Gradient index lens assemblies, fiber optic connectors, and fiber optic cable assemblies employing lens alignment channels

A fiber optic connector comprising:

• a connector housing;
• a lens holder body disposed within the connector housing, the lens holder body comprising:
• a mating face;
• a surface extending from the mating face;
• a lens alignment channel, wherein the lens alignment channel comprises a narrow portion extending from the surface to a first depth and at least partially along a length of the surface, and a wide portion extending from the narrow portion to a second depth;
• and
• a lens opening disposed in the mating face, the lens opening defined by at least the wide portion of the lens alignment channel at the mating face;
• and
• a GRIN lens disposed in the wide portion of the lens alignment channel such that an end portion of the GRIN lens is disposed at the lens opening.

A fiber optic cable assembly comprising:

• a connector housing;
• a lens holder body disposed within the connector housing, the lens holder body comprising:
• a mating face;
• a rear face;
• a surface extending from the mating face;
• a lens alignment channel, wherein the lens alignment channel comprises a narrow portion extending from the surface to a first depth, and a wide portion extending from the narrow portion to a second depth between the mating face and the rear face;
• a lens opening disposed in the mating face, the lens opening defined by at least the wide portion of the lens alignment channel;
• and
• a fiber opening disposed in the rear face, the fiber opening defined by at least the wide portion of the lens alignment channel;
• a GRIN lens disposed in the wide portion of the lens alignment channel such that an end portion of the GRIN lens is disposed at the lens opening;
• and
• an optical fiber disposed in the wide portion of the lens alignment channel through the fiber opening at the rear face.

A fiber optic connector comprising:

• a lens holder body comprising:
• a mating face;
• a surface extending from the mating face;
• a lens alignment channel, wherein the lens alignment channel comprises a narrow portion extending from the surface to a first depth and at least partially along a length of the surface, and a wide portion extending from the narrow portion to a second depth;
• and
• a lens opening disposed in the mating face, the lens opening defined by at least the wide portion of the lens alignment channel at the mating face;
• a GRIN lens disposed in the wide portion of the lens alignment channel such that an end portion of the GRIN lens is disposed in the lens opening;
• and
• a cover disposed on the mating face of the lens holder body, the cover comprising a cover opening, wherein the end portion of the GRIN lens is exposed by the cover opening.