Patent Publication Number: US-2023152529-A1

Title: Detachable connectors for high fiber count applications

Description:
PRIORITY APPLICATION 
     This application claims the benefit of priority of U.S. Provisional Application No. 63/279,389, filed on Nov. 15, 2021, the content of which is relied upon and incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. 
    
    
     FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE 
     This disclosure relates generally to optical fiber cable assemblies and systems, and more particularly, to high fiber count cable assemblies and systems and the corresponding manufacturing methods thereof. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE DISCLOSURE 
     Optical fibers are useful in a wide variety of applications, including the telecommunications industry for voice, video, and data transmissions. In a telecommunications system that uses optical fibers, there are typically many locations where fiber optic cables that carry the optical fibers connect to equipment or other fiber optic cables. To conveniently provide these connections, fiber optic connectors are often provided on the ends of fiber optic cables. The process of terminating individual optical fibers from a fiber optic cable is referred to as “connectorization.” Connectorization can be done in a factory, resulting in a “pre-connectorized” or “pre-terminated” fiber optic cable, or the field (e.g., using a “field-installable” fiber optic connector). 
     The rapid growth of hyperscale datacenters and 5G access networks have been driving the evolution of optical fiber cables toward increasing fiber count and density. Deployment of outside plant cables within datacenters has been a capital intensive infrastructure investment, and datacenter operators typically pre-install ducts to connect campus wide buildings. The ducts have various diameters ranging from 1 inch to 4 inches. 
     In conventional cable deployment, the cables are first installed through the ducts or micro-ducts. The cables are subsequently terminated in the field through fusion splicing inside a transition splice cabinet or a splice closure. Splicing in the field is a costly and time consuming process involving skilled field technicians. Field splicing also requires workspace that is sometimes unavailable. 
     Pre-terminated cables installed through the ducts are challenging since the connectors need to be packaged in a pulling grip that conforms to the cable diameter. The lack of high fiber count connectors coupled with the increase of fiber density exacerbates the problem. For example, a 6,912 fiber cable requires as many as 288 connectors if each connector terminates 24 fibers. An ideal connectivity between the furcated outside plant cable and the indoor cable would have a single or a small number of connections that only require a few matings over the lifetime. Commercially available highest fiber count single mode connectors are limited to 32 fibers. Moreover, the cost per fiber termination increases when moving to higher fiber count connectors due to the reduced yield in both connector and the assembly process. 
     With existing connector termination technology plateauing at about 32 fiber per connector, there is a need for alternative high fiber count termination process that enable the connections of more than 144 fibers in a small footprint, while providing at least the same level of insertion loss and cost per fiber termination. 
     SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE 
     The present disclosure relates to a matched pair detachable connector for high fiber count applications where the configuration of the connector maintains optical fiber alignment and ferrule alignment during assembly of the connector. 
     In one embodiment, an optical fiber connector assembly is provided. The optical fiber connector assembly comprising: a plurality of optical fibers; a connector including: a ferrule having an inner channel in which the plurality of optical fibers are secured, the ferrule having at least one groove on an outer surface of the ferrule and along a length of the ferrule; at least one stabilizing body received in the at least one groove; and a sleeve applied onto the ferrule; wherein the sleeve defines or engages the at least one stabilizing body and creates an interference fit between the ferrule and the sleeve. 
     In another embodiment, the sleeve includes at least one protrusion integrally formed with the sleeve to define the at least one stabilizing body In another embodiment, the sleeve spans a circumference of the ferrule. In another embodiment, a portion of the outer surface of the ferrule is in contact with the sleeve. In another embodiment, the ferrule includes at least one protrusion along the outer surface of the ferrule that engages with the sleeve. In another embodiment, the at least one stabilizing body comprises at least one pin received in the at least one groove, wherein the sleeve and engages the at least one pin and creates the interference fit. In another embodiment, the sleeve spans the outer surface of the ferrule. In another embodiment, a portion of the outer surface of the ferrule is in contact with the sleeve. In another embodiment, the ferrule includes at least one protrusion along the outer surface of the ferrule that engages with the sleeve. In another embodiment, the sleeve includes a slit extending along a length of the sleeve to create a gap, wherein the gap is aligned with at least a portion of the inner channel of the ferrule. In another embodiment, the sleeve includes a helical slit along a length of the sleeve. 
     In one embodiment, an optical fiber connector assembly is provided. The optical fiber connector assembly comprising: a plurality of optical fibers; a connector including: a ferrule having an inner channel in which the plurality of optical fibers are secured, the ferrule having at least one groove on an outer surface of the ferrule and along a length of the ferrule; at least one stabilizing body received in the at least one groove; and a sleeve applied onto the ferrule, wherein the sleeve defines or engages the at least one stabilizing body and creates an interference fit between the ferrule and the sleeve; a compression sleeve received over at least a portion of the sleeve, wherein the compression sleeve includes a plurality of teeth that contact the sleeve; a center barrel having an inner channel that houses the connector, wherein the center barrel includes an inward protrusion that defines at least one slanted surface within the inner channel; and a connector nut secured to the center barrel and urging compression sleeve against the at one slanted surface so that the plurality of teeth of the compression sleeve apply a radial force onto the connector. 
     In another embodiment, the inward protrusion of center barrel contacts the connector. In another embodiment, the optical fiber connector assembly further comprising a spring retained within the connector nut and configured to bias the ferrule relative to the connector nut. In another embodiment, the optical fiber connector assembly further comprising a bushing between ferrule and spring, wherein biasing force from the spring is transferred to the ferrule by the bushing. In another embodiment, the spring is received on a spring sleeve that contacts the bushing to transfer the biasing force to the bushing. In another embodiment, the sleeve includes at least one protrusion integrally formed with the sleeve to define the at least one stabilizing body. In another embodiment, the sleeve spans a circumference of the ferrule. In another embodiment, a portion of the outer surface of the ferrule is in contact with the sleeve. In another embodiment, the ferrule includes at least one protrusion along the outer surface of the ferrule that engages with the sleeve. In another embodiment, the at least one stabilizing body comprises at least one pin received in the at least one groove, wherein the sleeve engages the at least one pin and creates the interference fit. In another embodiment, the sleeve spans the outer surface of the ferrule. In another embodiment, a portion of the outer surface of the ferrule is in contact with the sleeve. In another embodiment, the ferrule includes at least one protrusion along the outer surface of the ferrule that engages with the sleeve. In another embodiment, the sleeve includes a slit extending along a length of the sleeve to create a gap, wherein the gap is aligned with the inner channel of the ferrule. In another embodiment, the sleeve includes a helical slit along a length of the sleeve. 
     In one embodiment, a method of assembling a connector assembly is provided. The method of assembling a connector assembly comprising: inserting a plurality of optical fibers into an inner channel of a ferrule; installing a bushing onto either side of the ferrule; inserting an adhesive into the inner channel; dicing the ferrule along a dicing plane to form a first connector ferrule and a second connector ferrule, wherein the dicing plane has an angle θ relative to a longitudinal axis of the ferrule; applying a sleeve onto the first connector ferrule to form a first connector; inserting the first connector into an inner channel of a center barrel, wherein at least the sleeve extends beyond an opening of the center barrel; inserting the second connector ferrule into the sleeve to form a connector; and moving the first connector ferrule, the second connector ferrule, and the sleeve into the inner channel. 
     In another embodiment, the method further comprising: securing a connector nut to the center barrel; applying a compression sleeve onto the sleeve and adjacent to the connector nut; wherein the connector nut urges the compression sleeve against an inward protrusion of the center barrel. In another embodiment, the inward protrusion of the center barrel contacts the connector. In another embodiment, the method further comprising retaining a spring within the connector nut, wherein the spring is configured to bias the ferrule relative to the connector nut. In another embodiment, the spring is received on a spring sleeve that contacts the bushing to transfer the biasing force to the bushing. In another embodiment, the angle θ ranges between 82° and 90°. 
     Additional features will be set forth in the detailed description which follows, and in part will be readily apparent to those skilled in the technical field of optical communications. It is to be understood that the foregoing general description, the following detailed description, and the accompanying drawings are merely exemplary and intended to provide an overview or framework to understand the nature and character of the claims. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The accompanying drawings are included to provide a further understanding, and are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification. The drawings illustrate one or more embodiment(s), and together with the description serve to explain principles and operation of the various embodiments. Persons skilled in the technical field of optical connectivity will appreciate how features and attributes associated with embodiments shown in one of the drawings may be applied to embodiments shown in others of the drawings. 
         FIG.  1    is a side perspective view of a cable assembly in accordance with the present disclosure; 
         FIG.  2    is a cross-sectional view of an outdoor cable shown in the cable assembly of  FIG.  1   ; 
         FIG.  3    is a perspective view of a connector assembly in accordance with the present disclosure; 
         FIG.  4    is an exploded view of the connector assembly of  FIG.  3   ; 
         FIG.  4 A  is a cross-sectional view of a center barrel of the connector assembly of  FIG.  3   ; 
         FIG.  5    is a cross-sectional view of the connector assembly of  FIG.  3   ; 
         FIG.  6    is a perspective view of a ferrule of the connector assembly of  FIG.  3   ; 
         FIG.  7    is a front view of the ferrule of  FIG.  6   ; 
         FIG.  8    is a cross sectional view of an embodiment of a connector of the connector assembly of  FIG.  3   ; 
         FIG.  8 A  is a perspective view of the connector of  FIG.  8   ; 
         FIG.  9    is a cross sectional view of an alternate embodiment of a connector of the connector assembly of  FIG.  3   ; 
         FIG.  9 A  is a perspective view of the connector of  FIG.  9   ; 
         FIGS.  10 - 15    are cross sectional views of alternate embodiments of a connector of the connector assembly of  FIG.  3   ; 
         FIG.  16    is a perspective view of an alternate sleeve that can be used for connectors and connector assemblies in accordance with the present disclosure; 
         FIG.  17    is an exploded, perspective view of a bushing of the connector of the connector assembly of  FIG.  3   ; and 
         FIG.  18 - 34    are illustrations depicting a method of assembling a connector and a connector assembly in accordance with the present disclosure. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     Various embodiments will be further clarified by examples in the description below. In general, the present disclosure relates to a matched pair detachable connector for high fiber count applications where the configuration of the connector maintains optical fiber alignment and ferrule alignment during assembly of the connector. 
     Referring first to  FIG.  1   , a cable assembly  100  is shown. Cable assembly  100  includes an outdoor cable  104  (e.g., a high fiber count cable) and an indoor cable  106  (e.g., a lower fiber count cable with a flame retardant jacket) that mate together as discussed herein. Outdoor cable  104  is fed through a duct  102  of a building (e.g., hyperscale datacenter, etc.) and includes multiple subunits  105 . Subunits  105  comprise optical fibers  108  or optical fiber ribbons  108 . Optical fibers  108  of outdoor cable  104  are configured to connect to optical fibers  110  of indoor cable  106  by a connector assembly  150  as discussed in greater detail herein. In some embodiments, the connection between optical fibers  108  and optical fibers  110  can comprise greater than 144 optical fibers, which are housed in connector assembly  150 . Outdoor cable  104  is scalable to accommodate high optical fiber counts such as 6,912 optical fibers depending on the optical fiber diameters. In other embodiments, connector assembly  150  can be used with only indoor cables  106  or only outdoor cables  104 . 
     Optical fibers  108 ,  110  may comprise different fiber types, different coating diameters, different ribbon formats, or a different combination of the above. In some embodiments, fiber types include standard single mode fibers or highly bend insensitive fibers. The fiber coating diameters include 250 μm, 200 μm, 180 μm, 160 μm and lower fiber coating diameters. The ribbon formats include fully encapsulated ribbon and rollable ribbon. Such combinations offer flexibility that can be tailored to different applications as opposed to the prior art where all the fiber attributes must be identical on both sides of the connection. 
     Referring briefly to  FIG.  2   , a cross-sectional view of an embodiment of outdoor cable  104  is shown in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure. As shown, outdoor cable  104  has 12 routable subunits  105 ; however, it is contemplated that in alternate embodiments, alternate number of subunits  105  may be included in outdoor cable  104 . Each of the subunits  105  includes optical fibers  108  loosely disposed within the subunit  105  (e.g., in an essentially parallel array). In certain embodiments, the optical fibers  108  may be coated with a thin film of powder (e.g., chalk, talc, etc.) which forms a separation layer that prevents the fibers from sticking to the molten sheath material during extrusion. 
     Referring back to  FIG.  1   , indoor cables  106  are generally housed within an interior of a building (e.g., hyperscale datacenter, etc.) and comprise an outer jacket  112  from which optical fibers  110  protrude. Each indoor cable  106  requires a smaller number of matched connections with outdoor cable  104 . For example, a 288 fiber indoor cable  106  and a 288 fiber subunit  105  from outdoor cable  104  requires two 144 fiber matched connectors  150 A,  150 B ( FIG.  5   ). As shown in  FIG.  1   , connector assemblies  150  are staggered so that cable assembly  100  can be enclosed in a pulling grip with a size close to the outer diameter of outside cable  104  for installation through duct  102 . 
     While the above disclosure describes the use of connector assembly  150  with outdoor cable  104  and indoor cable  106 , connector assembly  150  of the present disclosure can be used in alternate settings such as where connector assembly  150  is used with only indoor cables or optical fibers  125 , for example, as discussed herein. 
     As used herein, “optical fibers” refer to either embodiment of singular, loose optical fibers or ribbonized optical fibers or stacked ribbonized optical fibers. Moreover, the present disclosure discusses dicing a connector  152  and optical fibers  150 . In particular, when connector  152  is diced, connector  152  is diced into connectors  150 A,  150 B as discussed in greater detail herein. Similarly, when optical fibers  125  are diced, optical fibers  125  are diced into diced optical fibers  125 A,  125 B as discussed in greater detail herein. 
     Referring now to  FIGS.  3 - 5   , optical fibers  125  are placed in a connector assembly  150 . Connector assembly  150  comprises a connector  152 , spring  181 , spring sleeve  183 , connector nut  185 , compression sleeve  187 , and center barrel  189 . Connector  152  comprises a connector housing or ferrule  154 , a sleeve  156 , and a bushing  158 . It is within the scope of the present disclosure that in alternate embodiments, connector  152  comprises a ferrule  154  and a sleeve  156 , and connector assembly comprises bushing  158 , spring  181 , spring sleeve  183 , connector nut  185 , compression sleeve  187 , and center barrel  189 . 
     Referring now to  FIGS.  6  and  7   , ferrule  154  includes comprises at least one wall  151  to define an inner channel  153  along a longitudinal axis L of ferrule  154 . In some embodiments, ferrule  154  is generally U-shaped. However, it is within the scope of the present disclosure that alternate shapes of ferrule  154  may be used. For example, ferrule  154  may include additional channels to house a greater number of optical fibers (e.g., more than 144 optical fibers such as 288 fiber or 432 fiber matched connector pairs). It is also within the scope of the present disclosure that in alternate embodiments, ferrule  154  may be modified to house fewer optical fibers (e.g., less than 144 optical fibers). Inner channel  153  is configured to house optical fibers  125  (shown in at least  FIG.  5   ), and in some embodiments, optical fibers  125  are substantially parallel to longitudinal axis L of ferrule  154 . As used herein, “substantially parallel” refers to parallel axes to within 0.15° relative to each other. Inner channel  153  houses mating interface  115  of diced optical fibers  125 A,  125 B. 
     As shown in at least  FIGS.  4  and  5   , inner channel  153  also receives a potting adhesive  159  configured to fill in the spaces between optical fibers  125  and to hold diced optical fibers  125 A,  125 B of optical fibers  125  in place to maintain alignment between connectors  150 A,  150 B and thereby, yielding improved insertion loss properties as discussed herein. To hold or encapsulate potting adhesive  159  within ferrule  154 , a sleeve  156  and a bushing  158  (shown in at least  FIGS.  4  and  5   ) are applied onto ferrule  154  as discussed in greater detail below. In some embodiments, cured potting adhesive  169  has a modulus of elasticity ranging between 0.1 GPa and 10 GPa, between 1 GPa and 5 GPa, or between 1 GPa and 3 GPa. As used herein, “cured potting adhesive” refers to when potting adhesive  169  reaches full bonding strength. In some embodiments, potting adhesive  159  has a shrinkage ratio (volume reduction after curing) ranging between 0.1% and 5%, between 0.5% and 3%, or between 0.5% and 2%. In some embodiments, potting adhesive  159  has a coefficient of thermal expansion ranging between 10×10 −6 /° C. and 200×10 −6 /° C., between 20×10 −6 /° C. and 150×10 −6 /° C., or between 20×10 −6 /° C. and 100×10 −6 /° C. 
     Referring now to  FIGS.  6  and  7   , ferrule  154  also includes a plurality of grooves  155  that extend along a length L 1  and generally parallel to longitudinal axis L of ferrule  154 . As discussed in greater detail below, grooves  155  are configured to provide an area for a stabilizing body such as pins  160  or protrusions  175  (both of which are discussed in greater detail below) to be seated onto ferrule  154  when assembling connector  152 . As shown, in this embodiment, grooves  155  are equally spaced from each other about the circumference of ferrule  154 . Stated another way, grooves  155  are spaced about 120 degrees from each other. In some embodiments, grooves  155  are spaced at an angle ranging between 110 degrees and 130 degrees from each other. However, in alternate embodiments, the number and spacing of grooves  155  around the circumference of ferrule  154  may be varied as discussed below. In addition, in this embodiment, grooves  155  are V-grooves in which edges  161  of grooves  155  are substantially straight and uniform along length L 1  of ferrule  154 . In alternate embodiments, grooves  155  may have an alternate shape where edges  161  are not straight as discussed herein. 
     Ferrule  154  further comprises a dicing groove or center groove  157 . Dicing groove  157  identifies approximately where ferrule  154  is to be diced to form connectors  150 A,  150 B. That is, dicing groove  157  defines a dicing plane P (that is co-planar with dicing groove  157 ) through which ferrule  154  and housed optical fibers  125  are diced as discussed in greater detail below. In some embodiments, dicing plane P is perpendicular to longitudinal axis L. In some embodiments, dicing plane P is angled with respect to longitudinal axis L to enhance return loss performance of connector assembly  150 . In some embodiments, dicing plane P has an angle θ ranging between 1° and 8°, between 2° and 7°, or between 3° and 6° off 90° with respect to longitudinal axis L. Stated another way, angle θ ranges between 82° and 89°, 830 and 88°, or 84° and 87° with respect to longitudinal axis L. In some embodiments, dicing plane P has an angle θ of about 8° off 90° with respect to longitudinal axis L. Stated another way, in some embodiments, angle θ is about 82° with respect to longitudinal axis L. In some embodiments, when dicing plane P is angled, the splice joints  115  of optical fibers  125  are staggered in accordance with the angle of dicing plane P relative to longitudinal axis L. 
     As mentioned previously, connector  152  further comprises a sleeve  156  and a bushing  158 . Sleeve  156  is applied onto the circumference of ferrule  154 . Sleeve  156  spans the circumference or outer surface S of ferrule  154 . Sleeve  156  is configured to define or engage at least one stabilizing body (e.g., pins  160  or protrusions  175  as discussed in greater detail below) against an outer surface S of ferrule  154  and in particular, into grooves  155  of ferrule  154 . Various embodiments of ferrule  154 , sleeve  156 , and pins  160  are shown in  FIGS.  8 - 16    and discussed in greater detail below. In some embodiments, sleeve  156  has a length such that sleeve  156  covers the circumference of ferrule  154 . In some embodiments, sleeve  156  includes a slit  171  that extends linearly along length L 3  and through length L 3  of sleeve  156  to provide a gap  173  in covering the circumference of ferrule  154 . Stated another way, gap  173  of sleeve  156  is aligned with at least a portion of inner channel  153  of ferrule  154 . However, in alternate embodiments, slit  171  is helical along length L 3  of sleeve  156  as shown in  FIG.  16   . Advantageously, a helical slit  171  provides installation flexibility as helical slit  171  and corresponding gap  173  can be oriented in more positions along the circumference of ferrule  154  without disturbing the alignment of ferrule  154  of mated connectors  150 A,  150 B within sleeve  156 . Also, helical slit  171  clamps or provides a compressive force that is normal to and uniformly distributed about the circumference of ferrule  154 , which can enhance the structural integrity of the connector  152  and connector assembly  150 . In some embodiments, sleeve  156  has a uniform thickness T. However, in alternate embodiments, sleeve  156  has a non-uniform thickness where sleeve  156  includes protrusions  175  that are integrally formed with sleeve  156  to define the stabilizing body to be received into grooves  155 . 
       FIGS.  8 - 15    as discussed below show various embodiments of connector  152  and the corresponding configurations of ferrule  154 , sleeve  156 , and pins  160 . 
     Referring first to  FIG.  8   , an embodiment of connector  152 , and the configuration of ferrule  154 , sleeve  156 , and pins  160  is shown. As shown, ferrule  154  includes three (3) grooves  155  that are equally spaced apart from each other about the circumference of ferrule  154  (i.e., grooves  155  are spaced about 120 degrees apart from each other). Moreover, grooves  155  are V-shaped grooves in which edges  161  are substantially straight and uniform along length L 1  of ferrule  154 . As shown, pins  160  are seated within grooves  155  and are held in place against edges  161  by sleeve  156 . Sleeve  156  engages pins  160  such that sleeve  156  and ferrule  154  are in an interference fit. Sleeve  156 , when engaged with pins  160 , maintains the position of pins  160  along length L 1  of ferrule  154  of mated connectors  150 A,  150 B and thereby, maintains rotational alignment and radial alignment of optical fibers  125 A,  125 B and alignment of inner channel  153  of mated connectors  150 A,  150 B as shown in  FIG.  8 A . Sleeve  156  has a uniform thickness T and includes a slit  171  to define a gap  173  along a length of sleeve  156 . 
     Referring now to  FIG.  9   , an alternate embodiment of connector  152  (referred to as “connector  152 A”) and the configuration of ferrule  154 , sleeve  156 , and pins  160  are shown. In this embodiment, the components that are consistent with those disclosed in reference to FIG.  8  will have the same reference numbers with those differing having the letter “A” placed along the same reference number. Similar to connector  152  of  FIG.  8   , ferrule  154  includes three (3) grooves  155  that are equally spaced apart from each other about the circumference of ferrule  154  (i.e., grooves  155  are spaced about 120 degrees apart from each other). Moreover, grooves  155  are V-shaped grooves in which edges  161  are substantially straight and uniform along length L 1  of ferrule  154 . As shown, connector  152 A does not include any pins  160 , and rather, connector  152 A includes a sleeve  156 A that has a variable thickness. In particular, sleeve  156 A includes a plurality of spines or protrusions  175 A having a thickness T 2  that is different from thickness T 1  of sleeve  156 A, and protrusions  175 A are inserted into grooves  155  to create an interference fit between sleeve  156 A and ferrule  154 . In this configuration, protrusions  175 A extend throughout length L 1  of ferrule  154  and maintain alignment of optical fibers  125 A,  125 B of connectors  150 A,  150 B and alignment of inner channel  153  of connectors  150 A,  150 B. In particular, protrusions  175 A maintain rotational alignment and radial alignment of ferrule  154  of mated connectors  150 A,  150 B. Also, sleeve  156 A does not include a slit  171  and therefore, does not include a gap  173  along a length of sleeve  156 . Advantageously, the interference fit between sleeve  156 A and ferrule  154  provides additional compressive forces onto grooves  155  thereby maintaining alignment of ferrule  154  and optical fibers  108 ,  110  of mated connectors  150 A,  150 B as shown in  FIG.  9 A . As used herein, “rotational alignment” refers to alignment of components in a direction about a longitudinal axis L of optical fibers  125  where longitudinal axis L is the axis of rotation. As also used herein, “radial alignment” refers to alignment of components in a direction outwardly from a longitudinal axis L where longitudinal axis L is a center from which the radial alignment extends. 
     Referring now to  FIG.  10   , an alternate embodiment of connector  152  (referred to as “connector  152 B”) and the configuration of ferrule  154 , sleeve  156 , and pins  160  are shown. As mentioned previously, in this embodiment, the components that are consistent with those disclosed in reference to  FIG.  8    will have the same reference numbers with those differing having the letter “B” placed along the same reference number. Ferrule  154  includes three (3) grooves  155  that are unequally spaced apart from each other about the circumference of ferrule  154 . That is, as shown, grooves  155  that are closer to the opening of ferrule  154  are closer to each other than the groove  155  below inner channel  153 . Grooves  155  are V-shaped grooves in which edges  161  are substantially straight and uniform along length L 1  of ferrule  154 . As shown, connector  152 B includes a single pin  160  received in one of grooves  155  while the other grooves  155  do not have a pin  160 . Pin  160  is held within groove  155  by sleeve  156  (substantially the same as sleeve  156  of  FIG.  8    described above) as shown. Sleeve  156  engages pin  160  such that sleeve  156  and ferrule  154  are in an interference fit. In addition, sleeve  156  engages with a portion of an outer surface S of ferrule  154 . In particular, sleeve  156  engages with a portion of an upper half of ferrule  154  where the upper half is the portion of ferrule  154  above centerline C as shown in  FIG.  10   . Sleeve  156  has a uniform thickness T and includes a slit  171  to define a gap  173  along a length of sleeve  156 . In this configuration, pin  160  extends throughout length L 1  of ferrule  154  and maintains alignment of optical fibers  125 A,  125 B of connectors  150 A,  150 B and alignment of inner channel  153  of connectors  150 A,  150 B. In particular, pin  160  maintains rotational alignment of ferrule  154  of mated connectors  150 A,  150 B, and sleeve  156  maintains radial alignment of mated connectors  150 A,  150 B. Another advantage of this configuration is that there are a fewer number of components with only one pin  160 . As such, maintenance of connector assembly  150  is improved. 
     Referring now to  FIG.  11   , an alternate embodiment of connector  152  (referred to as “connector  152 C”) and the configuration of ferrule  154 , sleeve  156 , and pins  160  are shown. As mentioned previously, in this embodiment, the components that are consistent with those disclosed in reference to  FIG.  8    will have the same reference numbers with those differing having the letter “C” placed along the same reference number. Ferrule  154 C includes one (1) groove  155  and two (2) protrusions  177 C that are unequally spaced apart from each other about the circumference of ferrule  154 C. That is, as shown, protrusions  177 C are closer to the opening of ferrule  154 C and are closer to each other than the groove  155  below inner channel  153 . Protrusions  177 C are V-shaped in this embodiment where protrusions  177 C have straight edges that are uniform along length L 1  of ferrule  154 C; however, it is within the scope of the present disclosure that in alternate embodiments, other suitable shapes of protrusions  177 C may be used. In this embodiment, groove  155  is a V-shaped groove in which edges  161  are substantially straight and uniform along length L 1  of ferrule  154 C. As shown, connector  152 C includes a single pin  160  received in groove  155 . Pin  160  is held within groove  155  by sleeve  156  (substantially the same as sleeve  156  of  FIG.  8    described above) as shown. In particular, sleeve  156  engages pin  160  such that sleeve  156  and ferrule  154  are in an interference fit. Sleeve  156  also engages with protrusions  177 C. Advantageously, in this configuration, the force of sleeve  156  is applied more evenly about the circumference of ferrule  154 . Sleeve  156  has a uniform thickness T and includes a slit  171  to define a gap  173  along a length of sleeve  156 . Similar to the configuration of  FIG.  10   , pin  160  extends throughout length L 1  of ferrule  154  and maintains alignment of optical fibers  125 A,  125 B of connectors  150 A,  150 B and alignment of inner channel  153  of connectors  150 A,  150 B. In particular, pin  160  maintains rotational alignment of ferrule  154 C of mated connectors  150 A,  150 B, and sleeve  156  maintains radial alignment of mated connectors  150 A,  150 B. Another advantage of this configuration is that there are a fewer number of components with only one pin  160 . As such, maintenance of connector assembly  150  is improved. 
     Referring now to  FIG.  12   , an alternate embodiment of connector  152  (referred to as “connector  152 D”) and the configuration of ferrule  154 , sleeve  156 , and pins  160  are shown. In this embodiment, the components that are consistent with those disclosed in reference to  FIG.  8    will have the same reference numbers with those differing having the letter “D” placed along the same reference number. Similar to connector  152 B of  FIG.  10   , ferrule  154  includes three (3) grooves  155  that are unequally spaced apart from each other about the circumference of ferrule  154 . That is, as shown, grooves  155  that are closer to the opening of ferule  154  are closer to each other than the groove  155  below inner channel  153 . Grooves  155  are V-shaped grooves in which edges  161  are substantially straight and uniform along length L 1  of ferrule  154 . As shown, connector  152 D does not include any pins  160 , and rather, connector  152 D includes a sleeve  156 D that has a variable thickness. In particular, sleeve  156 D includes a spine or protrusion  175 D having a thickness T 2  that is different from thickness T 1  of sleeve  156 D, and protrusion  175 D is inserted into groove  155  below inner channel  153  to create an interference fit between sleeve  156 D and ferrule  154 . In this configuration, protrusion  175 AD extends throughout length L 1  of ferrule  154  and maintains alignment of optical fibers  125 A,  125 B of connectors  150 A,  150 B and alignment of inner channel  153  of connectors  150 A,  150 B. In particular, protrusion  175 D maintains rotational alignment of ferrule  154  of mated connectors  150 A,  150 B, and sleeve  156  maintains radial alignment of mated connectors  150 A,  150 B. Also, sleeve  156 D does not include a slit  171  and therefore, does not include a gap  173  along a length of sleeve  156 D. Advantageously, the interference fit between sleeve  156 D and ferrule  154  provides additional compressive forces onto grooves  155  thereby maintaining alignment of ferrule  154  and optical fibers  108 ,  110  of mated connectors  150 A,  150 B as shown in  FIG.  9 A . In addition, sleeve  156 D engages with a portion of an outer surface S of ferrule  154 . In particular, sleeve  156 D engages with a portion of an upper half of ferrule  154  where the upper half is the portion of ferrule  154  above centerline C as shown in  FIG.  12   . 
     Referring now to  FIG.  13   , an alternate embodiment of connector  152  (referred to as “connector  152 E”) and the configuration of ferrule  154 E, sleeve  156 , and pins  160  are shown. As mentioned previously, in this embodiment, the components that are consistent with those disclosed in reference to  FIG.  8    will have the same reference numbers with those differing having the letter “E” placed along the same reference number. Ferrule  154 E includes one (1) grooves  155  and two (2) protrusions  177 E that are unequally spaced apart from each other about the circumference of ferrule  154 E. That is, as shown, protrusions  177 E are closer to the opening of ferrule  154 E and are closer to each other than the groove  155  below inner channel  153 . Protrusions  177 E are V-shaped in this embodiment where protrusions  177 E have straight edges that are uniform along length L 1  of ferrule  154 E; however, it is within the scope of the present disclosure that in alternate embodiments, other suitable shapes of protrusions  177 E may be used. In this embodiment, groove  155  is a V-shaped groove in which edges  161  are substantially straight and uniform along length L 1  of ferrule  154 E. As shown, connector  152 E does not include any pins  160 , and rather, connector  152 E includes a sleeve  156 E that has a variable thickness. In particular, sleeve  156 E includes a spine or protrusion  175 E having a thickness T 2  that is different from thickness T 1  of sleeve  156 E, and protrusion  175 E is inserted into groove  155  below inner channel  153  to create an interference fit between sleeve  156 E and ferrule  154 E. In this configuration, protrusion  175 E extends throughout length L 1  of ferrule  154  and maintains alignment of optical fibers  125 A,  125 B of connectors  150 A,  150 B and alignment of inner channel  153  of connectors  150 A,  150 B. In particular, protrusion  175 E maintains rotational alignment of ferrule  154  of mated connectors  150 A,  150 B, and sleeve  156  maintains radial alignment of mated connectors  150 A,  150 B. Also, sleeve  156 E does not include a slit  171  and therefore, does not include a gap  173  along a length of sleeve  156 E. Advantageously, the interference fit between sleeve  156 E and ferrule  154 E provides additional compressive forces onto grooves  155  thereby maintaining alignment of ferrule  154 E of mated connectors  150 A,  150 B. Sleeve  156 E also engages with protrusions  177 E. Advantageously, in this configuration, the force of sleeve  156 E is applied more evenly about the circumference of ferrule  154 . Another advantage of this configuration is that there are a fewer number of components with only sleeve  156 E. As such, maintenance of connector assembly  150  is improved. 
     Referring now to  FIG.  14   , an alternate embodiment of connector  152  (referred to as “connector  152 F”) and the configuration of ferrule  154 , sleeve  156 , and pins  160  are shown. In this embodiment, the components that are consistent with those disclosed in reference to  FIG.  8    will have the same reference numbers with those differing having the letter “F” placed along the same reference number. Ferrule  154  includes one (1) groove  155  that is V-shaped and is defined by edges  161  in which edges  161  are substantially straight and uniform along length L 1  of ferrule  154 . As shown, connector  152 F does not include any pins  160 , and rather, connector  152 F includes a sleeve  156 F that has a variable thickness. In particular, sleeve  156 F includes a spines or protrusions  175 F having a thickness T 2  that is different from thickness T 1  of sleeve  156 F, and protrusion  175 F is inserted into groove  155  below inner channel  153  to create an interference fit between sleeve  156 D and ferrule  154 . In this configuration, protrusions  175 F extends throughout length L 1  of ferrule  154  and maintains alignment of optical fibers  125 A,  125 B of connectors  150 A,  150 B and alignment of inner channel  153  of connectors  150 A,  150 B. In particular, protrusion  175 F maintains rotational alignment of ferrule  154  of mated connectors  150 A,  150 B, and sleeve  156  maintains radial alignment of mated connectors  150 A,  150 B. Also, sleeve  156 F does not include a slit  171  and therefore, does not include a gap  173  along a length of sleeve  156 F. Advantageously, the interference fit between sleeve  156 F and ferrule  154  provides additional compressive forces onto grooves  155  thereby maintaining alignment of ferrule  154  and diced optical fibers  125 A,  125 B of optical fibers  125  of mated connectors  150 A,  150 B. In addition, sleeve  156 F engages with a portion of an outer surface S of ferrule  154 . In particular, sleeve  156 F engages with a portion of an upper half of ferrule  154  where the upper half is the portion of ferrule  154  above centerline C as shown in  FIG.  12   . 
     Referring now to  FIG.  15   , an alternate embodiment of connector  152  (referred to as “connector  152 G”) and the configuration of ferrule  154 , sleeve  156 , and pins  160  are shown. As mentioned previously, in this embodiment, the components that are consistent with those disclosed in reference to  FIG.  8    will have the same reference numbers with those differing having the letter “B” placed along the same reference number. Ferrule  154 G includes one (1) groove  155  that is V-shaped and is defined by edges  161  in which edges  161  are substantially straight and uniform along length L 1  of ferrule  154 . As shown, connector  152 G includes a single pin  160  received in groove  155 . Pin  160  is held within groove  155  by sleeve  156  (substantially the same as sleeve  156  of  FIG.  8    described above) as shown. Sleeve  156  engages pin  160  such that sleeve  156  and ferrule  154  are in an interference fit. In addition, sleeve  156  engages with a portion of an outer surface S of ferrule  154 . In particular, sleeve  156  engages with a portion of an upper half of ferrule  154  where the upper half is the portion of ferrule  154  above centerline C as shown in  FIG.  10   . Sleeve  156  has a uniform thickness T and includes a slit  171  to define a gap  173  along a length of sleeve  156 . In this configuration, pin  160  extends throughout length L 1  of ferrule  154  and maintains alignment of optical fibers  125 A,  125 B of connectors  150 A,  150 B and alignment of inner channel  153  of connectors  150 A,  150 B. In particular, pin  160  maintains rotational alignment of ferrule  154  of mated connectors  150 A,  150 B, and sleeve  156  maintains radial alignment of mated connectors  150 A,  150 B. Another advantage of this configuration is that there are a fewer number of components with only one pin  160 . As such, maintenance of connector assembly  150  is improved. 
     Referring now to  FIG.  17   , a bushing  158  of connector  152  is shown. As mentioned previously, bushing  158  is configured to hold potting adhesive  159  within ferrule  154 . In addition, bushing  158  is configured to receive biasing forces (in an axial direction) applied by spring  181  (as discussed below) and transfer the biasing forces onto ferrule  154 . Bushing  158  comprises two halves  158 A,  158 B that define a passageway  163  through which optical fibers or optical fiber ribbons  108  pass through. As shown, half  158 A includes a pair of protrusions  165  and a pair of apertures  167 , and half  158 B includes a pair of protrusions  165  and a pair of apertures  167 . Protrusions  165  of half  158 A are configured to be inserted into apertures  167  of half  158 B (and vice versa) to couple halves  158 A,  158 B to each other and form bushing  158 . When halves  158 A,  158 B are coupled together, a groove  169  is defined, and groove  169  is configured to receive an O-ring of a dust cap  170  when dust cap  170  is coupled onto at least one of connectors  150 A,  150 B (i.e., ferrule  154  and bushing  158 ) to promote sealing of optical fibers  125  as shown in  FIGS.  22  and  22 A . 
     Referring back to  FIGS.  3 - 5   , as mentioned previously, connector assembly  150  includes spring  181 , spring sleeve  183 , connector nut  185 , compression sleeve  187 , and center barrel  189 . Spring  181  is positioned adjacent bushing  158  and is retained in connector nut  185 . Spring  181  is configured to bias ferrule  154  relative to connector nut  185 . Spring  181  is also configured to apply a continuous axial force onto ferrule  154  to maintain axial alignment of mated connectors  150 A,  150 B. Such axial alignment is maintained through condition changes (e.g., temperature changes, etc.). As used herein, “axial alignment” refers to alignment of components along a longitudinal axis L of optical fibers  125  in a direction parallel to longitudinal axis L. 
     Spring sleeve  183  is installed on each end of connector assembly  150  between connector nut  185  and ferrule  154 . Spring sleeve  183  is configured to provide a surface onto which spring  181  applies biasing forces (in an axial direction) that is transferred to ferrule  154  (via bushing  158 ) and functions to maintain axial alignment of mated connectors  150 A,  150 B as discussed above. Connector nut  185  is coupled to spring  181  and bushing  158 . Connector nut  185  is configured to compress spring  181  as connector nut  185  is coupled to center barrel  189 . Connector nut  185  also applies an axial force onto compression sleeve  187  that is converted into a radial force onto sleeve  156  to further aid in securing mated connectors  150 A,  150 B of connector assembly  150  as discussed below. Compression sleeve  187  is installed over ferrule  154  as discussed in greater detail below. As shown, compression sleeve  187  includes a cylindrical body  186  with a plurality of teeth  188  spaced apart from each other and are coupled to cylindrical body  186  such that teeth  188  extend from an edge  184  of cylindrical body  186 . Teeth  188  are flexible and are configured to contact sleeve  156  and to provide a securing force onto sleeve  156 . As discussed in greater detail, the securing force provided by compression sleeve  187  is converted from an axial force to a radial force by center barrel  189 . 
     Center barrel  189  couples to connector nut  185  and sleeve  156  as discussed in greater detail below and is configured to provide additional securing forces onto connector assembly  150  (in particular, ferrule  154  of connector assembly  150 ). Referring briefly to  FIG.  4 A , center barrel  189  is a hexagonal structure with a cylindrical inner channel  193 . It is within the scope of the present disclosure that in alternate embodiments, center barrel  189  has an alternate suitable shape. Center barrel  189  has a length L 2  that is greater than length L 1  of ferrule  154 . As shown, center barrel  189 . Center barrel  189  has an inner channel  193  extending through length L 2 . As shown, inner channel  193  has a variable height throughout the length of inner channel  193 . In particular, inner channel  193  has a height H 1  at the ends of center barrel  189  and a height H 2  within center barrel  189  (i.e., near the midpoint of inner channel  193 ). Stated another way, center barrel  189  has inward protrusions  190  that extend into inner channel  193 . Inward protrusions  190  are defined by edges  191  as shown. Inward protrusions  190  and corresponding edges  191  are configured to contact compression sleeve  187  and connector  152  and sleeve  156  to apply additional radial force onto sleeve  156  and ensure coaxial alignment of mated connectors  150 A,  150 B. 
     Referring now to  FIGS.  18 - 33   , a method of assembling connector  152  and connector assembly  150  is shown. Referring first to  FIG.  18   , optical fibers  125  are placed into ferrule  154  as shown. Then, bushings  158  are installed on either side of ferrule  154  and adjacent to ferrule  154  by feeding optical fibers  125  through passageway  163  when coupling halves  158 A,  158 B of bushing  158 . 
     As shown in  FIG.  19   , potting adhesive  159  is then inserted into inner channel  153  of ferrule  154  to fill in the spaces between optical fibers  108 ,  110  of optical fibers  125  and to hold optical fibers  125  in place to maintain alignment of connector  152  of connector assembly  150 . In some embodiments, optical fibers  125  and potting adhesive  159  are inserted into inner channel  153  of ferrule  154  in an alternating layering pattern as discussed below. That is, a first layer of potting adhesive  159  is inserted into inner channel  153 , and a first layer of optical fibers  125  is inserted on top of the first layer of the potting adhesive  159 . This insertion sequence is continued until a final layer of potting adhesive  159  is inserted on top of the final layer of optical fibers  125 . For example, for twelve optical fiber ribbons inserted into inner channel  153 , there will be thirteen total layers of potting adhesive  159  where each layer of potting adhesive  159  is interspersed between each layer of optical fiber ribbon as discussed above. 
     Connector  152  is then diced along dicing plane P to form connectors  150 A,  150 B and corresponding diced optical fibers  125 A,  125 B and diced connector ferrules  154 A,  154 B from connector assembly  150  as described above and shown in  FIG.  20   . In some embodiments, connector assembly  150  is diced with a cutting tool (e.g., diamond wire dicing saw, etc.) to form connectors  150 A,  150 B. Additional details relating to the performance of optical fibers  125  after dicing are disclosed in U.S. Patent Application No. 63/225,606, filed Jul. 26, 2021, the contents of which are incorporated by reference herein. 
     Referring now to  FIG.  21   , after dicing, connectors  150 A,  150 B have corresponding end faces  179 A,  179 B that may require polishing depending on the quality of the cut performed along dicing plane P. In addition, an index matching layer may be applied onto end faces  179 A,  179 B. Details relating to the type of index matching layer and the application of index matching layer are disclosed in U.S. Patent Application No. 63/225,606, filed Jul. 26, 2021, the contents of which are incorporated by reference herein. 
     After optional polishing of end faces  179 A,  179 B and optional application of an index matching layer onto end faces  179 A,  179 B, dust caps  170  are applied onto at least one of connectors  150 A,  150 B as shown in  FIG.  22    while connectors  150 A,  150 B undergo further processing in the assembly of connector  150 . Dust caps  170  are applied onto connectors  150 A,  150 B along directions A 1 , A 2 , respectively. Referring briefly to  FIG.  22 A , dust cap  170  (shown in partial cross section) includes an O-ring that engages with groove  169  of bushing  158  to seal optical fibers  125 A,  125 B. Moreover, applying dust caps  170  onto connectors  150 A,  150 B provides physical protection of ferrule  154  and housed optical fibers  108 ,  110  to prevent damage from external debris while applying other components of connector assembly  150  onto connectors  150 A,  150 B as discussed below. For discussion purposes, dust cap  170  is applied onto both connectors  150 A,  150 B. However, it is within the scope of the present disclosure that dust cap  170  can be applied onto one of connectors  150 A,  150 B. 
     Referring now to  FIG.  23   , after connectors  150 A,  150 B are placed in dust caps  170 , a connector nut  185  and a spring  181  are applied onto connectors  150 A,  150 B along directions A 3 , A 4 , respectively. In particular, connector nut  185  and spring  181  encircle diced optical fibers  125 A,  125 B by moving from in front of end faces  179 A,  179 B (encased in dust caps  170 ) along directions A 3 , A 4  to a position adjacent to and downstream of bushing  158  as shown. As used herein, “downstream” refers to a position distal from ferrule  154  of connectors  150 A,  150 B and along respective diced optical fibers  125 A,  125 B. 
     After this step, as shown in  FIG.  24   , connector nuts  185  are slid along directions A 5 , A 6  to be further downstream of bushing  158 , and spring sleeve  183  is installed over diced optical fibers  125 A,  125 B and are positioned such that spring  181  is positioned between spring sleeve  183 . As shown, spring sleeve  183  comprises an upper half  183 A and a lower half  183 B that are coupled together to provide a surface  195  onto which spring  181  can be received and to provide an aperture  182  through which diced optical fibers  125 A,  125 B pass. 
     Referring now to  FIG.  25   , compression sleeve  187  is applied onto connectors  150 A,  150 B along directions A 7 , A 8 , respectively. Prior to application of compression sleeve  187  onto connectors  150 A,  150 B, spring  181  and spring sleeve  183  are slid further downstream of connectors  150 A,  150 B along directions A 7 , A 8 , respectively, to create space for compression sleeve  187 . Similar to connector nut  185  and spring  181 , compression sleeve  187  encircles diced optical fibers  125 A,  125 B by moving from in front of end faces  179 A,  179 B (encased by dust caps  170 ) along directions A 7 , A 8  to a position adjacent to and downstream of bushing  158  as shown. 
     Referring now to  FIG.  26   , a center barrel  189  is installed onto connector  150 B along direction A 9 . Prior to application of center barrel  189  onto connectors  150 A,  150 B, spring  181 , spring sleeve  183 , and compression sleeve  187  are slid further downstream of connectors  150 A,  150 B along direction A 9  to create space for center barrel  189 . Center barrel  189  encircle diced optical fibers  125 A,  125 B by moving from in front of end faces  179 B (encased in dust cap  170 ) along direction A 9  to a position adjacent to and downstream of bushing  158  as shown where dust cap  170  and connector  150 B pass through inner channel  193  of center barrel  189 . 
     With continued reference to  FIG.  26   , a dust cap  170  is removed from connector  150 A along direction A 10 . Then, and referring now to  FIG.  27   , sleeve  156  is applied onto connector  150 A along direction A 11 . In particular, with reference to  FIG.  27 A , sleeve  156  (shown in partial cross section) and corresponding pins  160  and/or protrusions  175 , as applicable, are applied onto ferrule  154  of connector  150 A along direction A 11  such that a portion of sleeve  156  and corresponding pins  160 , as applicable, extend beyond end face  179 A of connector  150 A. As discussed above, various configurations of sleeve  154 , pins  160 , and ferrule  154  may be used. 
     Then, as shown in  FIG.  28   , dust cap  170  is removed from connector  150 B along direction A 12 . Referring now to  FIG.  29   , connector  150 B is inserted into sleeve  156  and mated to connector  150 A to form connector  152 . In particular, connector  150 B is inserted into an opening of sleeve  156  along the dashed line shown such that end faces  179 A,  179 B and connectors  150 A,  150 B are mated and ferrule  154 , inner channel  153 , and diced optical fibers  125 A,  125 B are aligned as shown in  FIG.  5   . 
     Referring now to  FIG.  30   , center barrel  189  is moved along direction A 13  such that center barrel  189  has length L 2  that spans a length of connector  152 . Referring briefly back to  FIG.  5   , inward protrusion  190  is centered on mating interface  115  of connector  152  and provides a radial force onto connector  152  to maintain alignment of connector  152 . 
     Then, with reference to  FIG.  31   , compression sleeves  187  are moved along directions A 14  and A 15  such that compression sleeves  187  are seated within inner channel  193  of center barrel  189  and adjacent to inward protrusion  190  of center barrel  189 . As mentioned previously, compression sleeve  187  provides a securing force onto sleeve  156 . In particular, when installed onto connector  152 , compression sleeve  187  provides an axial force onto sleeve  156 . 
     Referring now to  FIG.  32   , springs  181  and spring sleeves  183  are moved along respective optical fibers  125  in corresponding directions A 16 , A 17  such that springs  181  and spring sleeves  183  are adjacent to bushings  158  of connector  152 . 
     Then, with reference to  FIG.  33   , connector nuts  185  are moved along respective optical fibers  125 A,  125 B in corresponding directions A 18 , A 19  such that connector nuts  185  engage with center barrel  189  as shown in  FIG.  34    and discussed below. As shown in  FIG.  34   , when connector nut  185  moves along direction A 18 , connector nuts  185  are tightened onto or engages with walls of inner channel  193  of center barrel  189 . In addition, the advancement of connector nut  185  into center barrel  189  compresses spring  181  by pushing on spring sleeve  183  in the direction of direction A 18 . The compression of spring  181  provides an axial force onto corresponding, adjacent bushing  158  and ferrule  154  of connectors  150 A,  150 B, which aids in maintaining the mating force on end faces  179  and axial alignment of diced optical fibers  125 A,  125 B of mated connectors  150 A,  150 B. Simultaneously, connector nut  185  pushes on compression sleeve  187  such that compression sleeve  187  contacts slanted edge  191  of inward protrusion  190  of center barrel  189 . By contacting slanted edge  191 , the axial force applied by teeth  188  of compression sleeve  187  as discussed previously is converted to a radial force that is applied onto sleeve  156  and ferrule  154  of mated connectors  150 A,  150 B thereby, ensuring coaxial alignment of mated connectors  150 A,  150 B. As mentioned previously, inward protrusion  190  directly contacts sleeve  156  to apply an additional radial force onto sleeve  156  and ferrule  154  to maintain coaxial alignment of mated connectors  150 A,  150 B. 
     An advantage of the above mentioned method is that assembly of connector assembly  150  can be completed mechanically by a technician without the use of specific tools while still creating the requisite interference fits and force distribution to provide proper sealing and maintain alignment of connector assembly  150 . This simplifies the assembly process. 
     While the present disclosure above is directed to optical fibers  125  in accordance with the provided definition, it is within the scope of the present disclosure that connector assembly  150  may be used in alternate fiber optic applications in which optical fibers  125  comprise a fusion spliced optical fiber. In this embodiment, fusion splicing of optical fibers  125  is completed prior to installation within connector assembly  150  as discussed in U.S. Patent Application No. 63/225,606, filed Jul. 26, 2021, the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety. 
     Persons skilled in optical connectivity will appreciate additional variations and modifications of the elements disclosed herein. Such persons will also appreciate variations and modifications of the methods involving the elements disclosed herein. For example, although embodiments are described above where less than all of the bonding agent is melted and solidified when forming a fiber optic connector sub-assembly, in alternative embodiments all or substantially all of the bonding agent may be melted and solidified. In addition, skilled persons will appreciate alternatives where some of the steps described above are performed in different orders. To this end, where a method claim below does not actually recite an order to be followed by its steps or it is not otherwise specifically stated in the claims below or description above that the steps are to be limited to a specific order, it is no way intended that any particular order be inferred.