Optical fiber connection system including optical fiber alignment device

A self-centering structure (300) for aligning optical fibers (308) desired to be optically coupled together is disclosed. The self-centering structure (300) including a body (310) having a first end (312) and a second end (314). The first end (312) defines a first opening (303) and the second end (314) defines a second opening (304). The self-centering structure (300) includes a plurality of groove structures (306) integrally formed in the body (310) of the self-centering structure for receiving the optical fibers (308) and a fiber alignment region (305) positioned at an intermediate location between the first and second ends (312, 314) to facilitate centering and alignment of the optical fibers (308). The plurality of cantilever members (322) is flexible and configured for urging the optical fibers (308) into their respective groove structures (306).