Patent ID: 6442306
Filing Date: 2002-08-27
Classification: G02B

Abstract:
A self-aligned NÃ—M fiber array connector comprisinga first fiber array connector comprising a plurality of stacked substrates, a top substrate including a first plurality of alignment fiducials, the plurality of stacked substrates including a plurality of NM apertures formed through the thickness of the stack, the apertures for supporting a first plurality of NM optical fibers; a second fiber array connector comprising a plurality of stacked substrates, a top substrate including a second plurality of alignment fiducials, the second plurality of alignment fiducials disposed to coincide with the location of the first plurality of alignment fiducials, the plurality of stacked substrates including a plurality of NM apertures formed through the thickness of the stack, the apertures for supporting a second plurality of NM optical fibers, the first plurality of alignment fiducials for mating with the second plurality of alignment fiducials upon contacting the first fiber array top surface with the second fiber array top surface and providing self-alignment of the first plurality of NM optical fibers to the second plurality of NM optical fibers.