Abstract
A system is disclosed for optically coupling together first and second fiber optic cables, having different or similar core diameters, to enable light to be transmitted from the first fiber optic cable to the second fiber optic cable with a minimum of light loss. In a preferred em- bodiment of the invention, the system comprises a hous- ing, first and second connectors, and first and second biconvex lenses. The first connector terminates the first fiber optic cable and also connects to a first housing portion of the housing to enable a first fiber end of the first fiber optic cable to protrude into the first housing portion. The second connector terminates the second fiber optic cable and also connects to a second housing portion of the housing to enable a second fiber end of the second fiber optic cable to protrude into the second housing portion. The first and second biconvex lenses are respectively supported face-to-face in first and sec- ond housing segments located within the first and sec- ond housing portion of the housing. In operation, di- verging light transmitted from the first fiber end is col- lected and substantially collimated by the first lens. The substantially collimated light from the first lens is con- verged by the second lens onto the second fiber end to complete the light path between the first and second fiber optic cables.