The present invention is directed towards a back-reflection reduction
device that is disposed between a support structure containing a
plurality of optical waveguides and a bulk media. The support structure
containing the optical waveguides has a substantially flat end face at
which the optical waveguides terminate. Where the optical waveguides
intersect the end face, they are substantially perpendicular to it. The
back-reflection reduction device comprises a window disposed between the
bulk media and the support structure. The window has a refractive index
that is substantially identical to that of the optical waveguides. The
window has an inner side that is affixed to the support structure and an
opposing outer side. A gap exists between the window outer side and the
bulk media. The gap provides an index of refraction substantially equal
to unity.