Optical fiber bundle structure, process for manufacturing optical fiber bundle structure, and optical fiber connection structure

Abstract

An optical fiber bundle structure according to one embodiment includes a plurality of single-core fibers; and a ferrule having a holding hole into which the plurality of single-core fibers are inserted. Each of the plurality of single-core fibers includes an MFD-expanded portion, which is a portion in which a mode field diameter is expanded, at a distal end portion of each of the single-core fibers. A cladding of each of the single-core fibers in the MFD-expanded portion is thinner than the cladding of each of the single-core fibers in portions other than the MFD-expanded portion. At least two of a plurality of the MFD-expanded portions are in contact with each other in the holding hole.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.