What is a Fiber Connector?
The fiber optic connector, known as a fiber optic or optical fiber connector, is a precise coupling device that allows for easy and quick connection of fiber optic cables, enabling faster connection and disconnection than splicing, which involves fusing fibers with an electric arc. The connector mechanically aligns the fiber cores on both sides, allowing light to pass through the cable without interruption.
In contrast to electrical connectors, fiber optic connectors need to be much more precise since they connect light signals instead of electrical signals. They must have low insertion loss, excellent insertion repeatability, high return loss, and mechanical reliability.
Although many manufacturers have developed and released various types of fiber optic connectors, only a few types are commonly used in the actual industrial field where photonic devices are researched and developed. Therefore, the fiber optic connectors introduced below are those you can easily find around you.
Structure of Fiber Connectors
First, let's examine the mechanical structure of fiber optic connectors. While the configuration can vary slightly depending on the type of fiber optic connector, they generally include the same essential components: a ceramic ferrule that holds the optical fiber, the connector itself, an attachment mechanism, and boots. As an example, the image below shows the assembly diagram of a typical FC connector, which allows us to see the overall components of a fiber optic connector.
Matching Sleeve
The matching sleeve is a mechanical structure that connects two optical connectors. It is a crucial component used to accurately align and secure the cores of optical fibers within the ferrules of the optical connectors. A ferrule is a cylindrical sleeve that holds the end of the optical fiber in place, and these sleeves must match precisely for efficient transmission of optical signals without loss.
The role of the matching sleeve is to accurately align two ferrules coaxially to minimize light loss and to securely fix the ferrules to prevent connection instability due to external shocks or vibrations. It also protects the connection area from external contaminants or moisture.
Mating sleeves are manufactured in a variety of materials and structures depending on the type of connector, the operating environment, and the required performance.
Ceramic materials are primarily used in environments that require high precision and durability. Due to their low coefficient of thermal expansion, they exhibit minimal performance changes with temperature fluctuations.
Metal materials, offering high strength and durability, are widely used in industrial environments.
Plastics, being lightweight and inexpensive, are commonly used in connectors for everyday applications.
The structure of mating sleeves can be either integral or separable. Integral sleeves have the ferrule and sleeve combined into a single unit, simplifying manufacturing and reducing costs. Separable sleeves, on the other hand, allow for easy replacement and accommodate a wider range of ferrules.
Precisely manufactured matching sleeves minimize optical signal loss, reducing signal attenuation during long-distance transmission. It maintains consistent performance even when connectors are repeatedly connected, making it resilient to changes in external environments and ensuring a stable connection. Thus, the matching sleeve is a crucial component that influences the performance of optical connectors. For the reliable operation of optical communication systems, it is essential to accurately select the type and material of the matching sleeve and to use products that are precisely manufactured.
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