Optical Fiber End Preparation for Low-Loss Splices

Abstract

Cables made from brittle materials like glass require new techniques of end preparation for the purpose of splicing, especially if such splices are to be made in the field. We report here on a method of breaking fibers in a way which invariably produces flat and perpendicular end faces. We explain the underlying theory and derive optimal parameters that permit the design of a simple breaking tool. Experiments with a tool of this kind show that the tolerances for successful fracture are not critical. Laboratory splices of multimode fibers prepared by this method exhibited losses of less than 1 percent (0.04 dB) when joined in index‐matching fluid.

Printing and preparation of integrated optical waveguides for optronic sensor networks

“…The principle is based on the generation of a groove at a single position [18] or circumferential around the fiber [19]. Subsequently tensile stress is applied to the fiber either by bending or in combination with an additional tensile force.…”

Optical Performance Analysis of Single-Mode Fiber Connections

“…The fiber is then bent at the origin of fracture at an appropriate radius and pushed from the opposite side of the origin of fracture until the fiber is eventually cleaved. Incorrectly cleaved fiber ends are reported to result from an incorrect bend radius during cleaving (Glode et al, 1973;Haibara et al, 1986). If the bend radius is too small, the cleaved fiber end will have a lip.…”

A Vacuum-Assisted Plastic Repair Splice for Joining Optical Fiber Ribbons

“…6 Figures 4a and 4b show the fracturing tool used to prepare the two ribbon ends. The resulting 12 uncoated fibers, on 9-mil centers, extend 0.40 inch beyond the plastic coated ribbon.…”

“…6,2 The fibers are then inserted into a grooved substrate, which is used to align the fibers, to form a butt joint. The splice is completed by attaching a cover to the substrate and adding an index-matching material to the joint.…”