Northern Telecom Limited

Elza V Bagi

Steve J Lischynsky

Kevin G Caldwell

An optical fiber connector element comprises: a connector body having a passage extending therethrough, the passage having a forward portion for receiving an optical fiber and a rearward portion which is wider than the forward portion for receiving an optical fiber and surrounding protective material; and an optical fiber stub secured within the forward portion of the passage, the optical fiber stub having a forward end surface which has an optical finish. The connector element is used to terminate an optical fiber cable by: cutting the cable to a desired length; stripping back an end portion of protective material surrounding an optical fiber of the cable to expose an end portion of the optical fiber; and securing the exposed fiber end portion and an end portion of the protective material remaining on the fiber in the connector body passage with the fiber end portion in abutment and axial alignment with the fiber stub. The steps of securing the fiber stub within the connector body passage, trimming the forward end portion of the fiber stub and polishing the forward end surface of the fiber stub may be performed under controlled factory conditions and the steps of cutting the cable to the desired length, stripping back the end portion of protective material, and securing the fiber end portion within the connector body passage may be performed under field conditions. The optical fiber connector element and its method of use avoid the need for polishing a fiber end to an optical finish under adverse field conditions.

Growing community of inventors

Ottawa, Canada

Elza V Bagi