Abstract

An apparatus (19) which is capable of being used in the field is adapted to polish fiber end faces each terminated by a plurality of cylindrically shaped ferrule type connector plugs (30--30). The apparatus includes a platform (50) which includes a plurality of nests (52--52) each adapted to receive a plug such that a plug end face (29) is disposed adjacent to a polishing surface and such that an end portion of fiber which protrudes from each plug engages the polishing surface. Facilities are provided in each nest for applying forces to each plug which may be varied to control the pressure between each fiber end face and the polishing surface and, if desired, subsequently between each plug end face and the polishing surface. Relative motion between the plurality of plugs and the polishing surface is caused to exist such that the polishing surface is turned rotatably while being revolved about an axis to provide uniformly polished fiber end faces. The apparatus also may be used to contour-polish simultaneously a plurality of plugs prior to terminating optical fibers therewith.