Multichannel fiber optic connector

摘要

A connector for making and securing low loss optical contact between a first plurality of optical fibers, each including a ferrule-encapsulated terminal end, and a second plurality of optical fibers, each also including a ferrule-encapsulated terminal end. Each of the ferrules is individually fixed to a cap that includes an asymmetrical keying member. Male and female connector members include internal channels for accepting ferrule-fixed cups with predetermined angular orientations. Springs are axially aligned within the channels for independently urging each cup-fixed ferrule into optical contact with a mating ferrule. In this way, multiple rotational and axial alignments are simultaneously and independently achieved and maintained between mated pairs of optical fibers.