A low loss multifiber connector and its applications

Abstract

A plastic molded multifiber connector which can splice fiber ribbons, has been widely introduced into fiber optic subscriber networks.T h e connector is made by a precision transfer molding method, employing a ultrahigh precision multi-V-grooves mold. Its dimensional accuracy is s o high that single mode four fiber ribbons are spliced with average loss of 0.3 dB using refractive index matching oil.The connector is mainly used for a factory-mounted preconnectorized optical fiber ribbon cable which has up to 1000 fibers in a cable.Recently the multifiber plastic connector has been used in a optical filter for fiber ribbons, in a mechanical switch for fiber ribbons and in a high speed mechanical switch.