High density multi-fiber ferrule for optical fiber connector

摘要

A ferrule for a high density optical fiber connector, supporting a first set of optical fibers of a first fiber cable and a second set of optical fibers of a second fiber cable. The ferrule supports the first and second sets of optical fibers in at least one plane. In one embodiment, the first set of optical fibers are supported in a first row of open grooves, and the second set of optical fibers are supported in a second row of open grooves. The optical fibers in the first row are staggered with respect to the optical fibers of the second row. The ferrule comprises two halves, each having an open structure that has a row of open grooves precisely formed thereon in a plane. In another embodiment, the ferrule supports the first and second sets of optical fibers in a single row, in an alternating interleaving manner.

主权项

1. A ferrule for supporting optical fibers in an optical fiber connector, comprising a body structured with at least an open groove to support terminating end sections of a first set of optical fibers and a second set of optical fibers, wherein the terminating sections of the optical fibers are bare with cladding exposed, wherein the body of the ferrule comprises a first part and a second part opposing each other and maintained in mating relationship to support the terminating end sections of the first and second sets of optical fibers, wherein the terminating end sections of the first set of optical fibers are staggered with respect to the terminating end sections of the second set of optical fibers at the opposing surfaces of the first part and the second part, and wherein the terminating end sections of the first and second sets of optical fibers each has a diameter D, and immediate adjacent terminating end sections of the first set of optical fibers have a centerline spacing of 2D, and immediate adjacent terminating sections of the second set of optical fibers have a centerline spacing of 2D.