Multiple path rotary optical connector

摘要

A multiple pathway optical connector comprises:- a) an inner light conductor (6) b) at least one outer annular light conductor (7) comprising a plurality of fibres the inner and outer light conductors terminating at a connection face of the optical connector (5), such that a pair of such connectors mounted with connection faces opposed and separated by a gap (3) provide an inner optical pathway and at least one outer optical pathway for data transmission across the gap. To improve transmission the outer light conductor:- a) comprises at least two annular rings of fibres, b) comprises fibres of non-circular cross section so that the area encompassed by the fibres is greater than the area that would be covered if the fibres were cylindrical c) or both