FIBER OPTIC CONNECTOR FOR HIGH DENSITY APPLICATIONSAND METHOD OF MANUFACTURING FIBER OPTIC CONNECTORSABSTRACTThe present invention relates to fiberoptic connectors and, more particularly, to a fiberoptic connector for optically interconnecting twohigh density sets of optical fibers and a methodof manufacturing fiber optic connectors. Whileprior art fiber optic connectors are available,they are generally limited to connectors for asmall number of communication channels. Recently,there has been a growing interest in and recogni-tion of the need for, developing a suitable fiberoptic connector for optically interconnecting twohigh density sets of optical fibers, particularlyfor single fiber cables, with low loss and minimumcross-talk characteristics. The connector of thisinvention satisfies this need. The connectorincludes a pair of connector members each having arear end and a forward, mating end. It also includesmeans associated with the forward, mating end ofeach of the connector members for terminating onehigh density set of optical fibers, each of theterminating members including means for disposingthe optical fibers of one high density set in apredetermined pattern. The connector furtherincludes means for securing the connector memberstogether with the forward, mating ends thereofadjacent. With these features of construction,the connector is well suited for optically aligningtwo high density sets of optical fibers.
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