Methods for processing ferrules and/or optical fibers

Abstract

The present disclosure relates generally to methods for processing ferrules of fiber optic connectors such that the amount of polishing that is required is eliminated or at least reduced. In one example, an energy source is used to remove excess adhesive from the end face of the fiber and likely from an end face of the ferrule.

1 - 40 . (canceled) 
     
     
         41 . A method for processing a ferrule assembly including a ferrule supporting an optical fiber, the method comprising:
 (a) mechanically polishing a distal end of the optical fiber and a distal end face of the ferrule; and   (b) processing the distal end of the optical fiber to round and shape the distal end face of the optical fiber using a non-contact energy source after the mechanical polishing.   
     
     
         42 . The method of  claim 41 , wherein:
 (a) the step of processing the distal end face of the optical fiber includes a laser ablation process.   
     
     
         43 . The method of  claim 41 , wherein:
 (a) the non-contact energy source is used to remove imperfections from the distal end of the optical fiber.   
     
     
         44 . The method of  claim 41 , wherein:
 (a) the non-contact energy source is used to clean the distal end of the optical fiber.   
     
     
         45 . A method for processing a multi-fiber ferrule supporting a plurality of optical fibers, the optical fibers having a distal protrusion length relative to a distal end face of the multi-fiber ferrule, the method comprising:
 (a) establishing the fiber protrusion length by laser ablating the distal end face of the multi-fiber ferrule without ablating the optical fibers; and   (b) processing distal ends of the optical fibers with a plasma discharge to round and shape the distal ends of the optical fibers after the fiber protrusion length has been established.   
     
     
         46 . The method of  claim 45 , wherein:
 (a) the optical fibers include GRIN fibers fused to ends of the optical fibers secured within the ferrule.   
     
     
         47 . The method of  claim 45 , wherein:
 (a) the plasma discharge is used to remove imperfections from the distal ends of the optical fibers.   
     
     
         48 . The method of  claim 45 , wherein:
 (a) the plasma discharge is used to clean the distal ends of the optical fibers.   
     
     
         49 . The method of  claim 41 , wherein:
 (a) the optical fiber includes a GRIN fiber fused to an end of the optical fiber secured within the ferrule.