Fiber optic cable assembly and fabrication method incorporating two-dimensional arrays of optical fibers

Abstract

Perimeter external surfaces of a 2D arrays of stripped optical fibers are used as datum surfaces for alignment structures for mating connectors in fiber optic cable assemblies. 2D fiber arrays may include involutions and/or protrusions to serve as mating locations for alignment structures and/or to serve as keying structures. A removable sleeve may be positioned around at least a portion of a 2D fiber array to align mating connectors and/or bias alignment structures toward one another. Fiber-free areas may be provided in an interior of a 2D fiber array to receive alignment structures. One or more compliant members may be configured to press first and second alignment structures toward one another proximate to a 2D fiber array. A cable assembly fabrication method includes forming window stripping and adhering optic fiber groups while preventing adhesive material from protruding beyond outermost surfaces of optical fibers at a perimeter of a fiber array. Multiple 2D fiber arrays with peripheral protective structures may be received in a connector sleeve and biased toward one another.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.