Question

Describe, with the aid of suitable diagrams, three common techniques used for the mechanical splicing of optical fibers. A mechanical splice in a multimode step index fiber has a lateral offset of 16% of the fiber core radius. The fiber core has a refractive index of 1.49, and an index matching fluid with a refractive index of 1.45 is inserted in the splice between the butt-jointed fiber ends. Assuming no longitudinal or angular misalignment, estimate the insertion loss of the splice.

Answer 1

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$\bull$ Fiber optic mechanical splice performs a similar function to the fusion splice except that the fibers are held together by

$\bull$ mechanical means rather than by a welding technique. Mechanical splices somewhat look like fusion splice protection sleeves.

$\bull$ In a mechanical splice, two cleaved fiber tips are mechanically aligned to each other by a special housing.

$\bull$ Usually, index matching gel is positioned between the fiber tips to maximize coupling and minimize back reflection.

$\bigstar$ Diagrams

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$\boxed{insertion \space loss = - (10log_{10}^{1.45} )\space db }$

$\boxed{ Insertion\space loss = -1.61368002235 \space db}$