Miniature optical connector with small zirconia ferrule

The problems and design targets related to miniaturizing an optical connector are described, and the results of optical characteristic measurements after a trial fabrication are presented. Miniaturized optical connectors using 1.25-mm-diameter ferrules have been developed. They are smaller and have a higher packaging density than conventional optical connectors. Ferrule pitch is 1/2, plug volume is 2/5, and cross-sectional area is 2/5 that of the SC connector. Excellent optical performance, an average insertion loss of 0.04 dB, and an average return loss of 50.1 dB have been achieved.>