Optical communications module having an optical port that prevents relative movement from occurring between the optical port and a ferrule that is mated with the optical port

摘要

A plastic optical port of an optical communications module is equipped with an adapter having an inner diameter that adjusts to the outer diameter of a ferrule when the ferrule is mated with the optical port. In the mated configuration, the adapter creates an interference fit between the optical port and the ferrule that prevents or at least reduces relative movement between the optical port and the ferrule. Preventing or at least reducing relative movement between the ferrule and the optical port ensures that the distal end of the ferrule and the distal end of the fiber stub held within the port are maintained in precise optical alignment with one another. This, in turn, ensures high optical coupling efficiency for light being coupled between the distal end of the fiber stub and the distal end of the ferrule.

主权项

1. An optical communications module comprising:
a module housing including a tube-shaped optical port adapted to receive a ferrule; and a resilient tube disposed inside of the tube-shaped optical port, the resilient tube having an adjustable inner diameter that is smaller than an outer diameter of the ferrule and an outer diameter that is approximately equal to a first inner diameter of a first inner surface of the optical port such that when the resilient tube is disposed inside of the optical port, an outer surface of the resilient tube is in contact with the first inner surface of the optical port, and wherein when the ferrule is mated with the resilient tube, the adjustable inner diameter of the resilient tube stretches to be equal to the outer diameter of the ferrule to form a first interference fit between an inner surface of the resilient tube and an outer surface of the ferrule, which reduces or eliminates relative movement between the ferrule and the optical port.