Posted by
Jilong Fibers on Friday, December 05, 2008 11:00:00 AM
Optical fiber fusion
splicing is a welded joint formed between two optical fibers. It is a
permanent, low-loss, high-strength joint compared with other temporary joint
such as a mechanical splice. Optical fiber fusion splices play a crucial role
in the optical network.
The
Ideal Fusion Splicing Process
The goal is to create a joint with minimum insertion loss
yet with mechanical strength and long-term reliability that matches the fiber
itself.
The ideal process should be fast, inexpensive and should
not require expensive equipment. But in reality the process needs trade-offs
among different applications and requirements. For example, for undersea
telecommunications, long-term reliability is the most important goal for a fusion
splicing.
The
Advantages
There are other approaches for interconnecting fibers such
as fiber optic connectors and mechanical splicings. Compared to these two,
fusion splicing has many advantages as explained below.
1. Very compact
2. Lowest insertion loss
3. Lowest back reflection (optical return loss ORL)
4. Highest mechanical strength
5. Permanent
6. Can withstand extreme high temperature changes
7. Prevents dust and other contaminants from entering the
optical path