Patent ID: 7404679

Claim:
A terminal element for fiber optic communication comprising: an elongated body defining a body axis and having a first end from which a plurality of optical fibers extend along the body axis; the body having a second end with an angled surface offset at an angle from the body axis; the fibers extending through the length of the body, and each of said fibers terminating at a fiber end surface flush with the angled surface; and the body defining a plurality of figured optical elements on the angled surface; wherein each of said optical elements is registered with a respective one of said fiber; and each of said optical elements is figured to concentrate light from said respective fiber in a distinct area separate from the light from adjacent fibers; the body having a third surface parallel to said body axis and being substantially flat, a portion of said third surface being an optical exit zone surface, said optical exit zone surface being registered with the figured optical elements, the exit zone surface being flat and coplanar with said third surface.