Classification and Principles of Fusion Splices
Fusion splicing involves the melting and joining of optical fibers using heat generated by an electric arc between electrodes. Fusion splicing is classified into the two methods, as follows.
(1) Core alignment method(core alignment)
Optical fiber cores observed with a microscope are positioned with the help of image processing so that they are concentrically aligned. Then, an electric arc is applied to the fiber cores. The fusion splicer used has cameras for observation and positioning in two directions.
(2) Stationary V-groove alignment method (cladding alignment)
This fusion splicing method uses V-grooves produced with high precision to position and orient optical fibers and utilizes the surface tension of melted optical fibers for alignment effects (cladding alignment). Splices made by this method achieve low loss thanks to the recent advancement of optical fiber production technology, which has improved the dimensional accuracy regarding the placement of core. This method is primarily used for splicing a multi-fiber cable in a single action.
