GRADIENT INDEX LENS ASSEMBLIES, FIBER OPTIC CONNECTORS, AND FIBER OPTIC CABLE ASSEMBLIES EMPLOYING LENS ALIGNMENT CHANNELS

摘要

Gradient index (GRIN) lens assemblies employing lens alignment channels, as well as fiber optic connectors and fiber optic cable assemblies employing such GRIN lens assemblies, are disclosed. In one embodiment, a GRIN lens assembly includes a lens holder body having a mating face, a surface extending from the mating face, and a lens alignment channel. The lens alignment channel is defined by a narrow portion extending from the surface to a first depth and at least partially along a length of the surface, and a wide portion extending from the narrow portion to a second depth. A lens opening defined by the wide portion of the lens alignment channel at the mating face is disposed in the mating face. The wide portion of the lens alignment channel is configured to support a GRIN lens disposed in the lens alignment channel.

主权项

1. A gradient index (GRIN) lens assembly, comprising:
a lens holder body comprising a mating face, a surface extending from the mating face, and a lens alignment channel, wherein the lens alignment channel comprises a narrow portion extending from the surface to a first depth and at least partially along a length of the surface, and a wide portion extending from the narrow portion to a second depth; and a lens opening disposed in the mating face, the lens opening defined by at least the wide portion of the lens alignment channel at the mating face, wherein the wide portion of the lens alignment channel is configured to support a GRIN lens disposed in the lens alignment channel such that an end portion of the GRIN lens is disposed at the lens opening.