Optical fiber connectors using flexible fine ferrules

A new, flexible ferrule only 0.8 mm in diameter is proposed for optical fiber connectors. Fiber-connector misalignment can be compensated for by bending the ferrule, thus making it possible to realize a short fiber pitch on the same order as electrical multiterminal connectors. New connector models are proposed which exploit the flexibility of this ferrule and are suitable for application to aggregated multiple connectors. A prototype connector employing retention springs and a V-groove make it possible to realize a zero-insertion-force mechanism. Connector insertion loss is 0.57 dB. Additional loss following 1000 connect-disconnect cycles is 0.01 dB.