Multichannel optical coupler array

A multichannel optical coupler array, comprising:

• an elongated optical element having a first end and a second end, wherein said first and second ends are operable to optically couple with a plurality of optical fibers, an optical device, or combinations thereof, the optical element further comprising:
• a coupler housing structure having a housing outer size;
• and
• a plurality of longitudinal waveguides arranged with respect to one another within said housing structure,
• wherein said housing outer size and spacing between all said plurality of longitudinal waveguides reduce along said optical element from said first end to said second end,
• wherein said coupler housing structure at a proximity to the first end comprises at least one hole, wherein the at least one hole contains at least one of said plurality of longitudinal waveguides creating a gap between the coupler housing structure and the at least one of said plurality of longitudinal waveguides, wherein the at least one hole comprises at least one non-circular hole created by a plurality of convex portions of the coupler housing structure.