lower substrate being fixed with an adhesive, and the optical fibers being fixed and aligned on the V-groove. In the optical fiber array, the upper substrate has a fiber presser substrate for pressing the optical fibers on the V-groove and a coated fiber housing substrate for housing coated optical fibers, and a housing groove for coated-optical fibers and an adhesive inflow groove portion in the direction of a fiber axis are formed in the coated fiber housing substrate. An optical fiber array is a half-pitched optical fiber array having two levels of coated optical fibers.

Abstract: An optical connector includes a first ferrule which holds the ends of a first optical fiber unit including at least one optical fiber, and a housing. The housing is a U-shaped member with parallel arms extending in the lengthwise direction of the first optical fiber unit. The housing surrounds one of the widthwise sides of the first ferrule from which the first optical fiber unit is derived and the lengthwise sides of the first ferrule, whereby the housing accommodates the first ferrule. The housing receives a second ferrule which holds the ends of a second optical fiber unit including at least one optical fiber through the U-shaped opening. The housing surrounds the lengthwise side of the second ferrule and a part of the side of the second ferrule from which the second optical fiber unit is derived, whereby the first and second ferrules are coupled together.

Abstract: A small form factor, multi-fiber connector having the footprint of a LC connector for high density applications is disclosed. A multi-fiber ferrule, which may or may not be stacked, is received in the front end of the housing. A spring member is disposed within the housing for axially urging the multi-fiber ferrule outwardly to maintain the end face of the ferrule flush with the device to which it is coupled. The housing includes an end cap which snaps into the housing body and holds the spring member. Thus, a multi-fiber stackable connector in accordance with the present invention is relatively simple in construction and assembly, inexpensive, and user friendly.

Abstract: Methods and tools disclosed herein enable the efficient assembly of a stackable multi-fiber ferrule. The present invention facilitates precisely aligned support members within the stack. In addition, the present invention provides for the consistently high precision repetition of the assembly of stackable multi-fiber ferrules. Thus, stackable multi-fiber ferrules assembled in accordance with the present invention are capable of consistently establishing highly efficient optical connections.

Abstract: A V-groove dual fiber collimator (1) including an optical lens (10) and a V-groove dual fiber ferrule means (12) fixed with each other. The ferrule means (12) includes a V-groove chip (14) and a cover chip (20) commonly enclosed by a protective guiding sleeve (22) wherein two pigtail fibers (24, 26) are respectively received within the corresponding grooves (16) of the V-groove chip (14). The V-groove ferrule means (12) is itself fixed by adhering its own internal components (14, 20, 22) and the embedded fibers (24, 26), and also fixed to the lens (10).

Abstract: An apparatus includes a device having at least one exposed region. First and second metal seals bond and/or secure with, and surround, the exposed region of the device. An enclosure seals the device between the first and second metal seals. The enclosure has a first substrate and a second substrate, each with end surfaces including a deformable metal layer. The deformable metal layer seals the corresponding surfaces in response to the application of a compressive force and/or energy to the first and second substrates. The enclosure may be constructed to include a cavity, and/or constructed of relative short length. The enclosure may be used to secure to a portion of an optical fiber, fiber optic device and/or device, and/or may be used to encase a portion or all of an optical fiber, fiber optic device and/or device.

Abstract: The optical fiber fixing member made of glass, especially optical fiber guide block, is conventionally produced by a mechanical processing. However, the mechanical processing has problems that a production cost becomes high and mass-production is difficult. The problems above can be solved by the present invention providing a method for producing an optical fiber fixing member comprising: disposing a glass shaping preform whose plane view resembles to the plane view of the molded article and whose faces to be positioned in the pressurizing direction during press-molding assumes planes or outwardly convex curved surfaces, in a mold having a cavity of a given shape; and heating the glass shaping preform up to a temperature at which the glass shaping preform can be mold-shaping and thereby press-molding it into a molded article having at least one edge formed of a free surface.

Abstract: A hermaphroditic fiber optic termination device including a plug insert removably insertable into a front of a housing. The housing having locking holes. The plug insert formed so as to receive ferrules surrounding terminal ends of the optical fibers. The plug insert having spring latches, where each spring latches has a nub. The nub feature being designed so as to spring into the locking holes of the housing.

Abstract: The present invention provides a fiber optic connector and a method for installing a fiber optic connector including a barrel assembly disposed within a housing. The barrel assembly includes a barrel being formed of deformable material and having a barrel body and a barrel extension extending from an end of the barrel body. An opposing end of the barrel body supports a ferrule having a pre-polished fiber stub disposed therein. An insert is disposed within the barrel, the insert being deformable and is arranged and configured to receive at least one fiber. An extender cap engages a portion of the housing fixing the barrel assembly within the housing. The housing includes at least one aperture disposed in a side portion for accessing the barrel assembly. In one aspect of the invention a method for installing a fiber optic connector is provided including the steps of, first, forming a barrel assembly.

Abstract: A preform used for producing an optical fiber fixing member having an optical fiber fixing part and a lower-staged part by a mold shaping method, is formed so as to be composed of a large-thickness portion having an upper surface or a peak portion to which that transfer-shaping surface of transfer-shaping surfaces of a shaping mold which is to shape the said optical fiber fitting portion(s) comes into contact at an initial stage of mold shaping, and a small-thickness portion having an upper surface or a peak portion to which that transfer-shaping surface of transfer-shaping surfaces of the shaping mold which is to shape the upper surface of the lower-staged part comes into contact at an initial stage of the mold shaping, the preform being formed in a configuration in which the said small-thickness portion is adjacent to the large-thickness portion, the form of the preform viewed as a plan view parallels with the form of the said optical fiber fixing member viewed as a plan view and the form of the preform vie

Abstract: A wavelength division multiplexing transmitter and receiver module utilizes a micromachined silicon substrate as the mounting platform for its optical components and optoelectronic devices including an optical fiber, a transmitter, two receivers, and three microlenses. The micromachined silicon substrate has a V-groove for placing an optical fiber so that it is aligned with the mounted transmitter and the mounted receivers passively and has more V-grooves with slanted end side walls and opposite vertical end side walls used to form a dielectric multilayered filter, a half-mirror, and two anti-reflectors thereon which are eventually incorporated to be a multiplexer and/or a demultiplexer. The microlenses are disposed on V-supports. The transmitter is pre-mounted mounted on a V-submount. The microlens and the transmitter are then mounted into the V-grooves of the micromachined silicon substrate and aligned with the mounted optical fiber passively.

Abstract: An optical star assembly having a ribbon fiber optic mixing element with the first and second ends. A first and second bundle of fiber optic cables are provided each with an engagement end for connection with a respective end of the ribbon fiber optic mixing element. The ribbon fiber optic mixing element and a portion of the fiber optic cables are carried in the housing so that the housing biases each end of the ribbon fiber optic mixing element towards an engagement end of the first and second bundles of fiber optic cables respectively. The fiber optic cables may be connected to a plurality of optical receivers so that the ribbon fiber optic mixing element distributes optical information from each of the fibers to all of the optical receivers in the assembly.

Abstract: A metal coated optical fiber array module including a metal coated optical fiber array, an arranging substrate having arranging grooves for loading the optical fiber array, wherein a metal is coated on the upper surface including the arranging grooves and the optical fiber array loaded into the arranging grooves is united therewith through the medium of the metal, and a cover for protecting and fixing the optical fiber array loaded into the arranging grooves of the arranging substrate. It is preferable that the optical fiber array module further includes a planar substrate having holes into which the optical fiber array is to be inserted, wherein the optical fiber array loaded on the arranging substrate is inserted into the holes and united with the arranging substrate. After the optical fibers are loaded, the ends thereof are easily polished.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for fabricating a connector ferrule for a fiber optic cable which includes at least one optical fiber. A pair of ferrule clamping members are provided and define a fiber passage therebetween for receiving the optical fiber and which define at least one pin passage therebetween of a given diameter. A ferrule body is formed about the clamping members. A spreader pin of a larger diameter than the given diameter is inserted into the pin passage to spread the clamping members and open the fiber passage. The optical fiber is inserted into the opened fiber passage, and the spreader pin is removed to allow the clamping members to close onto the optical fiber.

Abstract: A microlens array includes short lengths of fibre held across an aperture in a rigid body. The fibres are conveniently short lengths cut from commercially available ultraviolet grade fused silica fibre that has had a normal outer protective coating removed. The microlens array is comparatively cheap to make and has particular application in producing long period gratings by exposing strands of silica fibre to UV radiation via the microlens array using a diffraction pattern produced by the microlens.

Abstract: A pin keeper for use in a transition between a multiple fiber ferrule holding at least two fibers and having a fiber to fiber spacing substantially equal to a first lateral dimension and a fiber optic body having a fiber to fiber spacing substantially equal to a second lateral dimension which is different from said first lateral dimension. The pin keeper is disposed between the ferrule and the fiber optic body. The fibers pass through the pin keeper, which splays the fibers from the first lateral dimension to the second lateral dimension.

Abstract: An optical transmitting member-holding structure for holding an optical transmitting member at a given location, said holding structure comprising a holding substrate, an optical transmitting member placed on the holding substrate, a fixing substrate covering the optical transmitting member on the holding substrate, and a joining layer joining the holding substrate and the fixing substrate and fixing the optical transmitting member at said given location, said joining layer comprising an eutectic solder layer.

Abstract: Development of a multiple-core optical connector which can make multiple-core or a plurality of optical fibers connected in a simple manner has been sought. There are provided an optical connector ferrule for internally fixing beforehand the optical fibers arranged in parallel on an identical plane and having joining end surface of a tip which is polished, and an optical connector which is furnished with a connecting mechanism for maintaining a connected state by holding aforementioned optical connector which protrudes from the rear end, facing the aforementioned joining end surface of the aforementioned connector ferrule and a separate optical fiber connected by abutting against the optical fiber of the optical connector ferrule side.