Magnetically coupled optical connector assembly and related methods

US9816856B2 · kind B2 · utility

Assignee

• HARRIS CORPORATION · US

Inventors

• Donna M. Kocak · Indian Harbour Beach, US
• Peter A. Wasilousky · Indialantic, US
• William R. Palmer · Melbourne, US
• Timothy F. McLellan · Viera, US
• Mark E. Blue · Palm Bay, US
• Lee M. Burberry · West Melbourne, US

Key dates

• Filing date: Dec 17, 2015
• Grant date: Nov 14, 2017
• Expiry date: Jun 9, 2036

Classification

• Technology area (CPC H): Electricity
• CPC primary: H01S5/0239
• WIPO field: Optics
• WIPO sector: Instruments

Abstract

An optical connector assembly may include a first housing having a first opening therein, a second housing having a second opening therein, a first optical window carried by the first housing within the first opening, a second optical window carried by the second housing within the second opening, at least one Vertical Cavity Surface Emitting Laser (VCSEL) carried within the first housing behind the first optical window, and at least one photodetector carried within the second housing behind the second optical window. A first magnetic member may be carried by the first housing, and a second magnetic member may be carried by the second housing and configured to cooperate with the first magnetic member to bias the first and second housings together so that the at least one VCSEL and the at least one photodetector are in optical alignment.