Optical connector with ferrule interference fit

A method for manufacturing a connector, said connector comprising a ferrule comprising a first material having a first diameter at a first temperature below a transition temperature and a second diameter at a second temperature above said transition temperature, and having an endface, and holding at least one fiber having a fiber end presented at said endface, said method comprising:

• heating a housing to at least said second temperature said housing comprising a second material and defining a bore hole having a diameter greater than the diameter of said ferrule at any temperature within an operating temperature range and an interface portion having a restricted bore hole having a third diameter at said first temperature, and a fourth diameter at said second temperature, said third diameter being less than said first diameter, and said fourth diameter being greater than said second diameter;
• inserting said ferrule into said housing when said housing is heated to at least said second temperature;
• allowing said housing to cool to below said transition temperature such that said interface portion contracts around said ferrule to form an interference fit;
• and
• disposing a resilient member in said housing such that said resilient member applies a forward force to said ferrule.

A method for manufacturing a connector, said method comprising:

• cooling a ferrule to at least a first-temperature below a transition temperature, said ferrule comprising a first material and having a first diameter at said first temperature and a second diameter at a second temperature higher than said transition temperature, and having an endface and holding at least one fiber having a fiber end presented at said endface;
• inserting said ferrule into a bore hole of said housing while said ferrule is at first temperature, said bore hole having a diameter greater than the diameter of said ferrule at any temperature within an operating temperature range including said first and second temperatures, and an interface portion having a restricted bore hole having a third diameter at said first temperature and fourth diameter at said second temperature, said first diameter being less than said third-diameter and said second diameter being larger than said fourth diameter;
• allowing said ferrule to rise above said transition temperature such that said interface portion contracts around said ferrule to form an interference fit;
• and
• disposing a resilient member in said housing such that said resilient member applies a forward force to said ferrule.