METHODS OF FORMING GRADIENT INDEX (GRIN) LENS CHIPS FOR OPTICAL CONNECTIONS AND RELATED FIBER OPTIC CONNECTORS

摘要

Gradient index (GRIN) lens chips for optical connections, and related methods of creating GRIN lens chips are disclosed. Each GRIN lens chip may include at least one GRIN lens and a GRIN lens holder for aligning the GRIN lens in an optical connection. When creating a GRIN lens chip, a shaped substrate may be provided including a GRIN lens holder and at least one GRIN groove for securing and aligning the GRIN lens relative to the GRIN lens holder. The GRIN lens may be part of a GRIN lens rod. By freeing the GRIN lens holder from the shaped substrate, the GRIN lens holder may include a fiber mating surface and a terminal mating surface. The fiber mating surface and the terminal mating surface may be used to align the GRIN lens holder in the optical connection.