The present invention embraces a multimode optical fiber that includes a central core having an alpha-index profile, an inner cladding, a depressed trench, and an outer cladding (e.g., an outer optical cladding). Typically, the central core's alpha-index profile has a minimum refractive index at the central core's radius that corresponds to a refractive index difference with respect to the outer cladding. The optical fiber achieves reduced bending losses and a high bandwidth with a reduced cladding effect for high-data-rate applications.

High-Bandwidth Multimode Optical Fiber Having Reduced Bending Losses

The present invention embraces an optical fiber that includes a central core having an alpha-index profile with respect to an outer cladding. The optical fiber also includes an inner cladding, a depressed trench, and an outer cladding. Typically, the alpha-index profile of the central core is interrupted at a point having a positive refractive index difference with respect to the outer cladding. The optical fiber achieves reduced bending losses and a high bandwidth with a reduced cladding effect for high-data-rate applications.

Multimode Optical Fiber with Low Bending Losses and Reduced Cladding Effect

A combined low attenuation optical communication and power cable is provided. The cable includes a cable body having an inner surface defining a channel within the cable body. The cable includes an optical transmission element located within the channel and a copper electrical conducting element located within the channel. The cable includes a plurality of tensile strength yarn stands located within the channel.

Combined optical fiber and power cable

A method of forming an array of optical elements for use in transmitting information includes using glass compression molding to form a plurality of discrete microlens element using a glass compression molding technique; placing each discrete microlens element in a mold cavity and aligning each microlens element in a predetermined location arranged in the form of a linear or two dimensional array; and molding by injection thermo-setting material into the cavity around each microlens element and cooling such thermo-setting material to form an integral array of optical elements that are retained in their respective locations.

Forming information transfer lens array

A housing of the type for receiving telecommunication cables and multi-media connection members, wherein the housing includes a base plate with a side edge portion for supporting a plurality of multi-media connection members, a first optical fiber storage ring that is attached to the base, and a second optical fiber storage ring that is attached to the base substantially side-by-side with the first optic storage guide. The first and second optic storage guides each have a substantially cylindrical outer guide surface with a radius that is equal to or greater than the minimum bend radius of the optical fibers. The first and second optical fiber storage rings are spaced apart from each other to define a cross-over junction therebetween that is adapted to receive the optical fibers extending between the first and second fiber storage rings. An outer guidewall is selectively spaced about the first and second optical fiber storage guides to retain the optical fibers wrapped about the storage rings. The outer guidewalls have openings to receive the optical fibers into an optical fiber path about the first and second storage rings such that the optical fibers extend substantially tangentially toward the first or second optical fiber storage ring. A connection support platform is positioned in the first optical fiber storage ring, and is adapted to removably receive an electrical connector in a substantially fixed position relative to the base to facilitate a wire installation procedure.

Multi-media connection housing

Optical fiber ferrules ( 10, 20 ) for making optical or optical and electrical connections are disclosed, along with receptacle and plug fiber optic interface devices ( 60, 70 ) using the ferrules, and cable assemblies ( 6, 7 ) using the fiber optic interface devices. The optical fiber ferrules support optical pathways ( 14 ) and have front ends ( 12 F, 22 F) with mating geometries that facilitate a relatively high number of mating/unmating cycles. The ferrule is translatable within the enclosure ( 62 e , 72 e ). Resilient members ( 75 ) provide the ferrule with forward-bias and rear-bias positions when the fiber optic interface device is un-mated and mated, respectively.

Fiber optic interface with translatable ferrule device

Ferrule assemblies having at least one coded magnetic array are disclosed. In one embodiment, a ferrule assembly includes a ferrule body having a coupling surface and a coded magnetic array having a plurality of magnetic regions. The coded magnetic array may be located within the coupling surface. The ferrule assembly further includes a lens component located within the ferrule body. The lens component may have a facet at the coupling surface of the ferrule body at a predetermined angle. In another embodiment, a translating ferrule assembly includes an optical interface and a coded magnetic array, and is configured to translate within a connector housing of an optical connector when coupled to an electronics device. Optical couplings having a coded magnetic array and sockets for receiving a connector are also disclosed.

Ferrule assemblies, connector assemblies, and optical couplings having coded magnetic arrays

Optical couplings for making and optical connection between one or more devices are disclosed. In one embodiment, an optical coupling includes a coupling face, an optical interface within the coupling face, an optical component positioned within the optical interface, and at least one coded magnetic array. The at least one coded magnetic array may include a plurality of magnetic regions configured aid in mating the optical component with a corresponding optical component of a complementary mated optical coupling to a predetermined tolerance for optical communication. Optical cable assemblies and electronics devices having optical couplings with optical interfaces using coded magnetic arrays are also disclosed.

Optical couplings having coded magnetic arrays and devices incorporating the same

An Optical Power Supply module is configured to be engageable in optical communication to an optical device. This Optical Power Supply module comprises: an optical circuit including (i) at least one input port configured to receive an optical signal; (ii) an optical circuit connected to the input port and including (a) at least a one light source providing optical pump power at a first wavelength, the wavelength known to cause amplification in rare earth doped optical fiber; (b) at least one bi-directional light combiner/separator combining the optical pump power and the optical signal; and (c) at least one position for a directional optical attenuator; (iii) at least one output port connected to the optical circuit and configured to transmit the optical signal and the optical pump power at the first wavelength to the optical device.

Optical power supply module

A field-installable, expanded beam waveguide connector is provided by opposing molded glass bodies having integrally formed therein an aspheric lens with protective ring and conically-shaped fiber alignment depressions. The glass bodies are inserted within at least one sleeve and are operatively associated at one end with their respective fibers, and at the other end to each other.

Jeffery A. DeMeritt

Papers

Fiber optic interface with translatable ferrule device

Ferrule assemblies, connector assemblies, and optical couplings having coded magnetic arrays

Optical couplings having coded magnetic arrays and devices incorporating the same

Optical power supply module

Expanded beam waveguide connector