Fusion splicing is the act of joining two
optical fiber
An optical fiber, or optical fibre, is a flexible glass or plastic fiber that can transmit light from one end to the other. Such fibers find wide usage in fiber-optic communications, where they permit transmission over longer distances and at ...
s end-to-end. The goal is to fuse the two fibers together in such a way that light passing through the fibers is not
scattered or
reflected
Reflection is the change in direction of a wavefront at an interface between two different media so that the wavefront returns into the medium from which it originated. Common examples include the reflection of light, sound and water waves. The ...
back by the
splice, and so that the splice and the region surrounding it are almost as strong as the intact fiber. The source of heat used to melt and fuse the two glass fibers being spliced is usually an
electric arc
An electric arc (or arc discharge) is an electrical breakdown of a gas that produces a prolonged electrical discharge. The electric current, current through a normally Electrical conductance, nonconductive medium such as air produces a plasma ( ...
,
but can also be a laser, a gas flame, or a
tungsten filament through which
current is passed.
Governing standards
ANSI/EIA/TIA-455
See also
*
Fiber-optic communication
Fiber-optic communication is a form of optical communication for transmitting information from one place to another by sending pulses of infrared or visible light through an optical fiber. The light is a form of carrier wave that is modul ...
*
Optical fiber connector
An optical fiber connector is a device used to link optical fibers, facilitating the efficient transmission of light signals. An optical fiber connector enables quicker connection and disconnection than splicing.
They come in various types li ...
*
Optical time-domain reflectometer
References
*
Further reading
* "How to Precision Clean All Fiber Optic Connections": Edward J. Forrest, Jr.
Fiber Optic Association
Industrial processes
Fiber optics
Glass production
Articles containing video clips
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