Fiber optic connector

Claim 1

An optical fiber-lens connector assembly comprising: a lens body formed of transparent material, said lens body including a head end having a lens formed therein, a tail end of substantially cylindrical configuration having an axial cavity therein formed to receive an elastomeric fiber holder, and a shoulder formed intermediate said head end and said tail end and projecting radially outward from said lens body; and a connector for joining an optical fiber to said lens body, said connector comprising: a generally tubular body having a longitudinal axis and a given internal diameter formed to fittingly receive said tail end of said lens body, said tubular body being formed of a material selected from the group of fused silica quartz and borosilicate glasses having a low thermal expansion coefficient, said body having a first end and a second end; and a substantially cylindrical fiber guide positioned within said tubular body intermediate said first and second ends thereof, said fiber guide having an external diameter substantially matching said internal diameter of said tubular body and having a longitudinal, optical fiber receiving aperture therethrough, said fiber guide being formed from the same material as said tubular body.