ST style connection system with optimal performance

An ST-type connector system for multimode and single-mode fiber-optic cables is reported. This system, called the 953 series, incorporates a novel connector, a novel adapter, and a novel method for rapid field termination. The connector and adapter bodies are molded polymer/ceramic composite structures. The termination procedure is considerably more rapid than others available and incorporates special fiber cleaving and polishing tools to make the process virtually operator-independent. The polishing process used is dry and beadless. Even with these advantages, the 953 series is shown to be completely compatible with other manufacturers´ ST-type connectors and adapters. Optical, mechanical, and environmental performance is reported. A median insertion loss of 0.14 dB is obtained for 50/125 fiber in 434 connections, and even smaller loss was recorded for larger core fibers. The system has withstood more than 33000 mating cycles in an unprotected factory environment without optical failure and without significant wear to the composite bodies, the ceramic ferrule, or the polished fibers. The environmental performance is independent of operating environment. No decrease in the bond strength between the fiber and the ceramic ferrule has been noted, so that the connector does not suffer performance degradation due to fiber pistoning.<>