Optical fiber waveguide connector system

Abstract

Precise alignment, required for a low-loss electromagnetic interconnection between single and multiple stranded optical fiber conductors or waveguides, is achieved in a conventional electrical connector block. A pair of guide bushings having precise outer dimensions are secured respectively to the termini of the optical fiber conductors and these bushings, in their respective connector blocks, are adapted for insertion into a split tube having a precisely dimensioned inner diameter. The optical fiber conductors, being concentric with the bushings, thereby are precisely interconnected. For single fibers, the bushings and the split tube are cylindrical. For multiple stranded fibers or fiber bundles, the bushings and the split tube have identical polygonal cross-sections, which match precisely identical polygonally shaped fiber-receiving openings in the bushings. Physical contact between the electromagnetically coupled fiber optic conductors is prevented by a flat annular shim which is loosely secured to the split tube and contacted by the bushings.