Single terminus connector with preterminated fiber and fiber guide tube

• Main Authors: ROEHRS DANIEL C, WOUTERS VINCENT A
• Format: Patent
• Language: English
• Published: 18.11.2003
• Edition: 7
• Subjects: OPTICAL ELEMENTS, SYSTEMS, OR APPARATUS; OPTICS; PHYSICS

A fiber optic connector has a preterminated fiber mounted within a ferrule and a fiber guide tube for guiding a terminating fiber into the ferrule to optically coupled the terminating fiber to the preterminated fiber, with an index matching gel extending between the terminating fiber and the preterminated fiber. An index matching gel is initially disposed on an end face of the preterminated fiber and inside of the fiber guide tube. The index matching gel is placed on an end face of the terminating fiber by passing the terminating fiber through the fiber guide tube, with a portion of the gel being wiped free of the terminating fiber periphery as the fiber enters the ferrule. A window extends through a sidewall of the fiber guide tube for applying an adhesive to secure the terminating fiber to the connector. An light signal is applied to the preterminated fiber as the terminating fiber is being connected to the preterminated fiber, to provide a positive indication which verifies when the two fibers are optically connected.