No-polish elastic optical multifiber connector for optical interconnection

Abstract

An elastic optical multifiber connector compatible with a standard mechanically transferrable connector was realized. The elastic connector has N-shape folded frame parts which are elastically deformable of 100 μm. Physical contact connections between no-polish fibers and a film-waveguide were confirmed. The average insertion loss of the cables terminated at one side with an elastic connector shows 0.16 dB which is almost same as those terminated at both ends with mechanical transferrable connectors. The durability for 250 times mating/demating tests in a mid-plane connector housing were also confirmed. Furthermore, the laser-cleaved fiber facets have smooth surfaces and convex shapes like those of polished connectors. Using the connector and the process, physical contact connections between no-polish fibers were achieved.