Method and apparatus for analyzing the end face of a multifiber ferrule

摘要

The method and apparatus of the present invention is capable of precisely determining the orientation of the axis of the guide pin hole defined by a multifiber ferrule. Since the axis of the guide pin hole has a direct relationship to the alignment of the optical fibers, the method and apparatus can also precisely determine the end face angle of the ferrule based upon the axis of the guide pin hole without reference to external features of the ferrule. A measurement pin is initially positioned in a guide pin hole such that a first end of the measurement pin is disposed proximate the end face of the ferrule. The reference plane defined by the first end of the measurement pin is then measured, such as by an interferometer. Based upon the reference plane and the predetermined angle between the reference plane and the axis of the guide pin hole, the method and apparatus can precisely determine the orientation of the axis of the guide pin hole. The method and apparatus can also measure a plane defined by at least a portion of the end face of the ferrule, such as a region of interest surrounding the optical fibers. Based upon an angular difference between the reference plane defined by the first end of the measurement pin and the plane defined by the end face of the ferrule, the method and apparatus can then precisely determine at least one end face angle.