VECTOR program touts ferrule-less fiber-optic connectors
Members of VECTOR (Versatile Easy installable Connector implementing new Technologies for accelerated fiber Optic network Roll-outs in Europe), a research and innovation initiative the European Commission funded to develop a low-cost, field-installable fiber-optic connector technology, say they have achieved their objective. The approach leverages a variety of technologies, including heat-shrinkable materials, nano-materials, high-tech gels, micro-fabrication, and micro-mechanical alignment systems.