The ferrule connector for use with an illumination or laser source comprises a ferrule body (98) having an internal bore (102) having an optical fiber (60), a head (118), a threaded portion (130) attached with and following said head (118), an alignment barrel (138) attached with and following said threaded portion (130), a mating end (116) opposite said threaded portion (130) and an orifice (144) in said mating end (116) of substantially equivalent or greater diameter than said optical fiber (60).
