MULTIPLE PURPOSE OPTICAL CONNECTING ELEMENT

摘要

The disclosure generally relates to sets of optical waveguides such as optical fiber ribbons, and fiber optic connectors useful for connecting multiple optical fibers such as in optical fiber ribbon cables. In particular, the disclosure provides an efficient, compact, and reliable optical fiber connector that incorporates a unitary substrate combining the features of optical fiber alignment and redirection of the optical beam to a connected optical fiber.

主权项

1. A unitary substrate comprising:
a first major surface comprising:
a first plurality of light redirecting features disposed in a first row;at least one light redirecting feature disposed in a different second row; anda plurality of waveguide alignment features; and an opposing second major surface, wherein each light redirecting feature in the first plurality of light redirecting features and in the at least one light redirecting feature comprises:
an input surface for receiving light; anda light redirecting surface for redirecting the received light through the substrate, wherein the substrate, the plurality light redirecting features, and the plurality of waveguide alignment features form a unitary construction.