Gradient index (GRIN) lens chips and associated small form factor optical arrays for optical connections, related fiber optic connectors

摘要

Gradient index (GRIN) lens chips and associated small form factor optical arrays for optical connections, and related fiber optic connectors are disclosed. By aligning GRIN lenses within a GRIN lens chip, a more precise and reliable alignment may be achieved with respect to optical fibers than if a single conventional ferrule is utilized to align and secure both GRIN lenses and optical fibers. The GRIN lens chip may include a GRIN lens received and thereby aligned within a groove disposed between a fiber end and a terminal end of a GRIN lens holder body. The optical fibers may also be received and thereby aligned within a groove of a ferrule body. In this manner, when the GRIN lens chip containing the GRIN lenses is aligned with a ferrule body containing the optical fibers, then the GRIN lenses may be precisely located relative to the optical fibers.

主权项

1. A gradient index (GRIN) lens chip, comprising:
a GRIN lens holder body comprising a fiber mating surface at a fiber end and a terminal mating surface at a terminal end opposite the fiber end, the fiber mating surface disposed a longitudinal distance away from the terminal mating surface, the longitudinal distance measured parallel to an optical axis, and the GRIN lens holder body includes at least one alignment groove configured to receive at least one alignment pin; at least one GRIN lens comprising a first end, a second end opposite the first end, a first end face disposed at the first end, and a second end face disposed at the second end; and at least one GRIN groove disposed between the fiber end and the terminal end of the GRIN lens holder body, the at least one GRIN groove receiving the at least one GRIN lens, wherein the first end face of the at least one GRIN lens is disposed adjacent the fiber mating surface, and the second end face of the at least one GRIN lens is disposed adjacent the terminal mating surface and a cover plate secured to the GRIN lens holder body, wherein the cover plate is configured to secure the at least one alignment pin within the at least one alignment groove.