Single-Mode Multi-Optical-Fiber Lensed Connector Enabling Dust Insensitive and Low Mating Force

摘要

We have developed single-mode-fiber (SMF) lensed connectors operable with small mating force and insensitive fine dust on their end faces. 24 SMF lensed connectors utilizing an MT connector technology have been successfully fabricated. The beam is expanded by a graded-index (GI) fiber lens array with a waist diameter of 52 μm, and the spring force in the mating condition can be reduced to 3.3 N, which is about one sixth of that for a 24-MPO connector. The optical fibers and lenses are precisely aligned with a pair of guide pins and holes made by high precision molding technologies. Their average and maximum insertion losses (ILs) are less than 0.7 dB and 1.6 dB, respectively. These have been the best results for singlemode multi-optical-fiber lensed connectors reported so far.