Novel MT/MPO Single-Mode Multifiber Connector Technologies for Optical Fiber Communications

Abstract

This chapter reports the latest mechanically transferable (MT) and multifiber push-on (MPO) multifiber connector technologies. Low insertion-loss and high return-loss angled physical contact (APC)-MPO single-mode multifiber connectors are developed. For these multifiber connectors to achieve a high performance, it is necessary to reduce deviations of all components and to control fiber offset due to shear force caused by compressing two obliquely ended MT ferrules. MT single-mode 84-fiber connectors are developed to realize higher density multifiber connectors. We have developed a novel high-density optical cable joint that has a 24-connector array consisting of new 84-fiber MT connectors. The new cable joining technique significantly shortens the time needed to join the optical fiber cables. Novel optical fiber switches are developed on the basis of MT multifiber connector technology. The switches use a manual guide-pin slide method in special guide holes in a novel multifiber array. Because high precision multifiber connectors need to be measured and inspected, a new inspection technique for MT ferrules is developed and equipment for it is fabricated. The fabricated inspection equipment can measure MT ferrules with high speed, cost effectiveness, and high accuracy. These single-mode multifiber connectors can be used as key technologies for advanced optical fiber communication systems.