Lens block for optical connection
First Claim
1. A lens block for an optical connection, comprising:
- at least one optical channel having an optical interface portion positioned at a first side of the lens block, wherein the lens block is fabricated from an optically transmissive material;
a total internal reflection (TIR) surface for turning an optical signal of the at least one optical channel;
at least one fiber lead-in positioned at an outer side of the lens block and aligned to the TIR surface; and
one or more magnetic materials positioned within one or more openings in a second side of the lens block, wherein the second side is different from the first side, and the one or more openings extend into the lens block from the second side the lens block.
2 Assignments
0 Petitions
Accused Products
Abstract
Disclosed are lens blocks and methods for making the same. In one embodiment, the lens block includes at least one optical channel having an optical interface portion on a first side, and one or more magnetic materials attached to the lens block. In one embodiment, the lens block may include one or more opening for receiving the one or more magnetic materials. The one or more openings may be located on any suitable side of the lens block as desired. The magnetic materials provide attachment with a complimentary device having an optical interface. Consequently, the lens block allows for quick and easy assembly along with a robust structure for a large number of mating/unmating cycles. In other embodiments, the lens blocks disclosed may further include one or more electrical contacts for making a hybrid connection.
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Citations
29 Claims
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1. A lens block for an optical connection, comprising:
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at least one optical channel having an optical interface portion positioned at a first side of the lens block, wherein the lens block is fabricated from an optically transmissive material; a total internal reflection (TIR) surface for turning an optical signal of the at least one optical channel; at least one fiber lead-in positioned at an outer side of the lens block and aligned to the TIR surface; and one or more magnetic materials positioned within one or more openings in a second side of the lens block, wherein the second side is different from the first side, and the one or more openings extend into the lens block from the second side the lens block. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 22)
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10. A lens block, comprising:
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at least one optical channel having an optical interface portion positioned at a first side of the lens block, wherein the lens block is fabricated from an optically transmissive material; and one or more magnetic materials positioned within one or more openings in a second side of the lens block, wherein the second side is different from the first side, and the one or more openings extend into the lens block from the second side of the lens block. - View Dependent Claims (11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 23)
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19. A method for making a lens block, comprising:
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providing the lens block comprising at least one optical channel with an optical interface portion on a first side of the lens block and a total internal reflection (TIR) surface for turning an optical signal of the at least one optical channel, and at least one fiber lead-in positioned at an outer side of the lens block and aligned with the TIR surface, wherein the lens block is fabricated from an optically transmissive material; providing at least one magnetic material; and attaching the at least one magnetic material to the lens block at a second side of the lens block, wherein the second side is different from the first side. - View Dependent Claims (20, 21, 24)
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25. A cable assembly, comprising:
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a cable having at least one optical fiber; an optical plug coupled to the cable, the optical plug comprising a lens block fabricated from an optically transmissive material, wherein the lens block comprises; at least one optical channel having an optical interface portion positioned at a first side of the lens block; a total internal reflection (TIR) surface for turning an optical signal of the at least one optical channel; and at least one fiber lead-in aligned to the TIR surface, wherein the at least one fiber lead-in is positioned at an outer side of the lens block; and one or more magnetic materials attached to the lens block at a second side of the lens block, wherein the second side is different from the first side. - View Dependent Claims (26)
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27. A lens block, comprising:
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at least one optical channel having an optical interface portion on a first side of the lens block; and one or more magnetic materials positioned within one or more openings extending into a second side of the lens block, wherein the one or more openings do not extend to the first side so that the first side of the lens block has a generally flush surface at the first side about the one or more magnetic materials. - View Dependent Claims (28, 29)
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Specification