This paper describes a high-speed MT connector assembly method. This technique uses adhesive with a short hardening time, is highly reliable and does not require a polishing process, thus reducing the connector assembly time. First, we investigated an alpha-cyanoacrylate adhesive that hardens quickly and whose adhesive strength does not decrease under high humidity and high temperature conditions, thus ensuring its excellent reliability for outside use. In addition, we investigated variations in the position of the fiber endface on the ferrule endface with a view to obtaining a low insertion loss. Based on the results, we assembled an MT connector using our proposed high-speed assembly method. We confirmed that the assembly time could be reduced to less than 70% of the time required with the conventional method. MT connectors assembled using this technique have a low insertion loss and stable environmental characteristics.

We have developed an easily-assembled optical coupling device that consists of two multifiber array connectors and a single-mode planar waveguide chip whose ends are passively positioned in novel plastic plug components compatible with the multi-fiber array connectors. The assembled 18 splitter devices are connected and disconnected easily and exhibit excellent levels of optical performance.

We have developed an easily-assembled optical coupling device which consists of two multifiber array connectors and a single-mode planar waveguide chip whose ends are passively positioned in novel plastic plug components compatible with the multifiber array connectors. The assembled 18 splitter device exhibits a low exess loss of 0.8 dB.