Abstract: A ferrule for an optical fiber connector, through which an end of an optical fiber to be connected is inserted to fix the optical fiber thereto, is disclosed. In the ferrule, a boundary part between an optical fiber-inserting hole and an optical fiber-inserting opening is formed into a continuously curved surface. The surface defining the optical fiber-inserting hole is an unabraded surface formed of a material as calcined, whereby a slightly irregular grain boundary surface composed of particles 0 the material is formed at such a surface.

Abstract: A ferrule for an optical fiber connector has a cylindrical sleeve or body (1) and a capillary (3) received in the sleeve 1. The sleeve (1) has thereinside a fiber holding portion (2a) adjoining one end of the sleeve (1) and for holding a built-in optical fiber (4), a capillary holding portion (2b) next to the fiber holding portion (2a), and a fiber inserting portion (2c) next to the capillary holding portion (2b) and for inserting an optical fiber (6). The fiber holding portion (2a) and the fiber inserting portion (2c) have the smallest diameter and the largest diameter, respectively. The diameter of the capillary holding portion (2b) is substantially equal to the outside diameter of the capillary 3. The axis of the fiber holding portion (2a) is accurately coincident with the axis of the sleeve (1). The capillary (3) is held in the capillary holding portion (2b) while the fiber (4) extends over the fiber holding portion (2a) and a through bore formed in the capillary 3.

Abstract: The end face (32) of the optical fiber (24) of a fiber optical terminal (10) is finished by installing the fiber in a terminal ferrule (18), cleaving an end of the fiber close to the end face (54) of the ferrule, and heating the cleaved fiber end face so as to soften its end face and cause it to assume a smooth, rounded configuration. The heating is accomplished, for a glass fiber, by application of the beam of a carbon dioxide laser (60) to the optical fiber end face. The heat softened end face assumes a smooth, rounded configuration that minimizes back reflection. A system including a laser (105), shutter (102), beam expander (108) and parabolic mirror (110) heats the fiber end face that is positioned at the parabola faces by a three axis manipulator (156,158) and holder (152). Orthogonal viewing systems (126, 142) enable visual monitoring of the process.

Abstract: An optical coupling device includes a ferrule that holds an optical fiber; a ball lens that focuses light from the optical fiber upon a point; and a housing that aligns the ferrule and the ball lens. A method for manufacturing such an optical coupling device includes the steps of fabricating a ferrule to support and hold a single-core optical fiber; inserting and fitting the single-core optical fiber into the center of the ferrule; grinding the face of the ferrule holding the single-core optical fiber; fabricating a ball lens whose surface is coated with an anti-reflection film to focus light from the single-core optical fiber on a point; fabricating an integral housing on the basis of a calculation of an offset distance for aligning the ferrule and the ball lens; fixing the ferrule to the inside of the housing; and pushing the ball lens into the housing with a predetermined pressure to fix the ball lens to the inside of the housing.

Abstract: An optical fiber, including a cylindrical core of light conducting material having a first refractive index, surrounded by a cladding having a second refractive index that is lower than the first refractive index. The optical fiber includes at least one endface formed with a cone tip for controlling the characteristics of light entering or exiting the fiber. The polish angle of the cone tip can be selected according to the desired emergence/acceptance properties of the fiber.

Abstract: An optical connector ferrule includes a ferrule body which is cylindrical and has a transition portion extending from a cylindrical body to a terminal end of the ferrule body. The terminal end is provided with an inclined convex end face defining a plane of inclination inclined relative to the bore axis. The transition portion has an outer surface shaped for the transition portion to have a circular cross section taken perpendicular to a center line extending orthogonal to the plane of inclination.

Abstract: A termination ferrule body with a ferrule for an optical fiber is molded directly about the optical fiber employing a mold insert defining a hole in the insert that precisely locates the optical fiber in the center of the end of the ferrule.

Abstract: A method of oblique spherical polishing of an optical connector by which a desired contact surface angle on an axis of the optical connector is obtained easily and securely without requiring additional processing. In order to form a dome of a radius R, which is oblique with the contact surface angle .theta.', at the end surface of the optical connector 20, which has ferrule 22 of which a tip 24 is beveled, the tip of the optical connector 20 is polished by tilting it with the angle .theta. which fulfills the relationsin .theta.=sin .theta.'+S/Rwhere S is the amount of the deviation of the dome.

Abstract: An optical fiber ferrule holding multiple fibers and an optical coupler using the ferrule are provided. An optical fiber ferrule is constructed such that N optical fibers (N equals four or an even number of six or more) are inserted into and fixed in a terminal end hole of the ferrule. The optical coupler comprises first and second optical fiber ferrules as described above, first and second distributed refractive index rod lenses, a mirror coating layer which reflects a portion of and transmits another portion of a light beam incident thereon; and a holding means for bringing the first ferrule and the first distributed refractive index rod lens into close contact, for bringing the second ferrule and the second distributed refractive index rod lens into close contact, for disposing the mirror coating layer between the first and second distributed refractive index rod lenses, and for coaxially holding these components together.

Abstract: A mass-producible optical attenuation fiber assembly is provided with a first optical fiber with a predetermined attenuation, a second optical fiber connected to a first end of the first optical fiber and a ferrule for fixedly holding the other end of the first optical fiber. In this optical attenuation fiber assembly, the first optical fiber is doped with impurities to achieve a predetermined first attenuation and shortened to obtain a predetermined second attenuation. In the optical attenuation fiber assembly, the second optical fiber may also be cut to a fixed length and the cut edge portion of the second optical fiber may be fixed to another ferrule and polished. The latter ferrule is coupled to the former ferrule through an alignment sleeve.

Abstract: The method for butt-coupling an optical fibre connector comprising a cylindrical ferrule consists of the following steps:a) preparing the head of the optical fibre for insertion into the ferrule;b) applying a thin layer of resin to the fibre, taking care not to soil the cut end of the fibre with said resin;c) inserting said fibre into the sized hole of the cylindrical ferrule;d) by means of an alignment bush, coupling said ferrule to a reference ferrule in which a piece of fibre has been previously housed and fixed such that the end surface of said fibre lies inward of the end surface of the reference ferrule;e) crosslinking the resin.

Abstract: In a coupling structure for directly coupling a semiconductor laser to an optical fiber without using a lens, a coupling structure is provided which is superior in producibility, low in coupling loss and stable in operation of the semiconductor laser, by removing an influence of a return light due to Fresnel reflection from an end face of the optical fiber. A re-combination of the semiconductor laser to an active layer of the optical fiber is prevented by scattering a reflection light at the end face of the optical fiber by positively increasing a surface roughness Rz of the end face of the optical fiber to a range from 0.04 .mu.m to 0.06 .mu.m. The end face is formed by cutting the optical fiber with a blade saw having abrasive of particle size in a range from #1000 gauge to #2000 gauge corresponding to a range from 8 .mu.m to 20 .mu.m. The end face may be polished with abrasive having size in a rage from #1000 to #2000 gauge.

Abstract: An optical fiber ferrule holding plate for an optical fiber end polishing apparatus for simultaneously polishing the end surfaces of a plurality of ferrules with optical fibers has an improved durability and workability. The optical fiber ferrule holding plate includes a ferrule outer periphery supporting member which is made of a hard burned ceramic member, and which includes, at the center thereof, an inserting hole for receiving the end outer periphery of the ferrule with an optical fiber and which receives and supports a plurality of ferrules with optical fibers. A holding plate main unit which has a plurality of through holes for receiving a plurality of ferrule outer periphery supporting members is provided, which receives, fixes, and supports the ferrules with optical fibers in the through holes.

Abstract: A zone analysis system and method (211) optimize speed and minimize adverse effects resulting from noise in an inspection system (90) for measuring disparity between two surfaces. In particular, the zone analysis system and method (211) can be implemented in an inspection system (90) for contactlessly measuring undercut or protrusion of an optical fiber (26) relative to a surrounding support material (36) at the endface (79) of an optical fiber termination (37). In structure, the inspection system (90) has a measurement apparatus (91) with an interferometer (98) controlled by a machine vision system (92) for determining the degree of disparity. The inspection system (90) measures an offset of an interferometric fringe (113') produced by the interferometer (98) over the target (82) in the image in order to determine the disparity. Further, the machine vision system (92) employs the zone analysis system and method (211) for optimizing the performance thereof.

Abstract: A ceramic optical fiber ferrule is constructed from CaTiO.sub.3 (calcium titanate) or CeO.sub.2 --ZrO.sub.2 (ceria-zirconia). The ferrule is PC-radiused and thus includes a first, convex end having a predetermined radius of curvature, a second end, and an axial bore which joins the first and second ends. An optical fiber can be fixedly positioned within the bore and a terminal end of the optical fiber can be created by standard polishing or grinding techniques which is coplanar with the first, convex end of the ferrule.

Abstract: A multi-fibre connector consisting of a bush acting as a guide and coupling element for two ferrules, which are located one in front of the other and contain a sized hole in which two or more fibres are located in a radial arrangement, said two or more fibres being inserted and glued into the sized hole, after which the entire end surface of the ferrule and fibres is lapped in such a manner as to obtain a convex and/or angled surface. Means are provided for securely coupling together said ferrules and said bush. Said means are in the form of a longitudinal slit provided in the bush and a respective shaped insertion element rigidly fixed to a respective one of the facing end parts of said two ferrules, said shaped insertion element engaging in said slit.

Abstract: An optical fibre termination which reduces the effect of reflections from the transfer face. The transfer face is skewed to the axis of the termination so that reflections are not propagated along the external path. The transfer face is also skewed to the core direction so that refraction makes the eternal path parallel to, and preferably co-incident with, the axis.

Abstract: An injection molded plastic fiber alignment ferrule is provided with a polishing pedestal. The ferrule has an opening therethrough for receiving the end of a fiber which is bonded therein by an anaerobic adhesive and extends beyond the pedestal. The fiber is cleaved and the end is severed. The ferrule is polished to remove the pedestal, resulting in a smoothly polished end surface.

Abstract: An endoscope which provides ample illumination to a surgical field or diagnostic site is disclosed in which a lens train having objective and relay lenses or electronic means for transmitting images therethrough is covered by an outer casing formed from a woven cylindrical sheath composed of a multiplicity of interlaced spirally-extending bundles of optical fibers and an embedding medium for securely interlocking the bundles together. The proximal end of the braided or woven sheath forms a light-receiving post for receiving and transmitting light through the individual fiberoptic cables to their distal ends which terminate around the periphery of the field lens or lenses. Constructing the outer casing of the endoscope from woven fiberoptic bundles provides an adequate quantity of fiberoptic cables to supply ample illumination to the field for endoscopes with one or more field lenses. The construction of the braided sheath also allows the endoscope to be efficiently manufactured.

Abstract: A low-cost, high performance 1.times.N fiber optic coupler where N>16 is presented. The coupler has a GRIN lens having an first optic fiber aligned with the optical axis of the lens at one end of the lens. The first optic fiber ends in a microlens. At the other end of the GRIN lens a bundle of tapered second optic fibers is centered on the optical axis of the lens.

Abstract: A fiber optic connector polishing fixture for polishing optical fibers which are to be connected with other optical fibers includes synthetic ruby balls symmetrically aligned on an aluminum substrate which is configured to permit a ferrule and its outer housing to be inserted for polishing. The ruby balls define a polishing plane axially spaced from the substrate for polishing an optical fiber which is longitudinally disposed within the ferrule. The ruby balls and ferrule are moved along an abrasive material until the ferrule and optical fiber are suitably polished.

Abstract: A tool adapted for use in cleaving an optical fiber installed in a ferrule connector, which can also act as an acutation cap for the connector. The tool comprises a body having a cavity for receiving the ferrule of the connector, and a floor at the extreme end of the cavity which contacts the ferrule end face when the ferrule is fully inserted into the cavity, there further being a hole in this floor, positioned to receive a portion of the optical fiber which has been inserted in the ferrule and protrudes from the end face. When the fiber passes through the hole and beyond the floor, it may be scored and subsequently cleaved. The thickness of the floor is controlled to precisely locate the score with respect to the ferrule end face, to present an optimal length of fiber stub for polishing. Scoring the fiber in this manner allows the buffered portion of the fiber to be secured to the strain relief element of the connector, and any clamping element of the connector secured, prior to scoring and cleaving.

Abstract: The end face of an optical fiber assembly consisting of an optical fiber s and a ferrule f is polished to form a conical surface with oblique faces Fp1 and Fp2 such that, central axis Ap of the conical surface makes an inclination of 8.degree. with respect to the optical axis L of the optical fiber s, top Ft of the conical surface coincides with the optical axis L of the optical fiber s, and has a taper angle of 2.degree.. Thereafter, the optical fiber assembly is further polished to form an oblique convex spherical surface at the end face such that, the central axis of the oblique convex spherical surface makes an inclination of 8.degree. with respect to the optical axis L of the optical fiber s. Due to this, insertion loss and light reflected back to the source is stabilized and minimized.

Abstract: A device for cleaning and/or polishing an end surface of an optical fiber is comprised of an insert and a cleaning rod. The insert has a hole formed throughout its length whose axis is eccentric to the optical fiber axis. The rod, when rotated, effectuates cleaning and/or polishing of the end surface of the optical fiber. The optical fiber is mounted in a fiber optic connector, which may be disposed within a corresponding coupling. Various industry-standard models exist for the connectors and the couplings. One or more inserts are designed and utilize various female-type adaptors or sleeves that properly hold the insert within the various types of couplings. Also, a male-type adaptor is provided that adapts the insert to several of the various types of connectors when the connectors are disconnected from their associated couplings.

Abstract: A fibre optic connector includes a retaining section for receiving a retaining clip, and a severable section. The connector housing 20 has a cable receiving bore which receives the fibre cable. The fibre cable is receivable in the bore such that the fibre project beyond a front face of the severable portion. The severable end portion is removable adjacent to the notch to form a clean end face.

Abstract: A novel optical connector that includes the following: a optical connector ferrule which is capable of fixing optical fibers; optical fibers fixed onto the optical connector ferrule, such that the end surfaces of the optical fibers project beyond an end surface of the optical connector ferrule; an adhesive for fixing the opticalfibers onto the optical connector ferrule; and a member whose Young's Modulus is less than that of the optical fiber and is provided to an area on the end surface of the optical connector ferrule surronding, at a minimum, the projected portions of the optical fibers. And when the end surface of the optical connector is polished, the ends of the optical fibers are capable of projecting from the end surface of the optical connector ferrule, even if the end surface portion of the optical connector ferrule contains afiller, the hardness of which is less than that oaf the optical fibers.

Abstract: Provided is an optical connector end machining apparatus (1) which comprises a removing section (10) for removing an adhesive agent swollen on the respective end faces of optical connectors, a polishing section (20) located adjacent to the removing section and adapted to grind and polish the end faces of the optical connectors cleared of the adhesive agent, and a switching section (30) including a holding member (31) for holding the optical connectors and adapted collectively to shift the optical connectors held by means of the holding member to the removing section or the polishing section, the holding member releasably holding the optical connectors in a manner such that the end face of each optical connector projects and causing the respective projecting end faces of the optical connectors to move integrally toward and away from the removing section or the polishing section.

Abstract: This invention provides a method of manufacturing an optical connector including the steps of obtaining an optical connector having a fiber insertion hole, inserting an optical fiber into the fiber insertion hole of the optical connector such that the fiber end face of the optical fiber is exposed, and polishing the fiber end face of the optical fiber with a grindstone made by mixing cerium oxide abrasive grains and at least one type of abrasive grains selected from the group consisting of chromium oxide abrasive grains, zirconia abrasive grains, and alumina abrasive grains.

Abstract: An optical fiber receptacle has a glass rod lens in its one end side and a front end of an optical fiber to be connected to the opposite end side of the receptcle is brought into physical contact with a spherical surface of the glass rod lens to thereby make the optical fiber optically couple with an optical element to be provided on the glass rod lens side, wherein a housing including a sleeve for insertion of the front end of the optical fiber therein is fixed to a lens holder for fixedly holding the glass rod lens by fusion so that the center of the sleeve and the center of the spherical surface of the glass rod lens are aligned.

Abstract: End face of a ferrule 100 is polished to form a conical surface 3 such that, central axis Ap of said conical surface 3 makes an inclination of 8.degree. with respect to central axis L of optical fiber insertion hole 4, top 3t of said conical surface 3 coincides with said central axis L and has a taper angle of 2.degree.. Because of this, while polishing an end of a optical fiber inserted and fixed inside said optical fiber insertion hole 4, a well balanced oblique spherical surface can be formed and the non-coincidence of the center of said oblique convex surface with the point where said oblique convex surface intersect with the optical axis of said optical fiber can be prevented.

Abstract: A holding member holding an optical connector is set in a rotary member such that the optical axis of the optical connector is at a predetermined inclination angle to the axis of rotation of the rotary member. An end face of the optical connector is then brought into contact with a polishing member. Then, the rotary member and polishing member are driven for rotation by drive means to polish the end face of the optical connector into an inclined convex spherical surface.

Abstract: A fiber optic ferrule is provided with a fiber core mounted within the axial centerline of the ferrule, and the end face of the fiber ferrule has a chamfered lead in edge. The ferrule also has an end face which is offset from the axial centerline by an angle .beta.. The chamfered lead-in edge has edges proportionately angled such that the distance from the vertex of the polished end face to diametrically opposed edges of the convex surface are equal.

Abstract: A hand tool (40) is disclosed for terminating an optical fiber (26) of a cable (10) to a crimp contact (14) of a connector. The tool includes a carriage assembly (60) that utilizes a delicate spring (250) to provide a desired abutting force at the point of engagement of the optical fiber with the connector contact. The carriage (64) slides along a pair of guide rails (70, 72) rigidly held by a base (62). A counterweight (80) is also arranged to slide on the guide rails and is coupled to the carriage by means of two pulleys (106) and a thin steel cable (230) so that when the carriage moves in one direction the counterweight moves in an opposite direction an equal amount. The counter weight has a mass that is substantially equal to the combined masses of the carriage and the cable so that the system is balanced and unaffected by gravity or sudden movements, thereby assuring that the abutting force is maintained within desirable limits, even when the tool is tilted somewhat with respect to the horizontal plane.

Abstract: A method of producing an optical fiber ferrule having an angled, domed end face with the vertex of the dome and the axis of the fiber being substantially coincident. This result is achieved by orienting the ferrule and grinding the end face to a first angle relative to the ferrule axis, then orienting the ferrule at a second angle relative to the grinding surface and grinding the radius thereon.

Abstract: A multiple optical fiber connector is constructed from a unitary planar substrate having two surfaces with 1) multiple fiber holes and 2) plural alignment regions located in opposing relationship to each other along edges of the substrate, the multiple fiber holes and plural alignment regions being formed substantially perpendicular to and between the surfaces of the substrate using photolithographical techniques. Each optical fiber is permanently mounted through one of the holes in one surface of the substrate so that the end of each fiber is substantially flush with the other surface of the substrate. Alignment posts which are positioned against the alignment regions and mounted substantially perpendicular to the surfaces of the substrate are used to align optical fibers mounted in the substrate with optical fibers mounted in a substrate of a mating connector.

Abstract: An optical connector in which the deformation of the connector caused by the shrinkage of an adhesive at the time of adhering and fixing an optical fiber and a ferrule is small, and the increment of loss in connection is suppressed.The optical connector in which different adhesives are used in an optical fiber insertion hole portion and an adhesive injection opening portion respectively.

Abstract: A fiber optic connector with an epoxy preform is described that facilitates integration of an optical fiber with a connector body and a ferrule. In an illustrated embodiment, the epoxy preform is a cylindrical thermosetting epoxy element having a passage therethrough adapted to receive an optical fiber of a predetermined diameter. The passage through the preform is positively secured within a cavity within the connector body to precisely align the passage with an opening in an abutting ferrule.

Abstract: A holding member holding an optical connector is set in a rotary member such that the optical axis of the optical connector is at a predetermined inclination angle to the axis of rotation of the rotary member. An end face of the optical connector is then brought into contact with a polishing member. Then, the rotary member and polishing member are driven for rotation by drive means to polish the end face of the optical connector into an inclined convex spherical surface.

Abstract: An optical fiber connecting means for positioning and securing an optical fiber such that the optical fiber may be joined with a mating optical fiber, the connecting means having an endface, the endface which may have a recess or counterbore provided to allow a controlled unsupported fiber length which will contribute to a superior optical fiber endface cleave when cleaving is the method of fiber termination. Cleaving may be accomplished with rotational or tangential scribing while the fiber periphery is under tension, the tension condition enhanced by the unsupported fiber length at the terminus endface. Polished fiber ends may also be used.

Abstract: A fiber optic probe for detecting scattered light, with transmitting and receiving fibers having slanted ends and bundled together to form a bevel within the tip of the probe. The probe comprises a housing with a transparent window across its tip for protecting the transmitting and receiving fibers held therein. The endfaces of the fibers are slanted, by cutting, polishing and the like, so that they lie in a plane that is not perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the respective fiber. The fibers are held in the tip of the probe using an epoxy and oriented so that lines normal to the slanted endfaces are divergent with respect to one another. The epoxy, which is positioned substantially between the transmitting and receiving fibers, is tapered so that the transmitting fiber, the epoxy and the receiving fiber form a bevel of not more than 20 degrees. The angled fiber endfaces cause directing of the light cones toward each other, resulting in improved light coupling efficiency.

Abstract: In an optical fiber functional device for processing a light beam between optical fibers, single-mode optical fibers for processing the light beam are concentrically connected at the mutually opposed ends to convergence-type rod lenses each having a prescribed length and made of a graded-index optical fiber.

Abstract: A rotation and alignment device for assembling of an optical fiber connector with a lower connection loss. This device image-processes the distribution of optical intensity of light emitted from an end surface of an optical fiber of a ferrule and derives an optical peak intensity point of the end surface of the optical fiber such that the point is placed in a predetermined region of a rectangular coordinate system. This device comprises a rotation and marking part for controlling a rotational position of a marker with respect to the ferrule and marking the optical peak intensity point on an outer surface of the ferrule. A ferrule fixture part is coupled to the rotation and marking part and fixes the ferrule such that the outer surface of the ferrule is marked with the optical peak intensity point by the marker. A vertical supporting part supports the rotation and marking part and the ferrule fixture pat.

Abstract: A method of polishing ferrules used in optical fiber connectors centers the apex of the spherical end face of the ferrule on the fiber axis. The invention is directed to ferrules whose ends are angled and generally spherical, providing angled physical contact (APC) between a pair of interconnected fibers. These ferrules commonly have a chamfer from the outermost diameter leading to the spherical, angled end face. In such prior art ferrules, the apex of the spherical end face does not coincide with the fiber axis, leading to a potential gap between the fiber ends, which affects several performance factors, including insertion loss, stability and repeatability. The present invention provides several practical methods for imparting an APC finish to a chamfered ferrule while maintaining the apex of the spherical end face on the fiber axis.

Abstract: Optical fibers (15) are supported within a bonded support member (16) having along opposite sides first and second grooves (14) which are parallel to the central axes of the fibers being supported. A first opening (22) is formed in a holder member (21) which includes a first projection (27). A cantilever spring member (23) is formed in the holder member having a second projection (27) opposite the first projection. The bonded fiber support member (16) is inserted into the opening such that the first projection engages the first groove (14) on one side, and the second projection engages the second groove (14) on the other side of the bonded support member. Thereafter, the bonded support member is locked into position and the holder biases one end of it against a polishing wheel (29) to permit polishing along a plane which is perpendicular to the axes of the optical fibers.

Abstract: An optical fiber connective device enables one or more optical fiber(s) to be precisely mounted, essentially perpendicular, to a substrate. The connective device includes a support plate having holes with optical fiber(s) precisely mounted there through. The support plate, with mounted optical fiber(s), is then inserted into aligned holes in the substrate and attached to the substrate. The precise mounting of the connective device to the substrate enables optional coupling of optical signals from the optical fiber(s) to optoelectronic chips mounted over holes of the substrate.

Abstract: A mechanical connector that normally interfaces two fiber optic cables together has a fiber optic cable inserted in a receptacle on one side of the connector. A device for cleaning and/or polishing the end surface of an optical fiber strand within the cable is disposed in a second receptacle on the opposite side of the connector. The device includes an insert located within the receptacle in the connector, the insert having a hole drilled therethrough that is eccentric to the transmission axis of the optical fiber strand. A cleaning rod may be inserted in the eccentric hole in the insert such that an end surface of the cleaning rod contacts the end surface of the optical fiber strand therein. The cleaning rod is rotated to effectuate cleaning of the end surface of the fiber optic cable and corresponding optical fiber strand. In the alternative, the polishing rod may be inserted in the eccentric hole in the insert and rotated so as to effectuate polishing of the end surface of the optical fiber strand.

Abstract: An optical fiber array includes a pair of blocks having respective recesses which, when the blocks are combined together, cooperate together to define a cavity, and a plurality of optical fibers having respective end portions accommodated within the cavity in a linear array. Neighboring end faces of the blocks adjacent end faces of the optical fibers are ground at an inclination relative to a common plane in which the linear array of the end portions of the optical fibers lie and also relative to an optical axis of each of the optical fibers. A method of making the optical fiber array and a wavelength selecting device utilizing the optical fiber array are also disclosed.

Abstract: A variable attenuator for a fiber optic transmission system includes first and second optical fibers which are axially aligned. The fibers are provided with spherical polishes. The radius of each of the fibers originates at an axis which is offset from an axis of the fiber cores.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method of treating light waveguide ends in which the light waveguide is mechanically polished and thereafter the reflectance of the light waveguide is reduced by vaporizing at least some glass at the light waveguide end by the use of a laser beam.

Abstract: A device for molding plastics material ferrules for optical fibre connectors comprises a molding cavity defined by an accurately sized cylindrical bush defining the outside diameter of the ferrule. A cover closes the molding cavity. A peg joined to the cover extends axially into the molding cavity and is extended at its free end by an accurately sized needle defining the inside diameter of the ferrule. A backing member extending axially into the molding cavity from the opposite end as compared with the peg comprises a bore for guiding the needle adapted to receive the end thereof when the backing member moves towards the peg so as to render the needle and the bush concentric. A venting system allows gases to escape from the molding cavity to the exterior when plastics material is injected into the mold. The backing member is a substantially cylindrical body of revolution which fits directly into the bush with no clearance and minimal force.