MPO Connector Recess and Anti-Reflective Coating
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional multi-fiber push on (MPO) optical connectors suffer from direct fiber-to-fiber contact, which complicates cleaning, increases the risk of fiber damage due to compressive forces, and results in higher insertion and reflection losses.
Innovation Solution
The MPO optical connector design incorporates a recess in the ferrule body that spaces the distal ends of the optical fibers apart from the second connector, reducing direct contact and incorporating an anti-reflective coating to minimize signal loss, with the recess depth optimized to minimize insertion and reflection losses.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If direct fiber-to-fiber contact is used in conventional MPO connectors, then optical connection is achieved, but cleaning becomes complicated and fiber damage risk increases due to compressive forces
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary air gap between the optical fibers of opposing connectors, preventing direct fiber-to-fiber contact. This gap acts as a mediator that eliminates compressive forces during connection while still allowing optical signal transmission through the gap, thereby reducing fiber damage risk and simplifying cleaning procedures
Solution Approach 2:
The invention transitions from direct contact in the longitudinal dimension to separated positioning with air gap in the transverse dimension. By optimizing the air gap distance, the patent achieves a balance between preventing fiber damage and maintaining optical connection quality
2Loss of energy
If direct fiber-to-fiber contact is used in conventional MPO connectors, then optical connection is established, but insertion loss and reflection loss increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent optimizes the air gap distance as a critical parameter to minimize insertion loss and reflection loss. By carefully controlling the separation distance between fibers from opposing connectors, the invention achieves reduced energy loss while maintaining reliable optical connection
Solution Approach 2:
The air gap serves as an intermediary medium that, when optimized, reduces reflection losses by preventing direct fiber contact while still allowing sufficient optical signal transmission to maintain connection quality
3Reliability
If recess is added to ferrule body to space fibers apart, then fiber damage risk is reduced and cleaning is easier, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The ferrule body is segmented into distinct regions: a recessed portion that houses the optical fibers at a separated distance, and an extended portion that forms the connection interface. This segmentation allows the ferrule to provide both fiber protection and connection functionality with minimal added complexity
Data Source
AI summary
A multi-fiber push on (MPO) optical connector includes a housing supporting a ferrule body. The ferrule body forms an optical connection with a second MPO optical connector. The ferrule body includes a connection end having a distal end face arranged to face the second MPO optical connector when the ferrule body forms the optical connection with the second MPO optical connector. The connection end of the ferrule body defines a recess extending proximally into the ferrule body from the distal end face. A plurality of optical fibers are received in the ferrule body. Distal ends of the optical fibers are adjacent to a proximal end of the recess such that the distal ends of the optical fibers are spaced apart from the second MPO optical connector when the ferrule body forms an optical connection with the second MPO optical connector. The distal ends of the optical fibers are coated with an anti-reflective material.