Ferrule optical connectors with a displaced core for bonding optical fibers
Aspects and techniques of the present disclosure relates to an improved process for easily securing an optical fiber within a ferrule of a fiber optic connector which negates the use of epoxies or adhesives. The present disclosure further relates to a method for anchoring an optical fiber in a connector of the kind described, where a solvent agent is used rather than epoxies or adhesives.
1. A method for securing an optical fiber to a ferrule of an optical connector, the method comprising the steps of:
(a) disposing a solvent agent in a fiber-receiving passage defining an inner surface of the ferrule;
(b) dissolving the solvent agent into the inner surface of the ferrule to chemically soften an interfacial layer of the inner surface of the fiber-receiving passage;
(c) inserting the optical fiber into the fiber-receiving passage and into contact with the softened interfacial layer; and
(d) bonding the optical fiber in the fiber-receiving passage of the ferrule;
(e) wherein the step of bonding the optical fiber in the fiber-receiving passage is adhesive-free or epoxy-free.
2. The method according to claim 1 , wherein the step of bonding the optical fiber includes evaporating the solvent agent to re-solidify the softened interfacial layer to maintain the optical fiber position within the fiber-receiving passage.
3. The method according to claim 1 , wherein the solvent agent comprises methyl ethyl ketone.
4. The method according to claim 1 , wherein the solvent agent comprises an acetone.
5. The method according to claim 1 , wherein the solvent agent consists essentially of one or more cyclohexanone, methylene chloride, and trichloroethylene.
6. The method according to claim 1 , wherein the step of bonding the optical fiber comprises heating the ferrule.
7. The method according to claim 1 , wherein the ferrule is made of ceramic material.
8. The method according to claim 1 , further comprising, prior to the step of inserting the optical fiber, cleaving an end portion of the optical fiber with a heat source while the optical fiber remains under tension so that the end portion of the optical fiber is formed with a bullet nose shape.
9. The method according to claim 1 , wherein the step of dissolving the solvent agent is carried out at room temperature.
10. The method according to claim 1 , wherein the ferrule includes a sleeve.
11. The method according to claim 10 , wherein the sleeve is made of metallic material.
12. A method for securing an optical fiber to a ferrule of an optical connector, the method comprising the steps of:
disposing a solvent agent in a fiber-receiving passage defining an inner surface of the ferrule;
dissolving the solvent agent into the inner surface of the ferrule to chemically soften an interfacial layer of the inner surface of the fiber-receiving passage;
inserting the optical fiber into the fiber-receiving passage and into contact with the softened interfacial layer; and
bonding the optical fiber in the fiber-receiving passage of the ferrule;
wherein the solvent agent comprises methyl ethyl ketone.
13. A method for securing an optical fiber to a ferrule of an optical connector, the method comprising the steps of:
disposing a solvent agent in a fiber-receiving passage defining an inner surface of the ferrule;
dissolving the solvent agent into the inner surface of the ferrule to chemically soften an interfacial layer of the inner surface of the fiber-receiving passage;
inserting the optical fiber into the fiber-receiving passage and into contact with the softened interfacial layer; and
bonding the optical fiber in the fiber-receiving passage of the ferrule;
wherein the solvent agent consists essentially of one or more cyclohexanone, methylene chloride, and trichloroethylene.