Unitary multi-fiber optical ferrule with integrated lenses

摘要

A unitary multi-fiber ferrule has micro-holes for optical fibers, an optical stop plane for the optical fibers, and a plurality of lenses disposed adjacent the front end, each of the plurality of lenses optically aligned with one of the micro-holes and exposed to air. Multiple rows of optical fibers and lenses may also be used in the unitary multi-fiber ferrule. The unitary multi-fiber ferrule requires less processing and equipment than other current optical ferrules.

主权项

1. A unitary fiber optic ferrule comprising:
a unitary main body having a front end, a back end, and a middle portion disposed between the front end and back end; a single opening into the unitary main body through the back end, the single opening configured to receive at least six optical fibers from the back end of the unitary main body; at least six optical fiber openings disposed in the middle portion and in communication with and extending from the single opening toward the front end, each of the at least six optical fiber openings configured to receive an optical fiber inserted from the back end through the single opening; a rear opening through a top surface of the unitary main body and in communication with the single opening and each of the at least six optical fiber openings to allow access to optical fibers inserted through the single opening and into the plurality of optical fiber openings; a forward opening through the top surface of the unitary main body between the rear opening and the front end, the forward opening in communication with the at least six optical fiber openings and having a front wall that provides an optical fiber stop plane disposed between the at least six optical fiber openings and the front end; and a plurality of lenses disposed adjacent the front end of the main body, each of the plurality of lenses being in optical alignment with a respective one of the optical fiber openings, the plurality of lenses having at least one surface exposed to air.