Method and apparatus for confirming optical fibers connection in optical connector

Abstract

Provided is a method for confirming optical fibers connection in a connection part in an optical connector, including: allowing light to pass through a first optical fiber and allowing cladding mode light to disappear; and detecting a difference in light intensity in the connection part between before and after the light from the first optical fiber enters a second optical fiber disposed in the optical connector.

1 . An apparatus for confirming optical fibers connection in an optical connector, comprising:
 a light source; and   a first optical fiber connecting the light source to a second optical fiber disposed in the optical connector; wherein   the light passes through a first optical fiber while causing cladding mode light to substantially disappear, and   light intensity in the connection part between the first optical fiber and the second optical fiber is detected.   
     
     
         2 . The apparatus according to  claim 1 , wherein the first optical fiber is bent when light passes therethrough. 
     
     
         3 . The apparatus according to  claim 2 , wherein
 a wavelength of light entering the first optical fiber is 650 nm, and a length of the first optical fiber is 100 cm to 200 cm.   
     
     
         4 . The apparatus according to  claim 3 , wherein the first optical fiber is a single-mode optical fiber. 
     
     
         5 . The apparatus according to  claim 1 , wherein
 the difference in light intensity is detected through a light transmissive member located in the connection part.   
     
     
         6 . The apparatus according to  claim 5 , wherein
 the optical connector includes a ferrule and a third optical fiber inserted into the ferrule, and   light that exits from the first optical fiber enters the second optical fiber through the third optical fiber.   
     
     
         7 . The apparatus according to  claim 6 , wherein
 the optical connector has a connection mechanism extending in a direction opposite to that toward a connection end face of the ferrule,   the connection mechanism includes   a base,   first and second covers openably and closably facing the base and a flat spring for elastically clamping the base and all the covers,   a positioning groove for the optical fiber is formed in the base,   the first cover is located so as to open and close the connection part,   the second cover is located so as to cover a sheath portion of the second optical fiber,   and   the light transmissive member is an insertion member and is inserted between the base and the first and second covers so as to open and close the base and the covers.   
     
     
         8 . The apparatus according to  claim 6 , wherein
 the optical connector has a connection mechanism extending in a direction opposite to that toward a connection end face of the ferrule,   the connection mechanism includes   a base,   first and second covers openably and closably facing the base and   a flat spring for elastically clamping the base and all the covers, the light transmissive member is at least one of the base and the first cover, a positioning groove for the optical fiber is formed in the base, the first cover is located so as to open and close the connection part, and   the second cover is located so as to cover a sheath portion of the second optical fiber.   
     
     
         9 . The apparatus according to  claim 5 , wherein
 the optical connector includes   a base,   first, second, and third covers openably and closably facing the base and a flat spring for elastically clamping the base and all the covers,   a positioning groove for the optical fiber is formed in the base,   the first cover is located so as to open and close the connection part,   the second cover is located so as to cover a sheath portion of the first optical fiber,   the third cover is located so as to cover a sheath portion of the second optical fiber, and   the light transmissive member is an insertion member and is inserted between the base and the first to third covers so as to open and close the base and the first, second and third covers.   
     
     
         10 . The apparatus according to  claim 5 , wherein
 the optical connector includes   a base,   first, second, and third covers openably and closably facing the base and a flat spring for elastically clamping the base and all the covers,   a positioning groove for the optical fiber is formed in the base,   the first cover is located so as to open and close the connection part,   the second cover is located so as to cover a sheath portion of the first optical fiber,   the third cover is located so as to cover a sheath portion of the second optical fiber, and   the light transmissive member is the base and the first cover.