Fiber optic connector having alignment sleeves of continuous cross sections

摘要

A multi-channel fiber optic cable connector (12) is provided for aligning the terminal ends (302) of optical fibers (214) of fiber optic cables for transmitting light signals therebetween. Termini (34) are provided which include end portions defined by ferrules (218) that extend around terminal ends (302) of the optical fibers (214). The termini (34) are independently gimbaled, with gimbal points (306) being disposed distally from respective mating planes (304) defined by opposing terminal ends (302) of the termini (34). Alignment sleeves (212) are provided to align the adjacent termini (34) of optical fibers (214) included within respective ones of the fiber optic cables. The alignment sleeves (212) have internal bores (284) that are slightly larger in size than the outside diameters of the peripheries (272) of the termini (34) defined by ferrules (218), providing a clearance fit between the ceramic alignment sleeves (212) and respective ones of the termini (34). The tubular bodies (280) of the alignment sleeves (212) are preferably formed of ceramic and have continuous cross-sections in various sectioning planes.