Simultaneous thermal forming of ferrule and optical fiber in a ferrule assembly to thermally form an optical surface in the ferrule assembly, and related fiber optic components, fiber connectors, assemblies, and methods

摘要

Simultaneous thermal forming of a ferrule (14) and optical fiber (16) as part of a ferrule assembly (12) to thermally form an optical surface (18) in the ferrule assembly. Related fiber optic components, connectors, assemblies, and methods are disclosed. In certain embodiments, the ferrule assembly is comprised of a ferrule (14) and an optical fiber (16) having an end portion (22) extending from an end face (26) of the ferrule. The ferrule (14) may be made from a material or material composition having the same or similar thermal energy absorption characteristics as the optical fiber disposed in the ferrule. Thus, when the end face (26) of the ferrule and the end portion (22) of the optical fiber are simultaneously exposed to a wavelength(s) of a laser beam emitted by a laser, at least a portion of the end face of the ferrule and end portion of the optical fiber are both thermally formed together to form an optical surface.