Arrayed Fiberoptics Corp. says it has received U.S. Patent No. 10,983,288 for its non-contact fiber-optic connector technology. As the name implies, the fiber connector does not require physical contact of the fiber endface; the endface is coated with an anti-reflection coating.
The now patented non-contact technology creates what the company says has been called a “dust-proof connector.” In addition to avoiding performance degradation from dust particles, the approach also provides other performance benefits, says Arrayed Fiberoptics. For example, mating life is extended by 20X and insertion loss repeatability improves 10X, according to the company.
As conducted by CI&M's close co-brand in Endeavor Business Media, Lightwave, the technology received a 4.5 rating in the 2015 Lightwave Innovation Reviews; its MPO implementation earned a 4.0 rating in 2017.
The company has released products based on the technology, which it says are now in wide use.
Arrayed Fiberoptics says “at least two of the largest optical fiber communication system companies,” are using the connector technology, with optical backplanes a popular application.
The technology also has seen extensive use as part of optical connector test cables for optical fiber transceivers.
Looking forward, Arrayed Fiberoptics believes non-contact fiber-optic connectors also will find use within co-packaged optics. Meanwhile, Huawei has suggested that the IEC investigate the development of standards for such connectors, the company adds.