Method and apparatus for fusion splicing optical fibers
US5487125A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Nov 2, 1994 |
| Grant date | Jan 23, 1996 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Nov 2, 2014 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG02B6/2551
- WIPO fieldOptics
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
We have discovered that the strength of arc fusion splices in optical fiber can be adversely affected by particles (e.g., SiO.sub.2 particles) from the electrodes. Disclosed is a method of arc fusion splicing that can substantially increase the probability that a given fiber splice will meet a given strength requirement. The method comprises initiating the arc in a "cleaning" position selected such that the probability of incidence on the fibers of particles from the electrodes is relatively low, followed by changing the relative position between the electrodes with the arc therebetween and the fibers to the conventional "heating" position and forming the splice.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.