VERFAHREN ZUR HERSTELLUNG VERTIEFTER STIRNFLAECHEN AN OPTISCHEN FASERN ZUR VERWENDUNG IN VERBINDERN

摘要

A connector structure for separably connecting optical fibers includes a pair of precision sleeves, each of which is adapted to surround one of the fibers such that the ends thereof are in axial alignment. A housing fitted around the sleeves maintains that alignment. After each fiber is fitted into a matching sleeve such that end portions thereof protrude through the sleeve, the fiber is permanently anchored therein to prevent relative motion and the end of the sleeve and fiber combination is ground substantially flat and perpendicular to the fiber axis. The end of the combination is then polished under a predetermined set of conditions selected to be consistent with predetermined wear characteristics of the sleeve and fiber in which the fiber is less wear resistant than the sleeve. During the polishing operation the fiber end becomes convex and recessed within the sleeve. A pair of fibers may thus be optically coupled by butting together the ends of two sleeves within an outer housing. The recess in the fiber end precludes scratching or chipping of the fiber due to contact with other members.