Fusion Splicing

Fusion splicing uses an electric arc to "weld" two fibers together. The process is simple: the operator strips, cleans and cleaves the fibers and inserts them into the holders on the fusion splicer. When both fibers are in place, the operator runs the splicer automatic program. The splicer usually has a selection of programs for different types of fiber. The splicer "pre-fuses" the fibers in a low power arc to clean off any dirt and preheat the fibers. Then it runs the fusion process, aligning the fibers, fusing them in a high power arc and estimates the loss based on fiber alignment. Finally, the operator places a protective sleeve over the fused fibers to seal them from the environment and places them in a splice tray.

Fusion splicer and lab courtesy of Associated Technical College, San Diego.

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