Ferrule retainers having access window(s) for accessing and/or referencing a fiber optic ferrule, and related fiber optic connector assemblies, connectors, and referencing methods

摘要

Ferrule retainers for retaining and supporting fiber optic ferrules in an optical fiber connector are disclosed. In one embodiment, the ferrule retainers include one or more access windows for accessing an alignment feature(s) of the ferrule located inside the ferrule retainer when the ferrule is assembled in the ferrule retainer. In this manner, the alignment feature(s) of the ferrule is accessible for referencing, if desired, when processing (e.g., polishing) the optical fiber(s) disposed in the ferrule when the ferrule is assembled in the ferrule retainer. The access window(s) provided in the ferrule retainers allows fiber processing equipment to reference the alignment feature(s) of the ferrule when assembled in a ferrule retainer regardless of whether the fiber processing equipment also references the ferrule retainer to reference the ferrule. The embodiments disclosed herein also include related fiber optic connector assemblies, connectors, and referencing methods.