US 5,855,503 A · Fiber optic connector with improved loss performance and method for fabricating same

Abstract

An improved fiber optic cable connector is provided that exhibits a consistent return loss rating of -60 dB or better. The connector comprises matable connector housings that terminate the ends of respective optical cables to be joined. Within each housing, the optical fiber of the respective cable is secured within a ceramic ferrule that extends axially of the connector. The endface of each optical fiber is exposed at the end of its respective ferrule. The ends of the ferrules are ground and polished in such a way that the endfaces of the optical fibers exhibit a planar undercut with respect to the lip of the axial passageway in which the fibers are secured. When the ferrules are brought and pressed together end-to-end as the connectors are mated, the material of each ferrule compresses until the endfaces of the optical fibers engage each other with near null pressure. The result is the near elimination of pressure on the optical fiber itself, which avoids a density and index of refraction change at the junction and thus improves return loss performance. A method of fabricating such a fiber optic cable connector is also provided.

Claims24

Dependent claims

A method of fabricating a ceramic ferrule assembly for use in a fiber optic cable connector having improved return loss performance, said method comprising the steps of:

(a) providing a ferrule having a central passageway and an end;
(b) stripping the end portion of a fiber optic cable to expose a length of the optical fiber encased therein;
(c) securing the length of optical fiber within the central passageway of the ferrule with the free end of the optical fiber protruding beyond the end of the ferrule;
(d) grinding the end of the ferrule with a relatively coarse abrasive to remove excess protruding optical fiber from the end of the ferrule;
(e) polishing the end of the ferrule with a relatively less coarse medium abrasive to remove scratches and fractures left in step (d) and to begin to contour the ferrule end to a domed shape having a predetermined spherical radius;
(f) polishing the end of the ferrule with a relatively less coarse medium fine abrasive to remove scratches and fractures left in step (e);
and
(g) polishing the end of the ferrule with a relatively fine abrasive for a period of time sufficient to cause the endface of the optical fiber to exhibit a predetermined spherical undercut and a predetermined planar undercut relative to the dome shaped end of the ferrule.

5 more elements

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

Fiber optic connector with improved loss performance and method for fabricating same

Life of this patent

Fiber optic connector with improved loss performance and method for fabricating same

Life of this patent

Abstract

Claims24