Single-Use Disposable POD for Application of an Optical Fiber Protection Device

A protective assembly method using a transparent layer within the fiber interconnect system aids in optical coupling by preventing an air gap from forming between the fiber cores within a connector. A fiber protection device made of a thin transparent film, which includes an adhesive layer, is applied over the fiber end-faces at the connector interface, the film having characteristics which allows it to conform to the fiber end and minimize coupling loss between fibers. According to one aspect, the film is part of a cartridge that provides structural support for the film to facilitate application of the fiber protection device. The film may be divided by perforate patterns that define one or more fiber protection devices formed by the film. The assembly method can include usage of an applicator base plate upon which the cartridge is mounted. According to another aspect, the film may be part of a single-use disposable pod for application of a single fiber protection device.