How should a connector align two fibers to minimize lateral displacement?

Aligning two fibers at their center axes is essential for minimizing lateral displacement because it ensures that the cores of the fibers are perfectly aligned with one another. When the axes of the fibers are centered, the light traveling through the fibers can couple more efficiently. This alignment reduces the amount of light lost due to misalignment, allowing for optimal performance in signal transmission.

If the fibers were aligned on their outer edges, there could be a significant gap or misalignment at their cores, leading to increased signal loss. Aligning at the ends might not guarantee that the cores are properly matched, resulting in potential discrepancies in light transmission. A random alignment would introduce the highest level of misalignment, thus severely impacting performance and efficiency. Hence, aligning at the center axes is the most effective method for minimizing lateral displacement.