SC-type multi-core optical-fiber connectors using a pressurization spring

Prototype standard-connector (SC)-type physical-contact connectors were designed and fabricated for a seven-core fiber. The ferrule in the connector has a capillary inserted into a pipe, which fits into a flange with freedom to slide. After the capillary (with the seven-core fiber) and the flange are aligned and adhered, a pressurization spring is used to press fit the flange to a plug frame in a housing. Several prototype connectors have been used to achieve a low attenuation (less than 0.5 dB) and high return loss (40 dB or more). These coupling characteristics indicate that these SC-type physical-contact connectors will be one of the key devices for achieving space division multiplexing (SDM).