How to Fusion Splice Fiber Optic Cable?
2021-08-17
Fusion splicing is the act of joining two optical fibers end-to-end. The goal is to fuse the two fibers together in such a way that light passing through the fibers is not scattered or reflected back by the splice, and so that the splice and the region surrounding it are almost as strong as the intact fiber. The source of heat used to melt and fuse together the two glass fibers being spliced is usually an electric arc, but can also be a laser, a gas flame, or a tungsten filament through which current is passed.
When performing a fusion splice there are generally five different steps:
1. Stripping the fiber
To start fusing your fibers together, you must remove or strip the protective polymer coating around the optical fiber. This is usually done with a mechanical stripping device, similar to a pair of wire strippers. Remember to clean the stripping tools before you start the fusing process.
2. Cleaning the fiber
After the fiber has been stripped of the coating, it's time to clean the bare fiber. Using a 99.9% isopropyl alcohol (IPA) and lint-free wipes will keep the glass free of any contaminations.
3. Cleaving the fiber
A good cleaver is crucial to a successful fusion splice. The cleaver nicks the fiber and pulls or flexes it to cause a clean break rather then cut the fiber, which makes the end-face flat and perpendicular to the axis of the fiber.
4. Fusing the fiber
After the fibers have been cleaved, fuse them together with a fusion splicer. First, you must align the ends of the fiber within the splicer. Once properly aligned, melt the fibers with an electric arc, permanently welding the ends together.
5. Protecting the fiber
After the fibers have been successfully fused together, the bare fiber is protected either by re-applying a coating or by using a splice protector.
6. Testing the fiber
Don't forget to test the fiber after it's been fused. Using an optical time domain reflectometer (OTDR) helps verify the splice loss, measure the length and find any faults in the spliced fiber.
Fiber Optic Cable Installation Tutotrial
What is Fiber-to-the-Home?
Related Article
1、Core Definition and Working Principle
2、 Key Characteristics
3、 Main Classifications
4、Core Differences from Multimode Fiber
5、Typical Application Scenarios
2、 Key Characteristics
3、 Main Classifications
4、Core Differences from Multimode Fiber
5、Typical Application Scenarios
What is single-mode fiber optic？
