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Abstract

A method and system using GRIN fibers with a large core radius (such as twice that of the optical fibers which the GRIN fibers are used to interconnect) to expand incident beam are disclosed. In certain examples, the GRIN fibers expand the incident beams to near-collimation. In certain examples, the beam expansion reduces the connection's sensitivity (i.e., power attenuation) to lateral displacement between the optical fibers at the cost of increased sensitivity to angular misalignment between the fibers. With certain fiber connection hardware that provides precision angular alignment, beam expansion provides improved connection performance. In certain examples, a multi-fiber connector module (such as MPO), with MT-style ferrules, is used to interconnect multiple fiber pairs, each with GRIN fiber endings. In certain examples, the near-collimation of the incident beams allows efficient transmission between fibers without the need for physical contact between the fibers.

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First Claim