Smalll-form-factor fiber optic interface devices with an internal lens
AssigneeCorning Incorporated
InventorsDavide Domenico Fortusini, Micah Colen Isenhour, Dennis Michael Knecht, James Phillip Luther
Life of this patent
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Abstract
Small-form-factor fiber optic interface devices with an internal lens are disclosed. The fiber optic interface devices have a ferrule with a bore that supports an optical waveguide. The lens is on or adjacent the ferrule front end and is aligned with the bore. A first planar surface is provided on or adjacent the lens. The first planar surface interfaces with a second planar surface of a second fiber optic interface device to form a fiber optic interface assembly having a liquid-displacing interface when the first and second fiber optic interface devices are engaged.
Claims18
A ferrule assembly for a first fiber optic interface device for engaging a second fiber optic interface device having a second planar surface comprising:
- a ferrule having a front end, a front section at the front end, and a bore configured to support an optical waveguide, the bore having an end at the front section;
- a gradient-index (GRIN) lens supported within the front section and aligned with the bore the GRIN lens having a front surface that defines a first planar surface at the ferrule front end and a rear surface that resides immediately adjacent the bore end;
- and
- wherein the first and second planar surfaces defining a liquid-displacing interface when the first and second fiber optic interface devices are engaged.
A ferrule assembly for a first fiber optic interface device for operably engaging a second fiber optic interface device having a second planar surface comprising:
- a ferrule having a front end, a front section at the front end, and bore configured to support an optical waveguide, the bore having an end at the ferrule front end;
- and endcap configured to fit over the front section of the ferrule, the endcap operably supporting a gradient-index (GRIN) lens so that the GRIN lens is aligned with the bore, the GRIN lens having a front surface that defines a first planar surface and a rear surface that resides immediately adjacent the ferrule front end and the bore end;
- and
- wherein the first and second planar surfaces defining a liquid-displacing interface when the first and second fiber optic interface devices are operably engaged.
A ferrule assembly for a first fiber optic interface device configured to operably engage a second fiber optic interface device having a second planar surface, comprising:
- a ferrule having a front end and a bore configured to support an optical waveguide having an end;
- and
- a gradient-index (GRIN) lens operably supported at or adjacent the ferrule front end, the GRIN lens having a first planar front surface and a rear surface at or adjacent the optical fiber end, the first planar front surface and the second planar surface defining a liquid-displacing interface when the first and second fiber optic interface devices are operably engaged.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.