Answer to Question #181567 in Optics for anuj

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

Mechanical Splices:

In mechanical splicing the broken fiber edges are aligned and are locked in position with the help of various positioning devices and optical cement.

A number of mechanical techniques for splicing individual optical fibers have been developed namely:

1.Snug tube splice

The method involves the use of an accurately produced rigid alignment tube into which the prepared fiber ends are permanently bonded. This snug tube may utilize a glass or ceramic capillary with an inner diameter just large enough to accept the optical fibers.

2.Loose tube splice

This splicing technique avoids the critical tolerance requirements.This loose tube splice uses an over signed square section metal tube which easily accepts the prepared fiber ends.

3.V groove splice

1.It utilizes a V-groove into which two prepared fiber ends are pressed.

2.The two fiber can slide in the groove until they touch.

3.The splice is made permanent by securing the fibers in V-groove with epoxy resin.