In order to ensure the long-distance transmission of optical signals, splicing work is very important. The two disconnected optical fibers are connected by fusion splicing to reduce the loss of each node, ensure high reflectivity and stable transmission. The method used is fiber fusion splicing. So how to complete fiber optic fusion? We need to use a fusion splicer.
What is a fusion splicer?
A fusion splicer is a machine that fuses the ends of fiber optic within fiber optic cables. A fusion splicer can also fuse fiber optic connectors onto fiber optic cables. It works by using heat to precisely weld the ends of fiber optic together. This is done in a controlled and precise manner, ensuring the fiber optic will retain its ability to carry data. The fiber optic ends that are fused together are only 125 microns in diameter, which is approximately the thickness of human hair. Fusion splicers have surpassed mechanical connections as the preferred way to connect and terminate fiber optic cables due to the speed with which connections can be done as well as the strength, reliability, and performance of those connections. Fusion splicing is the ideal method for connecting and terminating fiber optic cables for data centers, Fiber to the Home (FTTH) or any FTTX (X refers to any broadband application) or any application where maximum bandwidth is desired and where distance may be a factor.
After understanding the fusion splicer, let's return to the fiber optic.I guess you might want to ask a few questions:
How many strands can a fusion splicer splice at one time?
Can single-mode fiber and multi-mode fiber be fused together?
Is it possible to fuse a 200 micron ribbon fiber onto a 250 micron ribbon fiber?
I will answer your questions one by one!
Standard fusion splicers will fuse one strand of fiber optic at a time. Ribbon fiber splicers can splice up to 12 strands of fiber optic at one time.
You would not want to fuse single-mode and multi-mode fiber optic together. They have different size cores and are not compatible. Envision trying to connect a garden hose to a fire hose.
You can fusion splice 200-micron ribbon fiber to 250-micron ribbon fiber. It will require special fiber holders (handlers) to accomplish the splice. Some additional steps will likely be required to fuse the two different sizes of ribbon fiber together. Since they both use the same size core, 8 to 9 microns, they can be spliced together and performed as desired.