SC-type single-mode optical fiber connectors specifically developed for subscriber loop networks are discussed. The properties and design of precision zirconia ceramic ferrules which have been found to be ideal for high-performance, low-cost single-mode optical fiber connectors are described. A design approach featuring a plastic-molded rectangular connector housing using a push-pull coupling mechanism which has also been found to be suitable for durable, compact, and low-cost connectors is presented. SC connectors used with 10/125 single-mode fibers exhibit insertion loss of 0.06 dB and return loss of 38.6 dB, with no degradation during and after mechanical and environmental tests. To realize higher packaging density, duplex-ferrule connectors, quadruple-ferrule connectors and optical attenuators have also been developed on the basis of the SC connector design. >

SC-type single-mode optical fiber connectors

A compact optical backpanel connector called a compact and self-retentive multi-ferrule optical backpanel connector or an MU optical backpanel connector has been developed Eight plugs/jacks can be installed within the MU backpanel connector which is 42 mm high and 13 mm wide. A novel self-retentive mechanism, 1.25-mm diameter ferrules and advanced PC (APC) technology are used to realize a high performance connector with a low insertion loss of 0.1 dB and a high return loss of 50.3 dB. >

Compact and self-retentive multi-ferrule optical backpanel connector

In a method and apparatus for forming a curved surface, a polishing plate consisting of a film-like elastic member is supported at two positions, i.e., central and peripheral portions thereof, and is rotated while two cylinders having different heights and diameters are urged upward against portions between the central and peripheral portions of the polishing plate, and an object to be processed is urged downward against a surface formed between the two cylinders while the object is rotated, thereby forming a curved surface.

Method and apparatus for forming curved surface

A new system of compact single-mode plug-in-type optical-fiber connectors is developed for multiple optical connections between a printed board and a back panel. This new system consists of two types of plug-in connectors: one has two optical plugs/jacks with 64 electrical terminals, and the other has four optical plugs/jacks without electrical terminals. This system utilizes a novel alignment mechanism for plugs and jacks and a novel fiber-core adjustment technology. The performance of assembled plug-in optical-fiber connectors was measured and confirmed to have the following characteristics: insertion losses are less than 0.4 dB and return losses are larger than 28 dB; mechanical tests such as mating, vibration, and shock, and environment tests such as temperature cycling, thermal aging, and high humidity with temperature cycling reveal extremely stable characteristics; and transmission tests using 1.8-Gb/s pseudorandom pulse patterns show low error rates of less than 10/sup -11/. >

Design and performance of single-mode plug-in type optical-fiber connectors

Highly stable physical-contact single-mode optical fiber connectors with low insertion-loss of 0.07 dB and high return-loss of 32.5 dB have been realized, by optimum design of ferrule end structure.

http://ieeexplore.ieee.org/iel3/1241/3061/00093654.pdf

E. Sugita

Papers

Highly stable low-insertion- and high-return-loss PC optical fiber connectors