Cleaved MPO fibre optic connectors

Optical fibre is used for for data-, tele- and internet- communications. Connectors, which allow interconnection of optical fibres, are a crucial part of optical fibre infrastructure and represent world sales of $3Bn. Increasingly, fibres are deployed as ribbons of 12 or more optical fibres and these must be connectorised. The spread of multi-fibre network architectures are hampered by the high cost of multi-fibre push-on (MPO) connectors.

In this project, we will use develop technology to prepare MPO optical fibre connectors at substantially reduced cost. We believe that this will enhance the usage of MPO fibre connectors, leading to improved telecommunications worldwide.

We will produce manufacturing equipment which can be used across the world to prepare MPO connectors. We will gain revenue both from machine sales and from licence revenue from our customers' sales of these reduced-cost connectors.

Installing optical fibre networks requires billions of fibres to be terminated annually worldwide. Speed of installation is crucial. Using our new technology, we will also innovate an unique, field-installable connector which will dramatically reduce installation time for large, high capacity networks such as internet data centres. We will work with our partners to manufacture and sell this worldwide.