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Method of providing recessed optical fiber ends for use in connector structures

  • US 4,148,554 A
  • Filed: 08/05/1977
  • Issued: 04/10/1979
  • Est. Priority Date: 08/05/1977
  • Status: Expired due to Term
First Claim
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1. A connector adapted for providing an optical coupling between an optical fiber and an associated optical element, said connector comprisinga housing member having an opening extending between a rear portion and a front portion through which an optical fiber may be inserted to have an end of the fiber protruding beyond the end of the front portion, said front portion surrounding the opening and exhibiting a rate of wear adjacent the opening which is less than that of a protruding fiber end when both are polished under a predetermined set of polishing conditions,means for permanently anchoring the fiber centered within the opening in the housing member and in said protruding position to prevent relative motion therebetween, and whereupon after the fiber is permanently anchored within the housing member, the front portion of the housing member and protruding fiber end may be ground to provide substantially planar ends which are perpendicular to the axis of the fiber and subsequently polished under said predetermined set of conditions to cause the fiber end to be polished smooth and slightly recessed within the front portion of the housing member as a result of differences in the rates of material removal, and wherein thehousing member further comprises means for maintaining the recessed fiber end axially aligned with, and the planar front portion abutting a support for an associated optical element and for enclosing the interface therebetween to prevent foreign elements from contacting the fiber end, thereby minimizing optical losses, while the recessed fiber end in the housing member results in a small gap between the fiber end and the associated optical element and thereby prevents degradation in optical efficiency as may otherwise result from chipping or scratching of the fiber end due to contact with other members during repeated connections or disconnections or when connected and in use.

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