Optical Ferrule

Abstract

To provide an optical ferrule capable of preventing occurrence of a significant alignment error by debris.SOLUTION: An optical ferrule (200) includes a main upper surface and a main bottom surface (20) located on the opposite sides, and the bottom face includes a first platform (90) and a second platform (100) that are disposed along a fitting direction of the optical ferrule and are spaced apart. While the ferrule is fitted to a mating optical ferrule, the first platform and the second platform of the ferrule slide relative to the corresponding first platform and second platform of the mating ferrule. When the ferrule is completely fitted to the mating ferrule, the second platforms of the ferrule and the mating ferrule remain in contact with and rest on each other, and neither of the first platforms of the ferrules makes contact with the other ferrule.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1B

Description

[Background technology]

[0001] Optical connectors can be used for optical communications in a variety of applications, including telecommunications networks, local area networks, data center links, and internal links in computing devices. The optical connector can include an optical ferrule. Summary of the Invention

[0002] In some aspects of the present disclosure, an optical ferrule is provided. The optical ferrule has opposing top and bottom major surfaces, the top major surface including a first groove and a light redirecting surface, and the bottom major surface including distinct first and second platforms disposed along a mating direction of the optical ferrule. The light redirecting surface is configured to receive light along a first direction from an optical waveguide received and supported in the first groove and redirect the received light along another second direction. The redirected light exits the optical ferrule through the bottom surface. During mating of the ferrule with a mating optical ferrule, the first and second platforms of the ferrule slide against the corresponding respective first and second platforms of the mating ferrule. When the ferrule is fully mated with the mating ferrule, the second platforms of the ferrule and the mating ferrule contact each other and remain resting on each other, with neither first platform of the ferrule contacting the other ferrule.

[0003] In some aspects herein, an optical ferrule is provided that includes a first protrusion disposed between a second protrusion and a tip of the ferrule, the ferrule being configured to mate with a mating optical ferrule that includes the first protrusion disposed between the second protrusion and the tip, such that when the ferrule is fully mated with the mating ferrule, the second protrusions of the ferrule and the mating ferrule contact each other and are stationary relative to each other, and the first protrusions of the ferrule and the mating ferrule are disposed opposite the second protrusion, with the first protrusion of each ferrule facing, without contacting, a major surface of the other ferrule.

[0004] In some aspects herein, an optical ferrule is provided that includes a plurality of first pads and a plurality of second pads disposed on the same first major surface of the ferrule, each pad extending from the first major surface to a pad surface, and when the ferrule is fully mated with a mating ferrule, a surface of the second pad, but not the first pad, contacts and rests on the major surface of the mating ferrule.

[0005] In some aspects of the present description, an optical ferrule is provided that includes a plurality of pairs of leading and trailing pads, such that for each pair of leading and trailing pads, while the ferrule is mated with a mating optical ferrule, the leading pad slides against a major surface of the mating ferrule to prevent any debris on the major surface from collecting on the trailing pad, and when the ferrule is fully mated with the mating ferrule, the trailing pad, but not the leading pad, is in contact with the major surface of the mating ferrule.

[0006] In some aspects of the present disclosure, a first optical device is provided that is adapted to be coupled to a second optical device along a coupling direction. The first optical device includes two spaced pairs of leading and trailing pads, such that the first optical device slides on the landing surface of the second optical device to optically couple to the second optical device, and for each pair of leading and trailing pads, the leading pad prevents any debris on the landing surface from accumulating on the trailing pad. When the first optical device is fully coupled to the second optical device, the leading pad is not in contact with the landing surface.

[0007] In some aspects of the present description, an optical ferrule is provided that includes a plurality of wiping pad and mating pad pairs, such that when the optical ferrule is mated with a mating optical ferrule that includes a plurality of wiping pad and mating pad pairs, the wiping pads of the ferrule and the mating ferrule wipe the mating ferrule and the mating pad of the ferrule, respectively, and when the ferrule is fully mated with the mating ferrule, the wiping pads and the mating pads of the ferrule and the mating ferrule contact each other.

[0008] In some aspects of the present description, an optical ferrule is provided that includes a plurality of pairs of first and second pads, such that when the optical ferrule mates with a mating optical ferrule that includes a plurality of pairs of first and second pads, the first pads of the ferrule and the mating ferrule contact a surface of the mating ferrule, respectively, and when the ferrule is fully mated with the mating ferrule, the second pads, but not the first pads, of the ferrule contact a surface of the mating ferrule. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0009] [Figure 1A] 2A and 2B are schematic top and bottom perspective views of an optical ferrule; [Figure 1B] 2A and 2B are schematic top and bottom perspective views of an optical ferrule; [Diagram 2]FIG. 2 is a schematic cutaway perspective view of a portion of the optical ferrule of FIGS. 1A to 1B. [Diagram 3] FIG. 2 is a schematic perspective view of a portion of the bottom surface of the optical ferrule of FIGS. 1A to 1B. [Figure 4A] FIG. 2 is a schematic plan view of a bottom major surface of the optical ferrule. [Figure 4B] FIG. 2 is a schematic plan view of a bottom major surface of the optical ferrule. [Figure 4C] FIG. 2 is a schematic plan view of a bottom major surface of the optical ferrule. [Figure 5A] FIG. 2 is a schematic perspective view of an optical ferrule positioned adjacent to a mating optical ferrule. [Figure 5B] 1 is a schematic diagram of an optical assembly including an optical ferrule mated to a mating optical ferrule. [Figure 6A] 2 is a schematic cutaway perspective view of a portion of an optical ferrule and a portion of a mating optical ferrule at a point during mating; FIG. [Figure 6B] 2 is a schematic cutaway perspective view of a portion of an optical ferrule and a portion of a mating optical ferrule fully mated to the optical ferrule; FIG. [Figure 7] 4 is a schematic diagram of a cross section passing through a recess formed in a bottom surface of the optical ferrule. FIG. [Figure 8] 2 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a portion of the bottom surface of an optical device. [Figure 9A] 1 is a schematic cross-sectional view of interdigitated optical devices and a portion of a major surface of the interdigitated optical devices. [Figure 9B] 1 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the optical devices during mating and a portion of the major surfaces of the mated optical devices. [Figure 10A] 1 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a portion of a major surface of an optical device. [Figure 10B] 10B is a schematic cross-sectional view of a portion of a major surface of the optical ferrule of FIG. 10A and a corresponding portion of a major surface of the mating optical ferrule when the ferrules and the mating ferrule are fully mated. [Figure 11A] 2 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a portion of an optical ferrule. [Figure 11B]11B is a schematic cross-sectional view of a portion of the optical ferrule of FIG. 11A beginning to mate with a corresponding portion of a mating optical ferrule. [Figure 11C] FIG. 11C is a schematic cross-sectional view showing a portion of the optical ferrule of FIG. 11B and the mating ferrule at an intermediate point during mating. [Figure 11D] FIG. 11C is a schematic cross-sectional view showing a portion of the optical ferrule of FIG. 11B and the mating ferrule fully mated with one another. [Figure 12A] 2 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a portion of an optical ferrule. [Figure 12B] 12B is a schematic cross-sectional view of a portion of the optical ferrule of FIG. 12A being mated with a corresponding portion of a mating optical ferrule. [Figure 12C] FIG. 12C is a schematic cross-sectional view showing a portion of the optical ferrule of FIG. 12B and the mating ferrule fully mated with one another. [Figure 13A] 2 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a portion of an optical ferrule. [Figure 13B] 13B is a schematic cross-sectional view of a portion of the optical ferrule of FIG. 13A as it mates with a corresponding portion of a mating optical ferrule. [Figure 13C] FIG. 13C is a schematic cross-sectional view of a portion of the optical ferrule of FIG. 13B and the mating ferrule fully mated with one another. [Figure 14] 2 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a portion of a fully mated optical ferrule and a mated optical ferrule; FIG. [Figure 15A] FIG. 2 is a schematic top view of the cradle. [Figure 15B] FIG. 2 is a schematic top view of the cradle. [Figure 15C] FIG. 2 is a schematic top view of the cradle. [Figure 16] FIG. 2 is a schematic top view of an optical assembly including an optical ferrule mated to a cradle. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0010] In the following description, reference is made to the accompanying drawings, which form a part hereof, and in which various embodiments are shown by way of illustration. The drawings are not necessarily to scale. It is to be understood that other embodiments are contemplated and may be made without departing from the scope or spirit of the specification. Accordingly, the following detailed description is not to be taken in a limiting sense.

[0011] Optical ferrules can be used to optically couple an optical fiber to another optical fiber. For example, an optical fiber attached to an optical ferrule can be optically coupled to an optical fiber attached to a mating optical ferrule when the optical ferrule is mated to the mating ferrule. Optical ferrules can also be used, for example, to optically couple an optical fiber to a waveguide in a photonic integrated circuit (PIC). For example, an optical fiber attached to an optical ferrule can be optically coupled to a cradle attached to the PIC when the optical ferrule is mated to the cradle attached to the PIC. When an optical ferrule is mated to a mating ferrule or cradle, the mating faces of the optical ferrule and the mating faces of the mating ferrule or cradle typically contact each other. For example, the mating faces may contact each other on a substantially flat interface that may be, for example, about 3 mm long along the mating direction. A single debris (e.g., dust) particle with a diameter of 5 micrometers trapped in a substantially flat interface can cause an angular error of about 0.1 degrees or more. However, single mode expanded beam optical interconnect devices are often sensitive to angular errors on the order of 0.1 degrees, which can cause, for example, significant insertion loss. In accordance with some embodiments herein, it has been found that including pairs of pads, protrusions, or platforms on the mating surface of an optical ferrule or other optical device prevents debris from causing significant alignment errors. For example, in some embodiments, an optical ferrule includes multiple pairs of leading and trailing pads such that, during mating of the ferrule with a mating ferrule including multiple corresponding pairs of leading and trailing pads, for each pair of leading and trailing pads, the leading pad of the ferrule slides against the trailing pad of the mating ferrule and the leading pad of the mating ferrule slides against the trailing pad of the ferrule. In some embodiments, when fully mated, the bottom surface of the ferrule and the bottom surface of the mating ferrule contact each other only along the trailing pads that have been cleared of debris by the leading pad sliding against the trailing pad during mating.

[0012] 1A-1B are schematic top and bottom perspective views, respectively, of an optical ferrule 200 having opposing top and bottom major surfaces 10 and 20. The top major surface 10 includes a groove 30 and a light redirecting surface 40. In the illustrated embodiment, the top major surface 10 includes a plurality of grooves 30 extending along a first direction (x-direction) and arranged along an orthogonal direction (y-direction). The plurality of grooves 30 may be, for example, V-grooves, U-grooves, or Y-grooves. Y-grooves are described, for example, in PCT Publication Nos. WO 2017 / 066022 (Haase et al.) and WO 2017 / 066018 (Haase et al.). In the illustrated embodiment, the light redirecting surface 40 includes a plurality of curved surface portions 41 (e.g., reflectors formed on the light redirecting surface 40), each curved surface portion 41 positioned to receive light from a light guide received within a groove corresponding to that curved surface portion. The curved portion 41 may be reflective, for example, by total internal reflection. Optical ferrules having a light redirecting surface with a curved portion are described, for example, in U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2018 / 0259718 (Haase et al.). Regardless of the orientation of the optical ferrule 200, the major surface including the groove 30 and the light redirecting surface 40 may be referred to as the top major surface, and the major surface through which light passes and exits the optical ferrule 200 may be referred to as the bottom major surface.

[0013] The optical ferrule 200 has a tip end 210 and a back end 212. The tip end 210 of the ferrule 200 is the end that first approaches a mating ferrule during mating of the ferrule with the mating ferrule. The back end 212 is the end of the ferrule that is opposite the tip end 210 along the coupling or mating direction (x-direction) of the ferrules.

[0014] FIG. 2 is a schematic cutaway perspective view of a portion of an optical ferrule 200. The optical redirecting surface 40 is configured to receive light 31 from an optical waveguide 32 received and supported within the first groove 30 along a first direction (x-direction) and redirect the received light along another second direction (-z-direction). The redirected light 33 exits the optical ferrule through the bottom surface 20. In some embodiments, the bottom surface 20 includes a window region 50 disposed between a narrower front portion 60 and a wider rear portion 70 of the bottom surface 20, and the redirected light 33 exits the optical ferrule 200 through the window region 50 of the bottom surface 20. In other embodiments, the window region 50 is disposed between the front portion 60 and the rear portion 70 having substantially the same width. The front portion 60 is disposed proximate to the tip portion 210, and the rear portion 70 is disposed distal to the tip portion 210. The window region 50 may be a recessed optical window and may be coated with an anti-reflective coating. Optical ferrules having window regions are described, for example, in U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2018 / 0259718 (Haase et al.).

[0015] 3 is a schematic perspective view of a portion of the bottom surface 20 of the optical ferrule 200. The bottom surface 20 includes pads, protrusions, or platforms 90 and 100. In some embodiments, the bottom surface 20 includes separate spaced apart first and second platforms 90 and 100 disposed along the mating direction (x-direction) of the optical ferrule 200. In some embodiments, the bottom surface 20 includes a first protrusion 90 disposed between the second protrusion 100 and the tip 210 of the ferrule 200. In some embodiments, the optical ferrule 200 includes a plurality of first and second pads 90 and 100 disposed on the same first major surface 20 of the ferrule 200, which also includes a second major surface 10 opposite the first major surface 20, with each pad extending from the first major surface 20 to pad surfaces 91 and 101. In some embodiments, the pad surfaces 91 and 101 of the first pad 90 and the second pad 100 are substantially coplanar (e.g., the deviation of the pad surfaces from being coplanar may be substantially less than the length and width of the pads 90 and 100 (e.g., less than 0.5 or 0.2 times). The pad 90 closer to the tip 210 may be referred to as the leading pad and the pad 100 further from the tip 210 may be referred to as the trailing pad. In some embodiments, the leading pads of the ferrule and the corresponding mating ferrule are adapted to wipe the mating ferrule and the trailing pads of the ferrule, respectively, such that the ferrule and the mating ferrule rest on top of each other. The first or leading pad, platform, or protrusion may be referred to as a wiping pad, wiping platform, or wiping protrusion, and the second or trailing pad, platform, or protrusion may be referred to as a mating pad, mating platform, or mating protrusion. In some embodiments, the optical ferrule 200 includes multiple pairs of leading pads 90 and trailing pads 100. In some embodiments, the narrower front portion 60 of the bottom surface 20 defines a recess 80 therein.In some embodiments, pads or platforms 90 and 100 are formed within recess 80 and extend higher than bottom surface 20 a adjacent recess 80 .

[0016] The first platform 90 and the second platform 100 each have a first width W1 and a second width W2 along a width direction (y direction) perpendicular to the mating direction (x direction) of the optical ferrule 200. In some embodiments, light 31 is received along a first direction (e.g., x direction) and the light redirecting surface 40 redirects the received light 31 along a second direction (e.g., minus z direction) that is substantially perpendicular to the width direction and the mating direction (e.g., perpendicular within 30, 20, 10, 5, or 3 degrees). In some embodiments, the first direction is parallel to the mating direction. In some embodiments, the second width W2 is smaller than the first width W1. In some embodiments, the second width W2 is smaller than the first width W1 by at least about 10 micrometers, at least about 20 micrometers, at least about 30 micrometers, at least about 40 micrometers, or at least about 50 micrometers. In some embodiments, the second width W2 is smaller than the first width W1 by at least about 5% or at least about 10%. For example, it may be desirable for W1 to be greater than W2 so that the first platform 90 can wipe substantially the entire surface of the second platform 100 of the mating ferrule even in the presence of partial misalignment. The first platform 90 and the second platform 100 have respective first and second lengths L1 and L2 along the mating direction (x-direction) of the optical ferrule 200. In some embodiments, the second length L2 is greater than the first length L1. In some embodiments, the second length L2 is at least about 1.5 times, or at least about twice, the first length. In some embodiments, the second length L2 is at least about 10 micrometers, at least about 20 micrometers, or at least about 25 micrometers greater than the first length L1.

[0017] Various arrangements of the first platform 90 and second platform 100 pairs are possible. Exemplary arrangements are shown generally in Figures 4A-4C. Other arrangements are possible. For example, additional pairs may be included, or the pairs may be arranged in an alternating pattern, or one or both of the first platform 90 and second platform 100 may have different sizes and / or shapes. The first platform 90 and second platform 100 pairs shown generally in Figures 4A-4C may also be optionally arranged within recesses defined in the major surfaces. The recesses may be included, for example, to provide additional space for debris.

[0018] FIG. 4A is a schematic diagram of a major surface 420a of an optical ferrule including four pairs 95a-95d of leading pads 90 and trailing pads 100. In the illustrated embodiment, the pads 90 are arranged in a regular array and the pads 100 are arranged in a regular array. Any suitable number of pairs of leading and trailing pads may be included (e.g., 1 pair, 2 pairs, 3 pairs, 4 pairs, or more pairs). Two or more pairs may be included to provide greater mating stability than that provided by a single pair. In some embodiments, only two pad pairs are included. In other embodiments, three or more pairs, or four or more pairs are included.

[0019] 4B is a schematic diagram of an optical ferrule major surface 420b including two pairs 95a-95b of leading and trailing pads 90-100. As further described elsewhere herein (see, e.g., FIGS. 11A-11D), major surface 420b may further include a plurality of recesses 445 arranged to receive but not contact a corresponding leading pad of the mating ferrule when the ferrule having major surface 420b is fully mated with a corresponding mating ferrule, such that the trailing pads 100 contact the corresponding major surface of the mating ferrule. In some embodiments, the optical ferrule receives light from a waveguide along a first direction (e.g., x-direction) and redirects the received light along a different second direction (e.g., z-direction), with the two pairs 95a and 95b of leading and trailing pads 90-100 aligned along a third direction (e.g., y-direction) that is substantially orthogonal to the first and second directions.

[0020] 4C is a schematic diagram of a major surface 420c of an optical ferrule that includes three pairs 95a-95c of leading pads 90 and trailing pads 100. Each pair of leading pads 90 and trailing pads 100 may have the same size and shape, or some leading and trailing pads may have a different size or shape than others. For example, the leading and trailing pads of pair 95c in FIG. 4C may have a different size and / or shape than the leading and trailing pads of the other pairs.

[0021] FIG 5A is a schematic diagram of an optical ferrule 200 positioned adjacent to a mating optical ferrule 200'. FIG 5B is a schematic diagram of an optical assembly 201 including a first optical ferrule 200 and a second optical ferrule 200 mated with each other. FIG 6A-6B are schematic cutaway perspective views of a portion of each optical ferrule 200 and a portion of the mating optical ferrule 200' while the optical ferrule 200 is mating with the mating ferrule 200' and when fully mated. During mating, the ferrule 200 and the mating ferrule 200' move relative to each other along mating directions 211 and 211'. In some embodiments, the optical ferrule 200 includes a first pad, platform, or protrusion 90 disposed between the second pad, platform, or protrusion 100 and the tip 210 of the ferrule 200, and the mating optical ferrule 200' includes a first pad, platform, or protrusion 90' disposed between the second pad, platform, or protrusion 100' and the tip 210' of the mating ferrule 200'. In some embodiments, while the ferrule 200 is mated with the mating optical ferrule 200', the first platform 90 and second platform 100 of the ferrule 200 slide against the corresponding first platform 90' and second platform 100' of the mating ferrule 200', respectively, and when the ferrule 200 is fully mated with the mating ferrule 200', the ferrule 200 and the second platforms 100 and 100' of the mating ferrule 200' contact each other and remain stationary on top of each other, and neither of the first platforms (90 and 90') of the ferrule contacts the other ferrule. In some embodiments, while the optical ferrule 200 is mated with the mating ferrule 200', the first platform 90 of the optical ferrule 200 sinks into the recess 80' in the bottom surface 20' of the mating ferrule 200' before contacting the first platform 90' of the mating ferrule 200', and the first platform 90' and the second platform 100' of the mating ferrule 200' are formed in the recess 80' in the bottom surface 20' of the mating ferrule 200'.In some embodiments, when the ferrule 200 is fully mated with the mating ferrule 200', the second protrusions 100 and 100' of the ferrule 200 and the mating ferrule 200' contact and rest on each other, and the first protrusions (90 and 90') of the ferrule and the mating ferrule are disposed opposite the second protrusions 100 and 100', with the first protrusions of each ferrule facing but not touching the main surface (20, 20') of the other ferrule. In some embodiments, when the ferrule 200 is fully mated with the mating ferrule 200', the surface 101 (see FIG. 3) of the first pad (90) rather than the second pad (100) contacts and rests on the main surface 20' of the mating ferrule 200'.

[0022] It has been found that the inclusion of a pair of leading and trailing protrusions, platforms, or pads can improve alignment between mated optical devices by preventing debris from impairing alignment. In some embodiments, the leading pad 90 of the ferrule 200 wipes the trailing pad 100' of the mating ferrule 200' during mating, thereby mechanically pushing any debris already present on the trailing pad 100' away from the trailing pad 100' so that the debris does not interfere with alignment of the ferrule 200 and the mating ferrule 200'. Similarly, in some embodiments, the leading pad 90' of the mating ferrule 200 wipes the trailing pad 100 of the ferrule 200 during mating, thereby mechanically pushing any debris already present on the trailing pad 100 away from the trailing pad 100 so that the debris does not interfere with alignment of the ferrule 200 and the mating ferrule 200'.

[0023] In some embodiments, the first platforms (90, 90') of the ferrule 200 and the mating ferrule 200' are wiping platforms that wipe the mating ferrule 200' and the second platforms (100', 100') of the ferrule 200, respectively, and the second platforms (100, 100') of the ferrule 200 and the mating ferrule 200' are mating platforms that rest on top of each other. In some embodiments, after the wiping platforms (90, 90') of the ferrule 200 and the mating ferrule 200' wipe the mating platforms (100', 100') of the ferrule 200 and the mating ferrule 200, respectively, the mating platforms (100, 100') of the ferrule 200 and the mating ferrule 200 rest on each other. In some embodiments, after the wiping platforms (90, 90') of the ferrule 200 and the mating ferrule 200' wipe the mating platforms (100', 100') of the ferrule 200' and the mating platforms (100, 100') of the ferrule 200', respectively, the mating platforms (100, 100') of the ferrule 200 and the mating ferrule 200' wipe each other and become stationary.

[0024] In some embodiments, the optical ferrule 200 includes multiple pairs of wiping pads 90 and mating pads 100, and when the optical ferrule 200 is mated to a mating optical ferrule 200' including multiple pairs of wiping pads 90' and mating pads 100', the wiping pads of the ferrule 200 and the mating ferrule 200' wipe the mating ferrule 200' and the mating pads of the ferrule 200, respectively, and when the ferrule 200 is fully mated to the mating ferrule 200', the mating pads (100, 100') of the ferrule 200 and the mating ferrule 200 contact each other. In some embodiments, when the ferrule 200 is fully mated to the mating ferrule 200', the wiping pads 90 of the ferrule 200 do not contact the mating ferrule 200'. Similarly, in some embodiments, when the ferrule 200 is fully mated to the mating ferrule 200 ′, the wiping pad 90 ′ of the mating ferrule 200 does not contact the ferrule 200 .

[0025] In some embodiments, the optical ferrule 200 includes multiple pairs of first pads 90 and second pads 100, and when the optical ferrule 200 is mated with a mating optical ferrule 200' including multiple pairs of first pads 90' and second pads 100', the first pads (90, 90') of the ferrule 200 and the mating ferrule 200' contact the surfaces (20, 20') of the mating ferrule 200' and the ferrule 200, respectively, and when the ferrule 200 is fully mated with the mating ferrule 200', the second pad (100) of the ferrule 200, rather than the first pad (90), contacts the surface 20' of the mating ferrule 200'. In some embodiments, the first pads (90, 90') of the ferrule 200 and the mating ferrule 200' are wiping pads that wipe the mating ferrule 200' and the second pads (100, 100') of the ferrule 200, respectively, and the second pads (100, 100') of the ferrule 200 and the mating ferrule 200' are mating pads that rest on top of each other. In some embodiments, after the wiping pads (90, 90') of the ferrule 200 and the mating ferrule 200' wipe the mating pads (100', 100') of the ferrule 200 and the mating ferrule 200, respectively, the mating pads (100, 100') of the ferrule 200 and the mating ferrule 200 rest on each other. In some embodiments, after the wiping pads (90, 90') of the ferrule 200 and the mating ferrule 200' wipe the mating ferrule 200' and the mating pads (100', 100') of the ferrule 200, respectively, the mating pads (100, 100') of the ferrule 200 and the mating ferrule 200' wipe each other and come to rest.

[0026] In some embodiments, the optical ferrule 200 includes multiple pairs of leading pads 90 and trailing pads 100, and for each pair of leading pads 90 and trailing pads 100, while the optical ferrule 200 is mated with the mating ferrule 200', the leading pad 90 slides against the major surface 20' of the mating ferrule 200 to prevent any debris 49 on the major surface 20' from accumulating on the trailing pad 100, and when the ferrule 200 is fully mated with the mating ferrule 200', the trailing pad (100) rather than the leading pad (90) is in contact with the major surface 20' of the mating ferrule 200'. In some embodiments, a first optical device (e.g., an optical ferrule 200 or a cradle adapted to receive the optical ferrule 200) adapted to mate with a second optical device (e.g., an optical ferrule 200 or a cradle adapted to receive the optical ferrule 200 along a mating direction (x-direction)) includes two or more spaced pairs of leading pads 90 and trailing pads 100 such that when the first optical device lands and slides on a landing surface (e.g., a main surface 20 of the cradle or a bottom surface of a cavity or recess, as further described elsewhere herein) of the second optical device to optically mate with the second optical device, and for each pair of leading pads 90 and trailing pads 100, the leading pads 90 prevent any debris 49 from accumulating on the trailing pads 100 at the landing surface. In some embodiments, when the first optical device is fully mated with the second optical device, the leading pads 90 are not in contact with the landing surface.

[0027] In some embodiments, the bottom surface 20 includes a plurality of platforms, the plurality of platforms including a first platform 90 and a second platform 100. In some embodiments, the plurality of platforms includes a plurality of spaced apart pairs of the first platform 90 and the second platform 100. In some embodiments, the bottom surfaces of the optical ferrule 200 and the mating ferrule 200' contact each other only at the plurality of platforms while the ferrule 200 is mated to a mating optical ferrule 200' including a corresponding plurality of platforms. In some embodiments, the bottom surface 20 includes a plurality of platforms, the plurality of platforms including a first platform 90 and a second platform 100, and when the ferrule 200 is fully mated to a mating optical ferrule 200' including a corresponding plurality of platforms, the bottom surfaces (20, 20') of the ferrule 200 and the mating ferrule 200' contact each other only at those of the plurality of platforms that are wiped by at least one other platform while the ferrule 200 is mated to the mating ferrule 200'. In some embodiments, the plurality of platforms includes a plurality of pairs of a first platform 90 and a second platform 100. In some embodiments, the plurality of platforms includes only the second platforms 100 and 100′ that are wiped by at least one other platform.

[0028] In some embodiments, the optical ferrule 200 and the mating ferrule 200' have substantially the same size and shape (e.g., the respective dimensions differ by less than 30, 20, or 10 percent). In some embodiments, the optical ferrule 200 is hermaphroditic. In some embodiments, the mating face of the optical ferrule or other optical device and the mating face of the mating optical ferrule or other optical device adapted to mate with the optical ferrule or optical device have substantially the same size and shape. For example, the bottom surfaces 20 and 20' may have substantially the same size and shape. In some embodiments, the portion of the mating face of the optical ferrule or other optical device, including pads, protrusions, or platforms, and the corresponding portion of the mating face of the mating optical ferrule or other optical device have substantially the same size and shape.

[0029] 7 is a schematic cross-sectional view through a recess 80 formed in the bottom surface 20. In some embodiments, the narrower front portion 60 of the bottom surface 20 defines the recess 80 therein, and a first platform 90 and a second platform 100 are formed within the recess and extend higher than the bottom surface 20a adjacent the recess.

[0030] In some embodiments, the first platform 90 and the second platform 100 are higher than the area 20a of the bottom surface 20 adjacent to the first and second platforms by a first distance d1 and a second distance d2, respectively. In some embodiments, the first platform 90 and the second platform 100 are formed in a recess 80, and the area 20a of the bottom surface 20 adjacent to the first platform 90 and the second platform 100 is adjacent to and outside the recess 80. In such embodiments, or in other embodiments, the first platform 90 and the second platform 100 are higher than the area 20a of the bottom surface 20 adjacent to the recess 80 by a first distance d1 and a second distance d2, respectively. In other embodiments, the first platform 90 and the second platform 100 are not formed in a recess (see, e.g., FIG. 10A). In some embodiments, d1 is substantially equal to d2 (e.g., within about 5%, about 3%, or about 2%). In some embodiments, d1>d2 (e.g., d1 is at least 10% or at least 20% greater than d2). In some embodiments, d1 and d2 are each at least about 5 micrometers, at least about 10 micrometers, or at least about 20 micrometers.

[0031] 8 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a portion of a bottom surface 820 of an optical device defining a recess 880 therein. The optical device may be, for example, an optical ferrule or a cradle adapted to receive an optical ferrule. First, second and third pads, protrusions or platforms 90, 100 and 92 are formed within the recess and extend higher than a bottom surface 820a adjacent the recess. The first platform 90 is disposed between and spaced apart from the second platform 100 and the third platform 92. In some embodiments, the first and third platforms have substantially the same size and shape. In other embodiments, the first and third platforms have different sizes and / or shapes.

[0032] 9A is a schematic cross-sectional view of a portion of a major surface 920 of a first optical device and a major surface 920' of a second optical device mated to one another. The first optical device may be an optical ferrule and the second optical device may be another optical ferrule or, for example, a cradle adapted to receive an optical ferrule. The major surfaces 920 and 920' may have substantially the same size and shape. The major surface 920 defines a recess 980 therein and the major surface 920' defines a recess 980' therein. First and second protrusions, pads or platforms 90 and 100 are formed in the recess 980 and extend higher than a bottom surface 920a adjacent the recess 900, and corresponding first and second protrusions, pads or platforms 90' and 100' are formed in the recess 980' and extend higher (away from the body of the mated optical device) than a bottom surface 920a' adjacent the recess 920'. The first platform 90 and the second platform 100 extend above the bottom surface 920a adjacent the recess 980 by a first and second distance, respectively, the first distance being greater than the second distance. The corresponding second platforms 100 and 100' are in contact with each other and are stationary relative to each other. The corresponding first platforms 90 and 90' of either optical device are not in contact with the other optical device. The first platform 90 extends partially into the recess 980 of the mating optical device. Similarly, the first platform 90' extends partially into the recess 980 of the optical device. In some embodiments, when an optical device (e.g., an optical ferrule) is fully mated with a mating device (e.g., a mating optical ferrule), each of the second pads 100 of the optical device and the corresponding second pads 100' of the mating device contact each other and remain stationary relative to each other, and the corresponding first pads 90 and 90' of the optical device and the mating device are positioned opposite the second pads 100 and 100', and the first and third pads of each device face, without contact, the main surface (920, 920') of the other device.In some embodiments, the first optical device is an optical ferrule and the second optical device is a mating ferrule, and when the ferrule is fully mated with the mating ferrule, the second protrusions 100 and 100' of the ferrule and the mating ferrule contact each other and remain stationary relative to each other, and the first protrusions (90, 90') of either ferrule are not in contact with the other ferrule.

[0033] 9B is a schematic cross-sectional view of a portion of a major surface 920 of a first optical device and a major surface 920' of a second optical device at a point during mating, where the first platform 90 sinks into a recess 980' in the bottom surface 920' before contacting the first platform 90'. Similarly, the first platform 90' sinks into a recess 980 in the bottom surface 920 before contacting the first platform 90. During mating, the ferrule major surface 920 and the mating ferrule major surface 920' move relative to one another along mating directions 911 and 911'.

[0034] In some embodiments, the pad or platform is disposed on a major surface of the optical ferrule or optical device without being disposed within a recess defined in the major surface.

[0035] FIG. 10A is a schematic cross-sectional view of a portion of a major surface 1020 of an optical ferrule (or other optical device adapted to receive an optical ferrule, such as a cradle). The major surface 1020 includes separate, spaced apart first and second platforms 90 and 100 arranged along the mating direction (x-direction) of the optical ferrule. In the illustrated embodiment, the major surface 1020 further includes an optional third platform 92. The first platform 90 is disposed between and spaced apart from the second and third platforms 100 and 92. The first and second platforms 90 and 100 are higher than regions of the bottom surface 1020a proximate the first and second platforms 90 and 100 by a first distance d1 and a second distance d2, respectively, which may be in any range described elsewhere herein. In some embodiments, 2d2>d1>d2. In some embodiments, d3 is substantially equal to d1. In some embodiments, d3 is different from d1. In some embodiments, d1, d2, and d3 are each at least about 5 micrometers, or at least about 10 micrometers, or at least about 20 micrometers.

[0036] 10B is a schematic cross-sectional view of a portion of a major surface 1020 of an optical ferrule and a corresponding portion of a major surface 1020' of a mating optical ferrule when the optical ferrule and the mating optical ferrule are fully mated. Major surface 1020' includes first, second, and third platforms 90', 100', and 92' that correspond to first, second, and third platforms 90, 100, and 92 of major surface 1020. In some embodiments, when an optical ferrule is fully mated with a mating optical ferrule, the second platform 100 of the optical ferrule and the corresponding second platform 100' of the mating platform are in contact with each other and remain stationary relative to each other, the corresponding first platforms (90 and 90') and third platforms (92 and 92') of the ferrule and the mating ferrule are disposed on opposite sides of the second platform (100 and 100'), and the first and third platforms of each ferrule face the main surface (1020, 1020') of the other ferrule without contacting it.

[0037] In some embodiments, when a ferrule is fully mated with a mating ferrule, the trailing pads of the ferrule do not contact any pads on the major surface of the mating ferrule.

[0038] FIG. 11A is a schematic cross-sectional view of a portion of an optical ferrule 1100 having a leading end 1110, a trailing end 1112, and a major surface 1120 that includes multiple pairs of leading and trailing pads 90 and 100. The optical ferrule 1100 may include additional features such as waveguide alignment grooves and light redirecting surfaces, not shown. The major surface 1120 is the mating surface of the optical ferrule 1100 and may be referred to as the bottom major surface, regardless of the orientation of the optical ferrule 1100. In the cross-section shown, one pair of pads is shown. At least one other pair may be present in a cross-section displaced in the y-direction from the cross-section shown (see, for example, FIG. 4B). FIG. 11B is a schematic cross-sectional view of a portion of the optical ferrule 1100 beginning to mate with a corresponding portion of a mating optical ferrule 1100'. During mating, the ferrule 1100 and the mating ferrule 1100' move relative to each other along the mating directions 1111 and 1111'. The mating ferrule 1100' has a bottom surface 1120' that includes multiple pairs of leading pads 90' and trailing pads 100'. FIG. 11C is a schematic cross-sectional view of the optical ferrule 1100 being mated to the mating optical ferrule 1100'. FIG. 11D is a schematic cross-sectional view of the optical ferrule 1100 fully mated to the mating optical ferrule 1100'. When fully mated, the trailing pads 100 of the ferrule 1100 contact the bottom major surface of the mating ferrule 1100' but do not contact any pads on the major surface 1120' of the mating ferrule 1100'. In some embodiments, the bottom major surface 1120 further includes multiple recesses 1145, each recess 1145 positioned to receive a corresponding leading pad 90' of the mating ferrule 1100' when the ferrule 1100 is fully mated to the mating ferrule 1100'. Similarly, in some embodiments, the bottom major surface 1120 further includes a plurality of recesses 1145, each recess 1145' positioned to receive a corresponding leading pad 90 of the optical ferrule 1100 when the ferrule 1100 is fully mated with the mating ferrule 1100'.

[0039] In some embodiments, the optical ferrule 1100 includes multiple pairs of first pads 90 and second pads 100, and when the optical ferrule 1100 is mated with a mating optical ferrule 1100' including multiple pairs of first pads 90' and second pads 1100', the first pads (90, 90') of the ferrule 1100 and the mating ferrule 1100' contact the surfaces (1120', 1120) of the mating ferrule 1100' and the ferrule 1100, respectively, and when the ferrule 1100 is fully mated with the mating ferrule 1100', the second pad (100) rather than the first pad (90) of the ferrule 1100 contacts the surface 1120' of the mating ferrule 1100'. In some embodiments, the first pads (90, 90') of the ferrule 1100 and the mating ferrule 1100' are wiping pads that wipe the second pads (100, 100') of the mating ferrule 1100' and the ferrule 1100, respectively, and the second pads (100, 100') of the ferrule 1100 and the mating ferrule 1100' are mating pads that rest on the surfaces (1120', 1120') of the mating ferrule 1100' and the ferrule 1100. In some embodiments, when the ferrule 1100 is fully mated to the mating ferrule 1100', the mating pads 100 of the ferrule 1100 are not in contact with any pads on the surface 1120' of the mating ferrule 1100'. Similarly, in some embodiments, when the ferrule 1100 is fully mated to the mating ferrule 1100 ′, the mating pads 1100 ′ of the mating ferrule 1100 ′ do not contact any pads on the surface 1120 of the ferrule 1100 .

[0040] FIG. 12A is a schematic cross-sectional view of a portion of an optical ferrule 1200 having a major bottom surface 1220 that includes multiple pairs of leading 90 and trailing 100 pads. In the cross-section shown, one pair of pads is shown. At least one other pair may be present in a different cross-section. The optical ferrule 1200 has a leading end 1210 and a trailing end 1212. FIG. 12B is a schematic cross-sectional view of a portion of an optical ferrule 1200 during mating with a corresponding portion of a mating optical ferrule 1200. The mating ferrule 1200' has a leading end 1210', a trailing end 1212', and a bottom surface 1220' that includes multiple pairs of leading 90' and trailing 100' pads. During mating, the ferrule 1200 and the mating ferrule 1200' move relative to each other along mating directions 1211 and 1211'. 12C is a schematic cross-sectional view of the optical ferrule 1200 fully mated with the mating optical ferrule 1200'. In FIG. 12C, the trailing pads 100 of the ferrule 1200 contact the bottom major surface of the mating ferrule 1200' but do not contact any pads on the major surfaces of the mating ferrule 1200'. When the ferrule 1200 is fully mated with the mating ferrule 1200', each trailing pad 100 of the ferrule 1200 contacts a major surface 1220' of the mating ferrule 1200' adjacent the rear end 1212' of the mating ferrule 1200' and each leading pad 90 of the ferrule 1200 extends beyond the rear end 1212' of the mating ferrule 1200' such that the leading pads 90 of the ferrule 1200 do not contact the mating ferrule 1200'. Similarly, when the ferrule 1200 is fully mated with the mating ferrule 1200', each trailing pad 100' of the mating ferrule 1200' contacts a major surface 1220 of the ferrule 1200 adjacent the rear end 1212 of the ferrule 1200, and each leading pad 90 of the mating ferrule 1200' extends beyond the rear end 1212 of the ferrule 1200 such that the leading pads 90' of the mating ferrule 1200' do not contact the ferrule 1200.

[0041] 13A is a schematic cross-sectional view of a portion of an optical ferrule 1300 having a major surface 1320 that includes multiple pairs 95a and 95b of leading and trailing pads 90 and 100. In some embodiments, more pairs of leading and trailing pads 90 and 100 are included (e.g., three, four, or more pairs). The multiple pairs of leading and trailing pads include a first pair 95a of leading and trailing pads 90 and 100 disposed on a first portion 1321 of the major surface 1320 of the optical ferrule 1300 and a second pair 95b of leading and trailing pads 90 and 100 disposed on another second portion 1322 of the major surface 1320 of the optical ferrule 1300. The first portion 1321 and the second portion 1322 are not coplanar. In some embodiments, the first portion 1321 and the second portion 1322 are substantially planar (e.g., if the first portion or the second portion has a radius of curvature, the radius of curvature may be substantially larger (e.g., at least 5 times, or 10 times, or 20 times larger) than the largest lateral dimension of the portion) and may be substantially parallel (e.g., within 30, 20, or 10 degrees). FIG. 13B is a schematic cross-sectional view of a portion of the optical ferrule 1300 during mating with a corresponding portion of a mating optical ferrule 1300′, and FIG. 13C is a schematic cross-sectional view showing the optical ferrule 1300 fully mated with the mating optical ferrule 1300′. During mating, the ferrule 1300 and the mating ferrule 1300′ move relative to each other along mating directions 1311 and 1311′. The mating ferrule 1300' has a major surface 1320' that includes multiple pairs 95a' and 95b' of leading pads 90' and trailing pads 100' that correspond to the multiple pairs 95a and 95b of leading pads 90 and trailing pads 100'.

[0042] 14 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a portion of the optical ferrule 1400 fully mated with a corresponding portion of the mating optical ferrule 1400. The optical ferrule 1400 corresponds to the optical ferrule 1300, except that the first portion 1421 has a longer length along the mating direction with respect to the second portion 1422 compared to the first portion 1321 and the second portion 1322. This allows for the provision of a window area 1450 through which light received by the light guide and redirected by a light redirecting surface (not shown in FIG. 14) of the optical ferrule 1400 can exit the optical ferrule 1400. In some embodiments, the optical ferrule 1400 and the mating optical ferrule 1400' are hermaphroditic.

[0043] In some embodiments herein, an optical device is provided that includes at least one pair of pads, protrusions, or platforms. The optical device may be or include an optical ferrule, an optical connector including a plurality of optical ferrules such as those described in US Patent Application Publication No. 2018 / 0217337 (Smith et al.) or US Patent Application Publication No. 2018 / 0284357 (Nelson et al.), an optical assembly including a mating ferrule or a ferrule mated to a mating cradle, an optical assembly including an optical connector mated to a mating connector, or a cradle adapted to receive an optical ferrule.

[0044] In some embodiments, a first optical device is provided that is adapted to couple to a second optical device along a mating or coupling direction. For example, the first optical device may be any of the optical ferrules described elsewhere herein, and the second optical device may be any of the corresponding mating optical ferrules. As another example, one of the first and second optical devices may be a cradle adapted to receive an optical ferrule, and the other of the first and second optical devices may be an optical ferrule.

[0045] 15A-15C are schematic top views of cradles 1500a-1500c having respective cavities or recesses 1525a-1525c adapted to receive an optical ferrule. The recesses 1525a-1525c have respective bottom surfaces 1520a-1520c, which include a leading platform, leading protrusion or leading pad 90 and a trailing platform, trailing protrusion or trailing pad 100. The recesses 1525a-1525c are adapted to receive an optical ferrule along the mating direction (x-direction) such that the optical ferrule approaches the leading pad 90 before the trailing pad 100. The bottom surfaces 1520a-1520c are landing surfaces for the optical ferrule. Conversely, the bottom surface of the optical ferrule can also be considered as a landing surface for the cradle. The bottom surface 1520a has two pairs 95a and 95b of leading pads 90 and trailing pads 100. In some embodiments, the first pair 95a and the second pair 95b are aligned on the bottom surface 1625 along a direction (y direction) substantially perpendicular to the bonding direction (x direction). The leading and trailing pads of the first pair 95a and the second pair 95b may have the same or different sizes or shapes. The bottom surface 1520b, as shown diagrammatically in FIG. 15B, includes three spaced apart pairs 95a-95c of leading pads 90 and trailing pads 100. In some embodiments, the first pair 95a and the second pair 95b are aligned on the bottom surface 1625 along a direction (y direction) substantially perpendicular to the bonding direction (x direction), and the third pair 95c is not colinear with the first pair 95a and the second pair 95b. In some embodiments, the leading and trailing pads of the first pair 95a and the second pair 95b may have the same size and shape, and the leading and trailing pads of the third pair 95c may have the same or different size or shape as the first pair 95a and the second pair 95b. For example, the leading and trailing pads of the third pair 95c may be larger than the leading and trailing pads of the first pair 95a and the second pair 95b.Bottom surface 1520c, as shown generally in Figure 15C, includes four regularly spaced pairs 95a-95d of leading pads 90 and trailing pads 100. In some embodiments, the leading and trailing pads are arranged in first and second regular arrays, respectively.

[0046] Other configurations of leading and trailing pad pairs are contemplated. For example, additional pairs may be included, or the pairs may be arranged in alternative patterns, or the leading and / or trailing pads may have different sizes and / or shapes. The leading and trailing pad pairs 90 and 100 illustrated generally in Figures 15A-15C may also optionally be disposed within recesses defined in the bottom surface, as further described elsewhere herein.

[0047] FIG. 16 is a schematic top view of a ferrule assembly 1601 including a ferrule 1600 mated to a cradle 1700. The optical ferrule 1600 may correspond to any of the optical ferrules described elsewhere herein. For example, the optical ferrule 1600 may include a number of grooves and optical redirecting surfaces (not shown in FIG. 16), such as those shown in FIG. 1A, FIG. 2, FIG. 5A, or FIG. 5B. The cradle 1700 may correspond to any of the cradles 1500a-1500c, for example. In some embodiments, the cradle 1700 includes a recess or cavity that receives the optical ferrule 1600, with the second platform (100) of the optical ferrule 1600 but not the first platform (90) contacting the bottom major surface of the cavity. In some embodiments, the bottom major surface of the cradle 1700 includes first and second platforms that respectively correspond to the first and second platforms of the optical ferrule 1600, and the second platform of the optical ferrule 1600 contacts and rests on the second platform(s) of the cradle 1700.

[0048] The optical ferrules herein may be one-piece. A one-piece body is a one-piece structure without any internal interfaces, joints, or seams. A one-piece body may be made, for example, by molding (e.g., injection molding of a thermoplastic material), casting, or machining. Other optical devices herein (e.g., cradles adapted to receive optical ferrules) may be one-piece and / or made by molding.

[0049] Terms such as "about" will be understood by those of skill in the art in the context in which they are used and described herein. If the use of "about" as applied to quantities expressing feature sizes, quantities, and physical characteristics is not clear to those of skill in the art in the context in which they are used and described herein, "about" will be understood to mean within 10 percent of the specified value. A quantity given as about a specified value may be the exact specified value. For example, if it is not clear to those of skill in the art in the context in which they are used and described herein, a quantity having a value of about 1 means a quantity having a value between 0.9 and 1.1 and the value may be 1.

[0050] Any of the above references, patents, or patent applications are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety in a consistent manner. In the event of any inconsistency or contradiction between any part of the incorporated reference and this application, the information in the above description shall prevail.

[0051] Descriptions of elements in a figure should be understood to apply equally to corresponding elements in other figures unless otherwise indicated. Although specific embodiments have been illustrated and described herein, those skilled in the art will recognize that various alternative and / or equivalent implementations may be substituted for the specific embodiments shown and described without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. The present application is intended to cover any adaptations or variations of the specific embodiments described herein. Accordingly, the present disclosure is to be limited only by the claims and their equivalents. In addition to the above-described embodiments, the following aspects are noted. (Appendix 1) 1. An optical ferrule having opposed top and bottom major surfaces, the top major surface including a first groove and a light redirecting surface, the light redirecting surface configured to receive light along a first direction from an optical waveguide received and supported within the first groove and redirect the received light along another, second direction, the redirected light exiting the optical ferrule through the bottom surface, the bottom surface including spaced apart, distinct first and second platforms disposed along a mating direction of the optical ferrule, the first and second platforms of the ferrule sliding against corresponding respective first and second platforms of the mating ferrule while the ferrule is mated with a mating optical ferrule, and when the ferrule is fully mated with the mating ferrule, the second platforms of the ferrule and the mating ferrule contact each other and rest on top of each other, and neither of the first platforms of the ferrule contacts the other ferrule. (Appendix 2) 2. The optical ferrule of claim 1, wherein the first platforms of the ferrule and the mating ferrule are wiping platforms for wiping the second platforms of the mating ferrule and the ferrule, respectively, and the second platforms of the ferrule and the mating ferrule are mating platforms that rest on top of each other. (Appendix 3) 3. The optical ferrule of claim 2, wherein the mating platforms of the ferrule and the mating ferrule rest on top of each other after the wiping platforms of the ferrule and the mating ferrule wipe the mating platforms of the ferrule and the mating ferrule, respectively. (Appendix 4) 4. The optical ferrule of claim 2 or 3, wherein after the wiping platforms of the ferrule and the mating ferrule have wiped the mating platforms of the mating ferrule and the ferrule, respectively, the mating platforms of the ferrule and the mating ferrule wipe against each other and come to rest. (Appendix 5) 5. The optical ferrule of claim 1, wherein the bottom surface includes a window area disposed between a narrower front portion and a wider rear portion of the bottom surface, and wherein the redirected light exits the optical ferrule through the window area of ​​the bottom surface. (Appendix 6) 6. The optical ferrule of claim 5, wherein the narrower front portion defines a recess therein, and the first and second platforms are formed in the recess and extend higher than the bottom surface adjacent the recess. (Appendix 7) 7. The optical ferrule of claim 6, wherein the first platform of the mating ferrule extends into the recess of the optical ferrule and does not contact the optical ferrule when the ferrule is fully mated to the mating ferrule. (Appendix 8) an optical ferrule including a first protrusion disposed between a second protrusion and a tip of the ferrule; 1. An optical ferrule configured to mate with a mating optical ferrule including a first protrusion disposed between a second protrusion and a tip, wherein when the ferrule is fully mated with the mating ferrule, the second protrusions of the ferrule and the mating ferrule contact each other and are stationary relative to each other, the first protrusions of the ferrule and the mating ferrule are disposed on opposite sides of the second protrusion, and the first protrusion of each ferrule faces without contacting a main surface of the other ferrule. (Appendix 9) An optical ferrule, comprising a plurality of first pads and a second pad disposed on a same first main surface of the ferrule, each pad extending from the first main surface to a pad surface, and when the ferrule is fully mated with a mating ferrule, the pad surface of the second pad, but not the first pad, contacts and rests on the main surface of the mating ferrule. (Appendix 10) 10. The optical ferrule of claim 9, wherein, while the optical ferrule is mated with a mating ferrule, each first pad of the optical ferrule slides against and moves past a corresponding first pad of the mating ferrule, and then the first pad of the optical ferrule slides against and moves past a second pad of the mating ferrule that corresponds to the second pad of the optical ferrule. (Appendix 11) 11. The optical ferrule of claim 10, wherein when the ferrule is fully mated with the mating ferrule, the second pads of the ferrule and the second pads of the mating ferrule contact each other and remain stationary relative to each other, and the first pads of neither ferrule contact the other ferrule. (Appendix 12) 11. The optical ferrule of claim 10, wherein when the ferrule is fully mated with the mating ferrule, each second pad of the ferrule and a corresponding second pad of the mating ferrule contact each other and remain stationary relative to each other, the corresponding first pads of the ferrule and the mating ferrule are disposed on opposite sides of the second pads, and the first pad of each ferrule faces without contacting a main surface of the other ferrule. (Appendix 13) An optical ferrule including a plurality of pairs of leading and trailing pads, wherein for each pair of leading and trailing pads, while the ferrule is mated with a mating optical ferrule, the leading pad slides against the main surface of the mating ferrule to prevent any debris on the main surface from accumulating on the trailing pad, and when the ferrule is fully mated with the mating ferrule, the trailing pad, rather than the leading pad, is in contact with the main surface of the mating ferrule. (Appendix 14) A first optical device adapted to be coupled to a second optical device along a coupling direction and including two spaced apart pairs of leading and trailing pads, wherein the first optical device lands and slides on a landing surface of the second optical device to optically couple to the second optical device, and for each pair of leading and trailing pads, the leading pad prevents any debris on the landing surface from accumulating on the trailing pad, and when the first optical device is fully coupled to the second optical device, the leading pad is not in contact with the landing surface. (Appendix 15) An optical ferrule including a plurality of pairs of wiping pads and mating pads, wherein when the optical ferrule is mated with a mating optical ferrule including a plurality of pairs of wiping pads and mating pads, the wiping pads of the ferrule and the mating ferrule wipe the mating ferrule and the mating pads of the ferrule, respectively, and when the ferrule is fully mated with the mating ferrule, the mating pads of the ferrule and the mating ferrule contact each other.

Claims

1. An optical ferrule having opposing top and bottom major surfaces, the top major surface including a first groove and a light redirecting surface, the light redirecting surface configured to receive light along an x-direction from an optical waveguide received and supported within the first groove and redirect the received light along another y-direction, the redirected light being emitted from the optical ferrule through the bottom major surface, the bottom major surface including a leading pad and a trailing pad arranged along the x-direction, An optical ferrule, wherein the bottom major surface of the optical ferrule lands against the bottom major surface of a mating optical ferrule and slides along the x-direction to optically couple to the mating optical ferrule, and the leading pad of the optical ferrule wipes away any debris present on the bottom major surface of the mating optical ferrule, and when the optical ferrule is fully coupled to the mating optical ferrule, the leading pad of the optical ferrule is not in contact with the mating optical ferrule.

2. An optical ferrule having opposed top and bottom major surfaces, the top major surface including a first groove and a light redirecting surface, the light redirecting surface configured to receive light along an x-direction from an optical waveguide received and supported in the first groove and redirect the received light along another y-direction, the redirected light being emitted from the optical ferrule through the bottom major surface, the bottom major surface including a recess configured to receive an optical ferrule including leading and trailing pads arranged along the x-direction, the recess having a bottom surface including leading and trailing pads arranged along the x-direction, the optical ferrule seating against the bottom surface and sliding along the x-direction to couple to the cradle, the leading pads of the cradle wiping any debris present on the bottom major surface of the optical ferrule, and the leading pads of the cradle are not in contact with the optical ferrule when the optical ferrule is fully coupled to the cradle.

3. An optical ferrule having opposing top and bottom major surfaces, the top major surface including a first groove and a light redirecting surface, the light redirecting surface configured to receive light along an x-direction from an optical waveguide received and supported within the first groove and redirect the received light along another y-direction, the redirected light being emitted from the optical ferrule through the bottom major surface, the bottom major surface including a plurality of pairs of wiping pads and mating pads arranged along the x-direction, An optical ferrule wherein, when the bottom major surface of the optical ferrule lands against the bottom major surface of a mating optical ferrule and slides along the x-direction to mate with the mating optical ferrule, the bottom major surface of which includes multiple pairs of wiping pads and mating pads, the wiping pads of the optical ferrule wipe the mating pads of the mating optical ferrule, and the wiping pads of the mating optical ferrule wipe the mating pads of the optical ferrule, and when the optical ferrule is fully mated with the mating optical ferrule, the mating pads of the optical ferrule and the mating pads of the mating optical ferrule contact each other, while the wiping pads of the optical ferrule do not contact the mating optical ferrule.

4. An optical ferrule having opposing top and bottom major surfaces, the top major surface including a first groove and a light redirecting surface, the light redirecting surface configured to receive light along an x-direction from an optical waveguide received and supported within the first groove and redirect the received light along another y-direction, the redirected light being emitted from the optical ferrule through the bottom major surface, the bottom major surface including a first protrusion and a second protrusion arranged along the x-direction, an optical ferrule configured such that the main bottom surface of the optical ferrule lands against the main bottom surface of a mating optical ferrule and slides along the x-direction to mate with the mating optical ferrule, and when the optical ferrule is fully mated with the mating optical ferrule, the second protrusion of the optical ferrule and the second protrusion of the mating optical ferrule contact each other and are stationary relative to each other, and the first protrusion of the optical ferrule does not contact the mating optical ferrule.

5. 5. The optical ferrule of claim 4, wherein during mating of the optical ferrule with the mating optical ferrule, the first protrusion of the optical ferrule slides against and moves past a corresponding first protrusion of the mating optical ferrule, and then the first protrusion of the optical ferrule slides against and moves past a second protrusion of the mating optical ferrule that corresponds to the second protrusion of the optical ferrule.

6. An optical ferrule having opposing top and bottom major surfaces, the top major surface including a first groove and a light redirecting surface, the light redirecting surface configured to receive light along an x-direction from an optical waveguide received and supported within the first groove and redirect the received light along another y-direction, the redirected light being emitted from the optical ferrule through the bottom major surface, the bottom major surface including a first pad and a second pad arranged along the x-direction, The main bottom surface of the optical ferrule is configured to land on a main bottom surface of a mating optical ferrule and slide along the x-direction to be mated with the mating optical ferrule, an optical ferrule, wherein when the optical ferrule is fully mated with the mating optical ferrule, a pad surface of the second pad contacts and rests on a bottom major surface of the mating optical ferrule, while the first pad of the optical ferrule does not contact the mating optical ferrule.

7. 7. The optical ferrule of claim 6, wherein while the optical ferrule is mated with the mating optical ferrule, the first pad of the optical ferrule slides against and moves past a corresponding first pad of the mating optical ferrule, and then the first pad of the optical ferrule slides against and moves past a second pad of the mating optical ferrule that corresponds to the second pad of the optical ferrule.

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