METHOD FOR ALIGNING A MULTI-CORE PLASTIC OPTICAL FIBER ASSEMBLY

A multi-core plastic optical fiber is used for multi-channel communication purposes. An alignment tool comprising a light source, selective filter and a detachable alignment-tube having a guide notch is provided to map the individual cores of a multi-core plastic optical fiber and prepare the connection of optical transceivers to both exposed ends of a pre-cut length of fiber. The alignment method results in a pre-cut length of fiber having alignment-tubes with guide notches secured to both ends. The transceivers used for the specific fiber bear a guide projection which permits quick mating of the transceivers to the fiber bearing the notched tubes, creating a complete optical multi-path between the transceiver active elements through the fiber cores. An automatic method of assembling optical transmitters to a multi-core fiber and mating optical receivers is described, wherein no alignment tools and tubes are used. This method dictates a specific placement of the optical transmitters in relation to the fiber