Fiber Optic Connector Cross Sectioning Example From “Connector B” Notes

Published: December 6, 2018

, Last updated: September 17, 2025

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From Fiber Optic Connector Cross Sectioning and Analysis observations from “Connector B” notes

Observations: This connector has (1) distinctive fiber fracture at the beginning of the ceramic internal chamfer (photo B.2). I did notice more than usual “epoxy shrinkage” against the walls internally. This shrinkage during the thermal curing contributed to the fiber fracture where a nick fatigued the fiber and the stresses of thermal curing and shrinkage actually separated the fiber at this location. The remaining fiber trapped inside the shaft of the ferrule acted as an anchor point. This is the most common problem created by the nicking of the fiber from the improper use of mechanical strippers or misaligned blades.

READ THE BLOG: Cross Sectioning of Fiber Optic Connectors: the three methods, advantages and disadvantages

Additional resources from the FOC team include:

Category Resource:
- FOC Interconnect Page
- FOC Test Page
View the Glossary, Acronyms, Military Specifications for Connectors
Q&A Resource: email technical questions to AskFOC@focenter.com

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