A low loss multifiber connector and its applications

A plastic molded multifiber connector which can splice fiber ribbons has been widely introduced into fiber-optic subscriber networks. The connector is made by a precision transfer molding method, employing an ultrahigh-precision multi-V-grooves mold. Its dimensional accuracy is so high that single-mode four-fiber ribbons are spliced with an average loss of 0.3 dB using refractive-index matching oil. The connector is mainly used for an optical-fiber ribbon cable which includes factor-mounted connectors and has up to 1000 fibers. Recently, the multifiber plastic connector has been used in an optical filter for fiber ribbons, in a mechanical switch for fiber ribbons, and in a high-speed mechanical switch