Notes on Fusion Splicing
Fusion splicing procedures comprise (1) the fitting of a fiber protection sleeve, (2) removal of cover layers, (3) fiber cleaning, (4) fiber cleaving, (5) fusion splicing, and (6) reinforcing the splice.
(1) Fitting of Fiber Protection Sleeve
The fiber protection sleeve is used to protect optical fibers exposed at the splice. Make sure that one of the optical fibers is passed through the protection sleeve before fusion splicing.
(2) Removal of Cover Layers
Using a jacket remover, remove the cover layers to expose the fiber glass.
Notes:
- After cover layer removal, off-cuts are present in the jacket remover. Remove off-cuts from the jacket remover and clean the blade.
- To remove cover layers from a fiber ribbon, use a heated jacket remover. For successful removal, warm the cover layers for about 5 seconds before removal.
(3)Fiber Cleaning
After cover layer removal, clean the fiber glass with alcohol.
Notes:
- Debris of cover layers if remaining on the fiber glass can cause poor concentricity in fusion splicing or increased splice loss. Clean the glass fiber thoroughly.
- In the case of a multi-fiber cable, fiber ends may stick together due to alcohol, causing defective cleaving of fibers. Flip lightly with a finger to spread out the fibers.
(4) Fiber Cleaving
Follow the optical fiber cleaver operating procedure to cut the fiber.
Notes:
- The loss characteristic of a fusion splice depends on the cleaving. To reduce cleaving defects, clean the fiber holder and blade of optical fiber cleaver on a regular basis
- Keep the cleaved end of an optical fiber away from an object including your fingers to eliminate the causes of defective splices.
- Avoid scattering fiber off-cuts.
(5) Fusion Splicing
Fusion-splice optical fibers following the operation manual of the fusion splicer.
Notes:
- Dirt in the V-grooves or clamp of a fusion splicer can cause an unusual light loss due to poor concentricity. Clean the fusion splicer thoroughly.
- It is possible to detect faulty conditions of cleaved end if pre-splicing inspection capability with dual-axis observation is available.
- If the fiber has a curl, lightly squeeze the fiber with fingers to remove the curl. The placed fiber should bend downward.
(6) Splice Reinforcing
Cover the optical fiber splice with the fiber protection sleeve. Reinforce the fiber with the sleeve on the heater.
Notes:
- Avoid bending or twisting the fiber when moving it so as not to break the fiber.
- Position the fiber protection sleeve so that its midpoint is close to the center of the splice.
- When placing the reinforcement, make sure that the glass fiber is straight.
