In embodiments, an expanded beam connector includes a mechanically spliced optical fiber and a support body defining a fiber channel. The mechanically spliced optical fiber includes a first optical fiber, wherein the first optical fiber is a multi-mode fiber having a first end, a second end, and a fiber length extending between the first end and the second end, and a second optical fiber mechanically spliced to the first end of the first optical fiber at a splice connection, the second optical fiber being a single-mode fiber. The splice connection is supported within the fiber channel. The fiber length is an odd multiple of a quarter-pitch length and is greater than 0.1 mm and less than 5.0 mm.