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Almost all epoxies used in fiber optics are two-part and have dissimilar mix ratios. Purchasing bulk material requires the most amount of handling. The resin and hardener will have to precisely weigh out before mixing. Any mistakes here will lead to problems down the...
Fiber diameters play an important role in the correct amount/volume injected into the connector.
For example, the 900-micron buffered fiber will displace more epoxy than a 250-micron fiber resulting in totally different volumes required to inject into the...
One key point to consider in Bi-Directional testing is the testing of dissimilar connector styles, i.e. SC to LC. During referencing the launch and receive cables need to be connected and if they aren’t the same they can’t be connected using a standard adapter....
Operating an MCVD is a hands-on activity. This is particularly true for the initial deposition and final tube straightening processes. Over the years, I’ve developed very specific techniques to control the process – and the outcome. Here are some quick...
Understanding and controlling APC ferrule geometry values get a bit more complicated than with PC ferrules. Not only are the ferrules polished at an angle, but that angle must be oriented in a specific rotational orientation (relative to the connector...
Here is how the lapping film is typically used: After the epoxy is cured and the fiber is scribed it must be denubbed. This step usually requires a rough grit silicon carbide film, something between 16 um and 5 um, depending on the bead size. This allows for a...
Fiber Stripping:
If the blades are dull, coating edge at the stripped boundary may be rough and jagged. Such a rough coating edge can lead to lateral forces on the fiber when it is inserted into the ferrule holder / ferrule assembly (causing degraded product...
For high power connectivity, where epoxy-less free-standing SMA’s is used, most companies use supportive wax like CrystalBond in the SMA connector to prevent the fiber from breaking during polishing while it needs to be removed afterward which is a time-consuming...
There are solutions to ensure that clean fibers will provide clean connections. Very simply, in addition to using clean test cords and keeping them clean at all times, the step of cleaning connectors during the installation phase must become a mandatory part of the...
Single-fiber PC ferrules, developing a polishing process:
Step 1. Define your objectives, especially measurement criteria and process yields.
When developing a polishing process, it’s important to clarify your acceptance criteria and targeted yields – and have...
