Optical fiber array assembly with preform for supporting fibers

A method of arranging optical fibers in a desired array format comprising steps of:

• fabricating a preform having an axis and axially extending holes arranged in a predetermined pattern;
• preparing the preform to a malleable state;
• applying a cross-sectional reducing force that reduces a scale of the predetermined pattern of holes in the preform;
• removing a transverse section from the reduced preform at which the predetermined pattern is reduced in scale;
• and
• mounting the optical fibers in the axially extending holes to arrange the fibers in the desired array format.

A coupling system for coupling an array of optical fibers to an array of optical conveyances comprising:

• a transverse section of a collapsed preform having an array of holes containing tips of an array of optical fibers;
• the tips of the array of optical fibers exposed in a coupling surface of the transverse section;
• a common support of an array of optical conveyances having a coupling surface through which the array of optical conveyances is exposed;
• and
• the transverse section being joined to the common support to collectively couple the array of optical fibers to the array of optical conveyances.