THERMAL REMOVAL OF OPTICAL FIBER COATINGS BY INSERTION THROUGH HEATED FERRULES TO FORM FERRULE ASSEMBLIES FOR FIBER OPTIC CONNECTORS, AND RELATED ASSEMBLIES

摘要

Thermal removal of optical fiber coatings by insertion through heated ferrules to form ferrule assemblies for fiber optic connectors, and related assemblies are disclosed. An optical fiber (12) includes a glass fiber, having a cladding and core, surrounded by a protective coating (20). By removing the coating at an end portion of the optical fiber, the end portion may be precisely positioned and secured within a ferrule (14) to enable reliable optical communications. The coating (20) may be thermally removed, or substantially thermally removed, by inserting the optical fiber through a rear opening of the ferrule (14) which has been heated. In this manner, the coating may be efficiently removed from the end portion of the optical fiber while being inserted into the ferrule bore of the ferrule to enable efficient forming of a ferrule assembly for a fiber optic connector.