Optical fiber fusion splicing
Optical fiber fusion splicing is a welded joint that is formed between two optical fibers. Compared with another temporary joint such as a mechanical splice fiber splicer is a permanent, low-loss, high-strength joint. In the optical network, optical fiber fusion splices play a crucial role.
Fusion Splicing Process
The main goal is to create a joint with minimum insertion loss yet with mechanical strength and long-term reliability that matches well with the fiber itself.
The ideal process needs to be fast, inexpensive and it should not need expensive equipment. But in reality, among different applications and requirements, the process requires trade-offs. For example, long-term reliability is the most important goal for a fiber stripper and undersea telecommunications.
The Benefits
For interconnecting fibers such as fiber optic connectors and mechanical splicing, there are other approaches too. Compared to these two, fusion splicing has many benefits as explained below.
It provides the lowest insertion loss
It can even withstand extremely high temperature changes
It is one with the Lowest back reflection (optical return loss ORL)
It is very compact
Quite Permanent
It also prevents dust and other contaminants from entering the optical path
Provides Highest mechanical strength
The major steps involved in the process of fusion splicing can be summarized as the following.
- Optical fiber stripping
- Fiber cleaving
- Fiber alignment
- Fiber welding
- Insertion loss estimation
- Pull tension strength testing
- Splice protection with fusion splice sleeve
What are the Different Splicing Types?
In three types fusion splicing environment and applications can be roughly divided:
- Field splicing
- Factory splicing
- Laboratory splicing
The assembly of undersea fiber cables aboard fiber deployment ships is a very important example of field splicing. One example of factory splicing could be the assembly of fiber optic passive devices such as a WDM. An example of laboratory splicing is performed by researchers by fusion splicing the newest developed fibers so that they can test their compatibility with the existing industry-standard fibers.
Fiber fusion splicing includes various concepts and fiber tool kit from many subjects including mechanical engineering, heat transfer, material science, optical waveguide theory, fluid mechanics, and more.
