Patent ID: 6031947
Filing Date: 2000-02-29
Classification: G02B

Abstract:
A fiber optic apparatus, comprising:first ferrule including a first fiber end of a first optical fiber for transmitting communication signals;a second ferrule including a first plurality of fiber ends (""first communications fiber end plurality"") of a first plurality of communication fibers for transmitting communication signals;each of said first and second ferrules further including at least one control fiber for communicating control signals for use in aligning said first fiber end with a selected one of said first communications fiber end plurality;control means, operatively associated with said control fibers, for aligning said first fiber end and said selected one of said communications fiber end plurality based on said communicated control signals;said first and second ferrules being positioned that such said first fiber end and first said first communications fiber end plurality are optically opposed across an interface between said ferrules; andoptical transmission means, disposed within said interface, for enhancing transmission of optical signals across said interface, said transmission means including a material having an index of reflection selected to reduce optical losses with regard to said optical signals transmitted across said interface.