Preparation of Optical-Fiber Ends for Low-Loss Tape Splices

Copyright © 1975, American Telephone and Telegraph Company. Printed in U.S.A. Preparation of Optical-Fiber Ends for Low-Loss Tape Splices By E. L. CHINNOCK, D. GLOGE, P. W. SMITH, and D. L. BISBEE (Manuscript received September 18, 1974) We describe a reliable method of preparing planar fiber tape ends by fiber fracture. Using this technique, with suitable precautions to preserve cleanliness during splice preparation, we have measured a splice loss of less than 0.25 dB in 99 percent of all attempts. The alignment of fibers in prefabricated grooves1 so far remains the simplest and most reliable method of connecting fibers, even in the case of fiber cable subgroups (tapes). 2,3 Two problems were identified as most serious: (i) The preparation of satisfactory fiber ends was found difficult in the case of tapes and cables, because all ends must be in one cross-sectional plane. Grinding and polishing has proven feasible, but may not be entirely satisfactory, particularly in the preparation of field splices. (ii) The splice losses have been higher than expected on the basis of single-fiber splice tests 4 and have been scattered over a wide range. Although we are not certain that groove alignment necessarily provides the best splicing technique, we have used an advanced form of this technique developed by Cherin3 to take a closer look at the problems identified above. Even if other techniques prove more promising later on, the problems mentioned may still be present in 471 some form or other and seem serious enough to require thorough analysis now.