Maintaining a Fiber Optic Fusion Splicer

There are many facets to a fiber optic design and installation. One of them is precision cleaning the connector "end face". Another is precision cleaning prior to the fusion splice operation. It once was where the fusion splicer was a monstrous device and the procedure of joining two bare fibers (barely the size of a human hair) was somewhere between "magic" and "craft" and efficacy of the instrument. In these times, much as end face cleaning, fusion splicing reality exceeds what was once thought theoretical only a few years ago. In these times there are various units some with like features and other unique features such as having "explosion proof" capacity or mini-sizes that can be used even in an inverted position. There are v-groove, core and cladding alignment machines as well as those that can 'plasma weld' multiple ribbon fibers. Precision cleaning the slicer components as well as proper preparation of the 'bare glass' contribute in concert to a low-loss, first-time fusion splice. This brief tutorial discusses the differences between "precision cleaning" and "cosmetic cleaning" and how one can cross-contaminate to the other. Also noted is a discussion of precision cleaning solvents and wiping materials. As with precision cleaning the fiber optic end face, proper preparation of the fiber and maintenance of the fusion splicer itself are critical considerations to "future proof" fiber optic designs and installations.