Method and apparatus for making an optical fiber array

A structure comprising:

• a plurality of ferrules at least some of the plurality of ferrule each being configured to receive a respective cleaved end of an optical fiber at an entrance end and allow the passage of the optical fiber at an exit end;
• a chuck configured to hold the plurality of ferrules in an array;
• and
• a transparent plate provided at a side of the chuck proximate to the exit ends of the plurality of ferrules;
• the plate being configured to receive the respective cleaved end of the optical fiber bonded on a surface thereof.

A method comprising:

• holding, by a handling tool, a portion of an optical fiber in a three-dimensional space, said portion having a free end;
• moving, by the handling tool, the portion of the optical fiber toward a clamp element;
• clamping, by the clamp element, the free end of the optical fiber held by the handling tool;
• cleaving, by a cutter, the portion of the optical fiber to provide a cleaved portion of the optical fiber having a cleaved end;
• immersing, by the handling tool, the cleaved portion of the optical fiber in the adhesive reservoir;
• and
• inserting, by the handling tool, the cleaved end of the optical fiber with adhesive adhered thereto inside a ferrule of an array of ferrules.