Simplified fiber optic connectors having lenses and method for making the same

A cable assembly comprising a lens-based optical connector, comprising:

• a fiber body configured as a crimp body having a front portion with a plurality of fiber guides and a rear portion with a barrel, the barrel having a passageway extending toward the front portion;
• a connector body having a plurality of connector body fiber guides that lead to a plurality of lenses at a front portion of the connector body along with an entrance at a rear portion of the connector body, wherein the crimp body attaches to the connector body with a portion of the crimp body being received in the entrance of the connector body;
• and
• a plurality of optical fibers received in the plurality of fiber guides and having respective ends adjacent to the plurality of lenses and extending through the passageway of the barrel.

An optical connector comprising:

• a fiber body comprising a fiber passageway, a first plurality of fiber guides, and one or more cantilevered arms,
• a connector body comprising an entrance, a second plurality of fiber guides, and one or more attachment features, and
• a plurality of lenses at a front portion of the connector body, wherein:
• the first plurality of fiber guides and the one or more cantilevered arms of the fiber body are disposed in a front portion of the fiber body;
• the fiber passageway of the fiber body is disposed at a rear end of the fiber body for routing optical fibers through the fiber passageway toward the front portion of the fiber body;
• and
• the entrance of the connector body receives the front portion of the fiber body such that the one or more cantilevered arms cooperate with the one or more attachment features of the connector body, and the first plurality of fiber guides are aligned with the second plurality of fiber guides and the plurality of lenses at the front portion of the connector body.