Translucent dust cap and associated method for testing the continuity of an optical fiber jumper

Abstract

A dust cap is provided that includes a translucent end member that permits optical communication while the dust cap remains mounted upon a ferrule. The dust cap includes a sleeve having an open first end and an opposed second end that is closed by the translucent end member. The end member can also include a lens to facilitate optical communication. A medial portion of the sleeve can also define an internal chamfer that extends radially inward for engaging the ferrule such that the front face of the ferrule is spaced from the second end of the sleeve, thereby preventing contaminants from being transferred from the second end of the sleeve to the polished front face of the ferrule. The dust cap can also define a groove extending lengthwise through only a portion of the sleeve, i.e., from the first end of the sleeve to a medial portion of the sleeve. The groove therefore permits air to vent from the bore while the dust cap is being mounted upon the ferrule, while isolating the front face of the ferrule from the external environment once the dust cap has been fully mounted, thereby protecting the polished front face of the ferrule from contaminants that may enter the groove. A method is also provided for testing the continuity of an optical fiber jumper that utilizes optical communications conducted through the translucent dust caps.