Optical reflective filter devices and optical networks using the same

Abstract

Optical filter devices for providing a reflective event in an optical network are disclosed. In one embodiment, the optical filter device comprises an optical filter assembly for reflecting one or more preselected wavelengths and a housing. In one embodiment, the housing comprises a plug end and a receptacle end for optical connection into a link or connection node of an optical network. The housing comprises a passageway between the plug end and the receptacle end, and the plug end comprises a shroud with a single fiber connector footprint. At least a portion of the optical filter assembly is disposed within the passageway of the housing. The optical filter devices disclosed allow the network operator the flexibility to choose where to position a reflective location in the optical network along with the ability to move, add or change the reflective location as desired.

We claim: 
     
         1 . An optical filter device, comprising:
 an optical filter assembly for reflecting one or more preselected wavelengths, the optical filter assembly comprising a first end with a first ferrule end face and a second end with a second ferrule end face;   a housing comprising a plug end and a receptacle end, and a passageway between the plug end and the receptacle end, and the plug end comprises a shroud with a single fiber connector footprint and a rim disposed between the plug end and the receptacle end, and the rim comprising a key; and   wherein at least a portion of the optical filter assembly is disposed within the passageway of the housing and the first end of the optical filter assembly extends beyond the shroud.   
     
     
         2 . The optical filter device of  claim 1 , wherein the housing is monolithically formed. 
     
     
         3 . The optical filter device of  claim 1 , the second end of the optical filter assembly comprises a latch structure. 
     
     
         4 . The optical filter device of  claim 1 , wherein the first end of the optical filter assembly has a SC connector footprint. 
     
     
         5 . The optical filter device of  claim 1 , wherein the key comprises a protruding V-shape. 
     
     
         6 . The optical filter device of  claim 1 , further comprising a collar comprising for engaging a rim of the optical filter device. 
     
     
         7 . The optical filter device of  claim 1 , further comprising a two-piece threaded collar and a retention sleeve. 
     
     
         8 . The optical filter device of  claim 1 , further comprising a receptacle mated to the plug end of the optical filter device. 
     
     
         9 . An optical filter device, comprising:
 an optical filter assembly for reflecting one or more preselected wavelengths, the optical filter assembly comprising a first end with a first ferrule end face and a second end with a second ferrule end face; and   a housing comprising a plug end and a receptacle end, and a passageway between the plug end and the receptacle end, and the plug end comprises a shroud with a single fiber connector footprint and a rim disposed between the plug end and the receptacle end, and the rim comprising a key, wherein the housing is monolithically formed; and   wherein at least a portion of the optical filter assembly is disposed within the passageway of the housing and the first end of the optical filter assembly extends beyond the shroud.   
     
     
         10 . The optical filter device of  claim 9 , the second end of the optical filter assembly comprises a latch structure. 
     
     
         11 . The optical filter device of  claim 9 , wherein the first end of the optical filter assembly has a SC connector footprint. 
     
     
         12 . The optical filter device of  claim 9 , wherein the key comprises a protruding V-shape. 
     
     
         13 . The optical filter device of  claim 9 , further comprising a collar comprising for engaging a rim of the optical filter device. 
     
     
         14 . The optical filter device of  claim 9 , further comprising a two-piece threaded collar and a retention sleeve. 
     
     
         15 . The optical filter device of  claim 9 , further comprising a receptacle mated to the plug end of the optical filter device. 
     
     
         16 . An optical filter device, comprising:
 an optical filter assembly for reflecting one or more preselected wavelengths, the optical filter assembly comprising a first end with a first ferrule end face and a second end with a second ferrule end face; and   a housing comprising a plug end and a receptacle end, and a passageway between the plug end and the receptacle end, and the plug end comprises a shroud with a single fiber connector footprint and a rim disposed between the plug end and the receptacle end, and the rim comprising a key; and   a two-piece threaded collar and a retention sleeve, wherein at least a portion of the optical filter assembly is disposed within the passageway of the housing and the first end of the optical filter assembly extends beyond the shroud.   
     
     
         17 . The optical filter device of  claim 16 , wherein the housing is monolithically formed. 
     
     
         18 . The optical filter device of  claim 16 , the second end of the optical filter assembly comprises a latch structure. 
     
     
         19 . The optical filter device of  claim 16 , wherein the key comprises a protruding V-shape. 
     
     
         20 . The optical filter device of  claim 16 , further comprising a collar comprising for engaging a rim of the optical filter device.