A fiber optic connector designed for military optical backplanes

A fiber optic connector designed to meet military stress requirements has been demonstrated. This reliable optical card-edge (ROC) connector is a multifiber backplane connector (four fibers, blind mate). The connector uses a unique expanded beam coupling design and micromachined silicon optical subassemblies to provide optimum coupling under high levels of shock and vibration. An additional feature of the ROC connector is its ability to self-seal or shield the optical fiber ends when unmated, protecting the fibers and internal mechanisms from environmental contamination and abusive handling. The design features of the ROC connector are discussed with respect to military stress requirements, and the prototype test results are presented