Small and efficient connector system

With optics penetrating deep into the new broadband communication, switching and distribution systems and subsystems, the management of resulting increased connection density has emerged as a critical problem. A similar problem occurs at the distribution points in the premises equipment. One natural solution is to miniaturize optical components (e.g., fiber optic cables, connectors and opto-electronic modules). This has led to a worldwide interest for creating small form factor optical modules, fiber optic cables and connectors. At Lucent Technologies, we have developed a complete optical interconnection system which uses (simplex or duplex) LC connectors, Lucent multi-fiber connectors (LMCs) and fiber optic flex (previously known as Optiflex) circuits. These three optical components can be used separately in a conventional manner. However, an integrated package containing some or all three elements is extremely compact and provides a powerful solution to almost any optical interconnection problem.