Stacked optical coupler

A stacked coupler for an optical fiber array comprising:

• top (16) and bottom (10) plates,
• each substantially a rectangular prism having first and second substantially parallel major surfaces, wherein each of said first surfaces has first (12) and second (14) substantially parallel grooves formed therein, and wherein said plates are disposed such that the respective grooves oppose;
• first and second side walls (20),
• each of said walls formed substantially as a rectangular prism having first and second substantially parallel edges and first and second major surfaces extending between said edges, wherein said bottom edge of said first wall is disposed within said first groove of said bottom plate, said top edge of said first wall is disposed within said first groove of said top-plate, said bottom edge of said second wall is disposed within said second groove of said bottom plate, said top edge of said second wall is disposed within said second groove of said top-plate, wherein each said first side-wall major surface has a plurality of ferrule grooves (22) formed therein, and wherein each said second side-wall major surface has at least one pin groove (24) formed therein, said walls are disposed such that said ferrule grooves oppose;
• a plurality of ferrules (30),
• each formed substantially as a rectangular prism having first and second ends and first and second substantially parallel ferrule surfaces, wherein each of said ferrule surface has a plurality of substantially parallel fiber grooves (32) formed therein,
• wherein said fiber grooves are spaced at a substantially constant pitch;
• and
• wherein said ends are disposed within said ferrule grooves;
• and
• a plurality of retaining plates (40),
• each formed substantially as a rectangular prism having top and bottom substantially parallel major surfaces, wherein said retaining plates are disposed parallel to and interlaced with said ferrules and said top and bottom plates.