A zero-clearance receptacle for single mode optical fiber couplers. The zero-clearance
receptacle includes an internally fluted V-groove formed by internally extending
legs. The zero-clearance receptacle uses the fundamental action of the V-groove
to accurately locate an optical fiber ferrule inserted into the zero-clearance
receptacle in the radial direction. The zero-clearance receptacle further includes
a slot that receives a biasing element, such as a spring, that biases the optical
ferrule against the V-groove legs. This enables accurate positioning of an optical
fiber in the optical ferrule relation to an optical element such as a VCSEL or
a photoreceptor. The zero-clearance receptacle beneficially fits into an optical
coupler, which may have a lens.
