What Is an Optical Connector?
An optical connector is a terminal for connecting an optical fiber line.
In the Internet connection, the conventional method used telephone lines, but now optical fiber lines using optical communication have become the mainstream. Optical connectors are indispensable components for connecting optical fiber cables.
Compared to fusion splicing, which is another splicing method, optical connectors are highly versatile because they can be easily and accurately connected and disconnected.
Uses of Optical Connectors
As mentioned above, optical connectors serve as connection terminals in optical fiber lines. There are a wide variety of types, and different types of optical connectors are used for different purposes. The most common type is the “push-pull” type, which has a structure that allows easy insertion and removal. For applications where insertion and removal are rarely required, the “screw-tightening type” is recommended, as it provides a strong connection.
In addition to fiber-optic lines, optical connectors are sometimes used in devices that handle light, such as optical measuring instruments.
Principle of Optical Connectors
A typical optical connector consists of a ferrule and housing that fixes the tip of an optical fiber. In an optical fiber line, the principle of connector connection is to butt these tips directly against each other. Even the slightest misalignment of the connection causes an increase in loss (connection loss), so a structure that allows a high-precision connection is necessary.
The device to which an optical connector is connected is called an optical adapter. The optical adapter has a built-in split sleeve inside that matches the shape of the connector, enabling a high-precision connection.
The connection surface (end face) is finished by polishing. The most common method is PC polishing, also known as spherical polishing. The spherical end faces are butted together in such a way that the tops are concave due to the springs inside the connector. This prevents the formation of an air layer between the optical fibers, thereby enabling a connection with minimal loss.