Fiber Splicing Video

See actual live fusion splice

This video clip is stored on our website....no external linkage.  NOTE: when finished viewing video, click BACK button on your browser to return to Tutorial.  Play video as many times as desired.

The 15 second video clip shows two single-mode optical fibers being joined by fusion process. The fibers have been prepared by removing the colored coating, then trimmed by a precision "cleaving tool", yielding a clean fiber end which is perfectly square with the sides of the fiber.

As the video plays, you will see three main events-

1. As the fibers come close together, an initial, rapid arc burns away any dust particles

2. The fibers are brought together and joined with a longer-duration fusing arc

3. The fused fibers are displayed as a perfectly continuous fiber.

This all happens in real time, so watch closely. Replay several times in needed.  The larger view at left is a side view of the process (X); the smaller window at right is looking from the top (Y).  At the end of the video, the top view fades out, leaving only the side view of the completed process.

Here are still photos of each process:

	After cleansing arc, no dust particles remain	Fibers are brought nearly together, then Fusing Arc	Fused Fibers

Don't forget you can order a sample fiber from a real telephone cable for use in some experiments by clicking ORDER FIBER or button on top right of the Home page.  Prices from $1.00 per fiber.  Great way to earn extra credits in your next Technical Presentation, Science Fair or Merit Badge!