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US 2016/0238797 A1Published application
Multiple purpose optical connecting element
Assignee3M Innovative Properties Company
InventorsJames R. Bylander, Ding Wang
Life of this patent
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Abstract
The disclosure generally relates to sets of optical waveguides such as optical fiber ribbons, and fiber optic connectors useful for connecting multiple optical fibers such as in optical fiber ribbon cables. In particular, the disclosure provides an efficient, compact, and reliable optical fiber connector that incorporates a unitary substrate combining the features of optical fiber alignment and redirection of the optical beam to a connected optical fiber.
Claims22
A unitary substrate comprising:
- a first major surface comprising:
- a first plurality of light redirecting features disposed in a first row;
- at least one light redirecting feature disposed in a different second row;
- and
- a plurality of waveguide alignment features;
- and
- an opposing second major surface,
- wherein each light redirecting feature in the first plurality of light redirecting features and in the at least one light redirecting feature comprises:
- an input surface for receiving light;
- and
- a light redirecting surface for redirecting the received light through the substrate,
- wherein the substrate, the plurality light redirecting features, and the plurality of waveguide alignment features form a unitary construction.
9 more elements
A unitary substrate comprising:
- a first major surface comprising:
- a first plurality of light redirecting features disposed in a first row;
- at least one light redirecting feature disposed in a different second row;
- and
- a plurality of waveguide alignment features;
- and
- an opposing second major surface comprising a plurality of staggered microlenses,
- wherein each light redirecting feature in the first plurality of light redirecting features and in the at least one light redirecting feature comprises:
- an input surface for receiving light;
- and
- a light redirecting surface for redirecting the received light through the substrate,
- wherein each microlens is adapted to receive light redirected by a light redirecting feature in the a first plurality of light redirecting features or in the at least one light redirecting feature, and
- wherein the substrate, the plurality of microlenses, the first plurality light redirecting features, the at least one light redirecting feature, and the plurality of waveguide alignment features form a unitary construction.
10 more elements
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.