Fiber optic connector

A fiber optic connector, comprising:

• an optical assembly comprising:
• a lens;
• a lens holder in which the lens is disposed;
• and
• an optical fiber holder holding an end of an optical fiber, the optical fiber holder being configured and positioned such that light exiting the end of the optical fiber will be received by the lens, wherein
• the lens is positioned and configured to substantially collimate light exiting the optical fiber held by the optical fiber holder, and
• the optical assembly has an optical axis along which the substantially collimated light will travel;
• and
• an elongate hollow alignment sleeve having a centerline axis extending from a rear end of the sleeve to a front end of the sleeve, wherein
• the lens is positioned between the end of the optical fiber and the rear end of the alignment sleeve,
• the centerline axis of the alignment sleeve is substantially parallel with the optical axis of the optical assembly so that the substantially collimated light will enter the hollow alignment sleeve at the rear end and exit the hollow alignment sleeve at the front end, and
• the alignment sleeve is substantially undeformable.