Multifiber connectors for multicore optical fiber cables

A multicore fiber and ferrule assembly, comprising:

• a plurality of multicore fibers at the end of a multifiber cable, each optical fiber comprising a plurality of cores extending longitudinally within a respective fiber body,
• wherein each fiber body has a circular profile with a flat side surface, and
• wherein, within each fiber body, the plurality of cores has a cross sectional geometrical configuration relative to the flat side surface, such that the at least one flat side surface identifies a particular rotational orientation of the plurality of cores, and such that precise alignment of the at least one flat side surface results in a precise rotational alignment of the plurality of cores, and
• a multifiber ferrule for terminating the plurality of multicore fibers, comprising a ferrule body having a plurality of guide holes therein for guiding the plurality of multicore fibers,
• wherein each guide hole is provided with one or more flat side surfaces therewithin corresponding to the one or more flat side surfaces of a respective multicore fiber, and
• wherein insertion of each fiber into its respective guide hole with the fiber flat side surface in line with the guide hole's corresponding flat side surface automatically aligns the fiber.