Transcript Slide 1

Chapter 8
Optical fiber splicing
Attenuation curve for silica optical fiber.
Loss measurements in optical fiber networks - at splices between fibers
with mode fields of different sizes - can give unexpected values.
Losses occur when the transmitting fiber has a larger NA than the
receiving fiber.
When fibers with different core diameters are spliced
losses will occur and the mode field diameter of the lightpulse will
change.
Differences in core diameter have a greater effect on a mechanical
splice than on a fusion splice.
Non-circularity of the core can affect the loss values for a splice. For
connectors without guiding slots, this can mean different loss values
after each disconnection/reconnection.
Core/cladding nonconcentricity can increase losses.
An SMA connector in cross-section.
Graph of loss through a connector with radial misalignment between the
two fibers.
Graph of loss caused by longitudinal separation.
Graph of loss caused by angular deviation between meeting fiber ends.
The end surfaces of the PC connector’s ferrules are ground to a
hemispherical shape.
If the mating parts of a PC connector are ground unevenly, an air
gap may form between them. This air gap markedly reduces
transmission for SM fiber when laser is used.
A poorly finished end surface results in increased splice loss.
The quality of the fiber cutter used can often determine the
performance of a splice. A fiber cutter of high quality cuts the fiber
rapidly and safely at a 90° angle, without deforming the cutting surface.
The cutters above are from Sumitomo (left) and Ericsson (right). The
Sumitomo cutter also cuts fiber ribbon.
Simplified illustration of the most important steps in fusion splicing.
Two electronically scanned images. The picture to the left shows
a picture taken during the fusion process of a single fiber and the
picture to the right shows the same for a 12-fiber ribbon splicer.
The fiber core is visible as a light-colored stripe in the middle of
the fiber (left picture only). This picture shows also the fiber in
both horizontal and vertical direction. The picture with the 12-fiber
ribbon is only in vertical direction
The alignment in a fusion splicer for fiber ribbon uses V-groves for x and y direction
The loss in a fusion splice can be affected by various parameters, such
as cutting angle, poor alignment, or core/cladding concentricity.
V-block for simple mechanical splicing of optical fiber.
The fibers are pushed from either end into a precision-drilled tube.
A three-rod splice is quickly and easily made; it is often used in cable
or fiber performance measurements.
Three mechanical splices,to the left is the
three rod splice, in the middle the Fiberlock® (3M)
and to the right is the Fingersplice® (AMP).
A method of mechanical splicing of up to 12 fiber ribbons in a splicing
matrix
Two splices with cylindrical, face-ground ferrule mounted in a bushing.
LME connector, one of the first connectors
for optical fiber cable.
The SMA connector became an
international standard. The figure shows
one connector with ceramical ferrule and
one with a metallic ferrule.
FC–FC/PC connector in bits and pieces. To
the left is the mounting bushing to be fitted
in the ODF box .
The PC connector’s ferrule is ground with a spherical curvature. The
ferrule shown to the left has been ground according to the super PC
method, and the ferrule to the right according to the ultra PC method.
SC connector for standard
applications.
SC connector for analog transmissions, the
ferrule is polished with 8 degree angle.
These connectors are generally in green.
The SC con-nector
has high packing density
thanks to its rectangular
shape and snap-in closure.
The ST connector with bayonet
coupling and pure ceramic ferrule.
Connector for FDDI network.
The connector contains termination for
fiber in and fiber out.
Schematic diagram of a
biconical splice.
Biconical connector
Expanded beam splice. Usually, several fibers are terminated in a
single splice.
Military field connector utilizing
the expanded beam concept.
Schematic diagram of a splice for a fiber ribbon
Light coming out of a 12- fiber MT
connector
MT-connector for 4-, 8- and 12
fiber ribbon, note the guidening pin in
middle connector.
Comparision between the 12- fiber MTconnector representing the ribbon
technology an twelve SC-connectors
representing the single fiber technology