Connector for an optical fiber and combinations, kits, and methods of using the same

An optical fiber connector for mechanical connection to another optical fiber connector, the optical fiber connector comprising:

• an optical fiber having a bare end, the bare end including an end face and further including a core and a cladding surrounding the core;
• wherein the optical fiber connector is ferrule-less;
• the radius of curvature of the core is smaller than the radius of curvature of the cladding;
• the core has a radius of curvature at the end face in a range from 0.14 millimeter to 4 millimeters;
• and the cladding has a radius of curvature at the end face in a range from 0.4 millimeter to 4 millimeters.