Patent ID: 10908363

Abstract:
A method and system for affixing multi-core fiber (MCF) within a ferrule includes a UV light source and a light guide. MCFs are placed into epoxy filled holders, e.g., channels or v-grooves, of a ferrule. A first MCF in a first holder is clocked to orient its cores to a desired position. The light source is activated, and the light from the light guide is launched into an outer layer of the first MCF, like the cladding layer or a dedicated light carrying layer. The light in the outer layer will stay in the outer layer until it reaches the portion of the first MCF in contact with the epoxy, even if the light is launched from the far end of the fiber remote from the holder. At the holder, the light will leak out due to the similarity in the index of refraction. The leaking light will at least partially cure the epoxy to affix the first MCF within the first holder. The process may then be repeated for the remaining MCFs, so that each MCF may be clocked and affixed selectively rather than collectively.