The present invention provides a spring bias that is particularly suited for use to preload a low profile ferrule of an optical connector. In accordance with the present invention, an axial preload is applied to a connector ferrule by a spring structure provided external of the connector. In one embodiment, spring structure is provided outside a plurality of optical fiber connectors, which provides axial preload of multiple ferrules. Each ferrule could be of the type that supports a plurality of optical fibers of a fiber cable. In one embodiment, the spring bias is effected by a planar flexure external of the connector. The ferrule is coupled to the planar flexure with its longitudinal axis through the center of the planar flexure. The planar flexure is structured with flexure members in a plane that are configured to not create any torque load on the ferrule, or if torque loading is present, insignificant torque load to cause misalignment of the ferrule, when the flexure flexes out of its nominal plane to create an axial preload on the ferrule. In another embodiment, a common yoke is applied to bias planar flexures against a plurality of ferrules, wherein a planar flexure is coupled to each ferrule connector. In a further embodiment of the present invention, instead of using planar flexures, a yoke is provided to apply an axial preload to all ferrule connectors coupled to the yoke, by means of a coil spring applied to center of the yoke, external of the ferrule connectors.

A fluid compatible electro-optical packages and associated systems and devices are shown. For example, a fluid compatible electro-optical package includes integrated circuits with at least one photonic die and optical connections coupled with the integrated circuit. In an example, optical fibers are coupled with the optical connection. In an example fluid compatible electro-optical package, a fluid impermeable port is coupled with the optical connection and the optical fibers couple with the optical connection within the fluid impermeable port.

Methods and apparatus for furcating fiber optic cables are provided. In some embodiments, a molded furcation tube array is generated by compressing rearward end portions of a plurality of furcation tubes together, and heating at least a portion of the rearward end portions to form a molded portion of the furcation tube array. Reinforcing filaments can be bonded into and/or throughout the molded portion. The molded portion can have internal chambers in communication with separate furcation tubes of the furcation tube array, in which optic fibers can be slidably retained, and the molded portion can be fixedly coupled to a housing, which in turn, can be coupled to a cable trunkline. Optic fibers can piston or slide longitudinally within the trunkline housing and molded portion.

A compact, wavelength-stabilized laser source is provided by utilizing a specialty gain element (i.e., formed to include a curved waveguide topology), where a separate wavelength stabilization component (for example, a fiber Bragg grating (FBG)) is used one of the mirrors for the laser cavity. That is, the FBG takes the place of the physical “front facet” of the gain element, and functions to define the laser cavity in the first instance, while also utilizing the grating structure to impart the desired wavelength stability to the output from the packaged laser source. As a result, the FBG is disposed within the same package used to house the gain element and provides a wavelength-stabilized laser source in a compact form.

A method for testing an optical assembly (1) which has an optical microstructure (3) integrated with a substrate (2). The optical microstructure (3) is positioned to form an external optical interaction area (4) on a part of a surface (5) of the substrate (2). A cover cap (6) seals at least a part of the surface (5) of the substrate (2) adjacent to the optical microstructure (3) to obtain a sealed cavity (9). An optical feedthrough (10) is integrated in the substrate (2) to form an external communication path from within the sealed cavity (9). The optical feedthrough (10) allows communication of a physical parameter value which is measured inside the sealed cavity (9) to outside the sealed cavity (9). The physical parameter value is associated with a measure of hermeticity of the sealed cavity (9).

This disclosure generally relates to high-speed fiber optic networks that use light signals to transmit data over a network. The disclosed subject matter includes devices and methods relating to multi-lens optical components and/or optoelectronic subassemblies. In some aspects, devices and methods relate to an optical component including a housing defining a cavity and a lens array having a plurality of lenses on an optically transmissive portion of the housing. In some aspects, devices and methods relate to an optical component including a substrate; and a lens array on the substrate, the lens array having a plurality of discrete lenses.

The present invention provides an epoxy-less optical fiber termination. More specifically, the present invention provides an epoxy-less optical fiber termination comprising a waveguide termination having an optical fiber spliced to a stub protruding from the waveguide termination and having a strain relief disposed about the stub and the optical fiber. Additionally, the strain relief may be filled with an epoxy fill to provide additional support to the optical fiber. The present invention may be used to terminate an optical fiber joining devices in an optical communications network.

A composite structure includes a base and an auxiliary portion of dissimilar materials. The auxiliary portion is shaped by stamping. As the auxiliary portion is stamped, it interlocks with the base, and at the same time forming a desired structured feature on the auxiliary portion, such as a structured reflective surface, an alignment feature, etc. With this approach, relatively less critical structured features can be shaped on the bulk of the base with less effort to maintain a relatively larger tolerance, while the relatively more critical structured features on the auxiliary portion are more precisely shaped with further considerations to define dimensions, geometries and/or finishes at relatively smaller tolerances. The auxiliary portion may include a composite structure of two dissimilar materials associated with different properties for stamping different structured features.

Pairs of windows are cut into a distribution cable at various points along the length to couple some of the optical fibers of the distribution cable to drop cables. A wrap-type sealing arrangement can seal a first window of each pair. An enclosure-type sealing arrangement can seal a second window of each pair. The enclosure includes a splice tray and cable storage. Optical adapters and/or a passive splitter also may be disposed within the enclosure.

Embodiments of the disclosure provide a photonic integrated circuit (PIC) structure with a passage for a waveguide through a barrier structure. The PIC structure includes a barrier structure on a substrate, having a first sidewall and a second sidewall opposite the first sidewall. A passage is within the barrier structure, and extends from a first end at the first sidewall of the barrier structure to a second end at the second sidewall of the barrier structure. A shape of the passage includes a reversal segment between the first end and the second end. A waveguide within the passage and extends from the first end to the second end of the barrier structure.