FLEXIBLE LENSED OPTICAL INTERCONNECT DEVICE FOR SIGNAL DISTRIBUTION

摘要

A method and device for interconnecting optical components, such as optical fibers and optical circuits, in a flexible, repeatable, and cost-effective manner. Two or more optical components are interconnected by a flexible optical circuit substrate bearing one or more embedded optical fibers with a lens at each end of each fiber. The flexible optical circuit may be incorporated into a housing bearing apertures for receiving the optical connectors of the optical components that are to be interconnected with the device. The lensed ends of the fibers embedded in the flexible optical circuit are positioned adjacent to the apertures for optically connecting to the fibers within the connectors installed in the apertures without conventional mating connectors disposed inside the housing.

主权项

1. A device for interconnecting optical signals between at least one first optical component and at least one second optical component comprising:
a flexible optical circuit substrate; a plurality of optical fibers disposed on the substrate, each of the optical fibers having a first end and a second end; at least a first light-guiding, fiber termination optical element disposed adjacent the first ends of the optical fibers positioned to couple light with the optical fibers; and at least a second light-guiding, fiber termination optical element disposed adjacent the second ends of the optical fibers positioned to couple light with the optical fibers.