Optical connector that compensates for longitudinal shifting of optial fiber core relative to a housing of the connector, and a method

An optical connector is provided having a housing with a cavity formed therein through which an optical fiber passes. Within the cavity, a slightly bent, unjacketed portion of the core of the optical fiber is disposed. If conditions are such that pistoning of the core begins to occur, the slightly bent, unjacketed portion of the core straightens, thereby causing the end of the core to remain substantially flush with the end of the ferrule of the connector housing. In this way, the pistoning effect at the end of the fiber is prevented and optical losses associated with the occurrence of the pistoning effect are avoided.