Single Mode Fiber Optic Connectors And Splices

John G. Woods

doi:10.1117/12.942769

1 August 1984 Single Mode Fiber Optic Connectors And Splices

John G. Woods

Proceedings Volume 0479, Fiber Optic Couplers, Connectors, and Splice Technology; (1984) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.942769
Event: 1984 Technical Symposium East, 1984, Arlington, United States

Abstract

There is a trend toward increasing use of single mode transmission, particularly in telecommunications where high data bit rates are transmitted for long distances. Inter-connections of multimode fibers can be made in a number of ways, using ferrules, v-grooves, elastomeric splices, etc. However, the connection of single mode fibers, which have core diameters of 4 to 13 μm, requires more precise alignment than do the multimode fibers having core diameters of 50 μm or more. At TRW, we have adapted the four rod alignment guide concept for single mode fiber inter-connections. The principle of this OPTAGUIDE* alignment guide is presented. The single mode connectors and splices use the four rod scheme with an index matching material to eliminate or reduce the losses incurred through fiber end roughness or angularity. We are able to produce demountable connectors for 80/4.4 pm fibers having typical insertion losses of 1.0dB. The main factors in obtaining this result are the naturally precise fiber alignment provided by the alignment guide, and the ability of several manufacturers to maintain tight diametral and core offset tolerances. The single mode OPTALIGN* SM Connectors have been subjected to performance and environmental tests including repeated matings, temperature cycle and vibration. The results of these tests are described in this paper. A feature of the OPTALIGN* SM Connectors is the relative ease and speed of attachment to fiber optic cable in the field, without the use of epoxy or polishing procedures. The alignment guide concept has also been applied to permanent single mode splices. The splicing procedure is simple to perform in the field without expensive or delicate equipment. Construction and assembly procedures of the demountable connectors and permanent splices will be described with the aid of diagrams and photographs.

Citation Download Citation

John G. Woods "Single Mode Fiber Optic Connectors And Splices", Proc. SPIE 0479, Fiber Optic Couplers, Connectors, and Splice Technology, (1 August 1984); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.942769

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