1. Rekha .V. Tranquebar e-mail: rvt@buffalo.edu
Splicers
Rekha .V. Tranquebar

2. definitions
Splicer
mechanical device for joining two pieces of paper or film or magnetic tape
Splice
joint made by overlapping two ends and joining them
Splicing
process of the permanent connection of two pieces of optical fibres

3. scope Types of splicing Splicing procedure Losses Comparison
Manufacturers
Cost

4. types of splicing
Mechanical
Fusion (welding)

5. scribe & break End preparation
Striping (cable jacket, buffer tube & coating)
Cleaving
Cleaning the end surface

6. mechanical splicing
bonding two fibers together in an alignment structure
Transparent adhesive
- e.g. epoxy resin
Commonly used groove
- V-groove
Alignment problems

7. fusion splicing Fusing the two fibers Flame heating sources
- micro-plasma burners, oxy-hydric micro-burners, electric arc..
Advantage
- consistent and easily controlled heat with adaptability
Possible drawback
- weakening of fiber in the vicinity of splice

8. splice tray Stores and organizes the fiber & splice Protects fibers
Prevents fibers from exceeding the minimum bending radius
Establishes long haul links

9. comparison Mechanical splicing Fusion splicing Reflection losses
(-45 db to -55 db)
No reflection losses
Insertion loss
(0.2 db)
Very low insertion loss
(0.1 db to .15 db)
cost – high
Comparatively less