Method of accurately positioning fiber cables within ferrules

Abstract

An improved connector is disclosed for interconnecting a plurality of fiber optic cables with a like plurality of fiber optic cables or optical devices, the fibers of the cables being accurately positioned within the respective connectors. The subject connector can be used for either splicing or terminating individual cables, each cable including at least one fiber, as well as connecting a plurality of light transmitting fiber bundles in a single connector assembly to transmitting and receiving devices. The subject connector includes a housing with at least one cable receiving bore therein; an assembly including an annular crimping ring, a profiled ferrule member, and a helical spring member secured to an end of each cable; and a cap member securing the ferrule members in the housing member in a spring loaded condition. The bores for receiving the fibers are accurately formed in the ferrule members by placing the ferrule member, which initially has a blind bore therein, into a bushing which annularly compresses the ferrule member and then completing the blind bore by drilling from one face or the other with conventional or laser drilling means. Greater concentricity can be achieved by rotating the ferrule member and bushing about their common axis during the drilling operation. Upon release from the bushing, the bore will expand to be larger than necessary and will allow the free passage therethrough of the optical fibers. The fibers will subsequently be compressed within the ferrule to be rigidly and accurately positioned therein.