Abstract: An alignment apparatus that can efficiently align an optical fiber, and an alignment method will be provided. According to the embodiments, the alignment apparatus that aligns an optical fiber comprises an acquisition unit, a calculation unit, and a rotation processing unit. The acquisition unit acquires one or more side images of the optical fiber. The calculation unit calculates correlation coefficients between the luminances of the one or more side images and those of one or more reference side images. The rotation processing unit rotates the optical fiber in the axis direction of the optical fiber so that the correlation coefficients peak.

Abstract: An optical-fiber-attached ferrule of the invention includes: an optical fiber; and a ferrule that holds an end portion of the optical fiber, where the ferrule includes a ferrule end surface, a fiber hole to insert the optical fiber, an adhesive-filling section that includes an opening surface of the optical fiber hole and an opposed surface opposed to the opening surface, and a light transmitting part that transmits an optical signal between the ferrule end surface and the opposed surface, and an end surface of the optical fiber is disposed close to the opposed surface in the adhesive-filling section The adhesive-filling section is filled with an optical adhesive with Shore hardness D of equal to or less than 50.

Abstract: A method is provided for detecting an orientation of an optical fiber including a flat surface as a part of a surface of the maintaining member. The method includes directing collimated light to the optical fiber through the flat surface of the maintaining member, receiving reflected light of the collimated light by using an optical sensor device, generating a brightness distribution image according to an output signal from the optical sensor device, identifying a reference point on a brightness distribution line appearing on the generated brightness distribution image, according to a position of the brightness distribution line in relation to a target orientation for the optical fiber, the brightness distribution line detectable on the brightness distribution image in correspondence to the reflected light received by the optical sensor device, and detecting the orientation of the optical fiber according to a coordinate of the reference point on the brightness distribution image.

Abstract: An optical active fiber is configured with an asymmetrically-shaped core having at least one long axis and a shortest axis which extends transversely to the long axis. The outmost cladding of the active fiber is configured with a marking indicating the orientation of the short axis. The marking allows for bending the fiber so that the shortest axis extends along and lies in the plane of the bend thereby minimizing distortion of a mode which is guided by the asymmetrically-shaped core as light propagates along the bend.

Abstract: In aligning ends of optical fibers, e.g. for performing a prealignment of ends of large mode area double-clad fibers (LMA-DCFs) in order to thereafter perform a core alignment process, in a fiber optic fusion splicer a best, optimum or near optimum position or setting of the optical system for observing the self-focusing effect is first determined and then the very alignment operation may be performed using the determined setting. The very alignment process may then be performed by adjusting stepwise the offset distance between the observed fiber ends by e.g. using a cascade technique.

Abstract: A ferrule holder is provided as one capable of improving convenience in a fusion splice between a built-in fiber and an optical fiber. The ferrule holder 1 is provided with a main body 2 and a lid 3. The main body 2 has a mount portion 4 on which a ferrule body is to be mounted, and the mount portion 4 is provided with a first mount surface 8, and a second mount surface 9 provided through a step portion 11 on the rear side of the first mount surface 8. This allows, for example, the ferrule body with a dust cap thereon to be mounted on the first mount surface 8 in the fusion splice in the case of an SC connector; it also allows the ferrule body with a dust cap thereon to be mounted on the second mount surface 9 in the fusion splice in the case of an LC connector. Therefore, there is no need for preparing a plurality of ferrule holders according to types of connectors, which can achieve improvement in convenience in the fusion splice between the built-in fiber and the optical fiber.

Abstract: An alignment fixture is configured to receive a group of optical fibers with each of the optical fibers having a coating and a bare fiber end. The fixture includes a first end configured to permit insertion of the optical fibers into a body of the fixture and a second end configured to align the bare fiber ends of the optical fibers in a particular arrangement. The fixture includes channels extending from the first end to the second end. An insertion point of each channel is at least twice the diameter of a coating of the one of the optical fibers. An exit point of each channel is narrower than the insertion point and is configured to position the bare fiber end of the optical fiber in the particular arrangement within a desired tolerance relative to other optical fibers. The alignment fixture enables easy splice alignment and protection in the field.

Abstract: A method for aligning an optical fiber that includes: directing a laser beam into a beam splitter to generate a pair of beams that are directed to a pair of reflectors that redirect the pair of beams such that the pair of beams intersect with each other and go to a pair of power detectors; and moving an optical fiber into the paths of the pair of beams until power detected at each of the pair of detectors is minimized.

Abstract: A component for a closure is disclosed herein. The component includes a collar extending around a central axis. The component also includes a first expansion housing positioned outside the collar in a radial direction relative to the central axis. The first expansion housing has an interior region in communication with an interior of the collar. The first expansion housing also includes a first adapter mounting wall defining a plurality of first adapter mounting openings in which a plurality of first fiber optic adapters are mounted. The first fiber optic adapters include first connector ports adapted for receiving connectors from outside the first expansion housing.

Abstract: An optical mover with functions of nanometer fine adjustment and micrometer coarse adjustment is mainly used to align two optical elements for connecting two optical elements, such as connection of two optical fibers, connection of one optical fiber with a photo diode, or connection of one optical fiber and one optical waveguide. In using, one optical element is placed upon the supporting seat for fine position adjustment, and another optical element is fixed on an external retainer for aligning to the former optical element on the supporting seat. A coarse control button is firstly used to coarsely adjust the position of the former optical element to approximately align to the later optical element. Then a fine-adjusting button is used to fine adjust the position therebetween so as to well align the two optical elements to a desire level for further operation, such as connecting the two elements.

Abstract: A method for aligning non-circular clad fiber whereby the alignment of the cross sectional profiles of non-circular fiber is accurately aligned before splicing. A method is provided to determine the correct rotational orientation of a fiber with non-circular cladding geometry so that the on screen position of the fiber core may be adjusted to present the flat side of the fiber cladding perpendicular to the imaging axis of the sensor. Once the fiber is clamped into the splicing apparatus multiple images at a series of different known rotational angles are captured. The images are processed to locate key fiber structural features. The relationship between the relevant structures is then processed mathematically to calculate a rotational angle that corresponds to a symmetrical positioning of the core as within the cladding image. The fiber is then rotated to the calculated rotational angle and the splice is completed.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for splicing fiber optic lines having a first and second holder for direct or indirect receiving of at least one fiber optic line each, an alignment means for aligning the ends of the fiber optic lines received in the first and in the second holder to one another and electrodes in the region of the ends of the fiber optic lines aligned to one another for creating a slice connection. The two holders on one side and the alignment means and preferably the electrodes on the other side can move relative to one another between a splicing position and a release position such that the splice connection is released in the release position.

Abstract: A fiber optic mechanical splicer includes a fiber connection base, a base cover and one or more fastening clamps. The base includes a plurality of insertion parts, fiber connection parts, and auxiliary protuberances. Each of the insertion parts having an insertion hole through which an optical cable is inserted. A connection groove is formed at a central portion of the fiber connection parts and extends in a lengthwise direction of the fiber connection parts. The base cover covers the fiber connection parts and is supported by the auxiliary protuberances. The one or more fastening clamps elastically fit around the fiber connection base and the base cover to fixedly hold the fiber connection base and the base cover with each other while pressing the optical fiber seated in the connection groove.

Abstract: A fiber optic termination arrangement includes a first optical fiber with a core surrounded by cladding having, a first end having a first outer surface and a second end having a second outer surface. The second outer surface is sized to match that of a second optical fiber to facilitate splicing the second end of the first optical fiber to a third end of the second optical fiber. Additionally, the first outer surface is sized and configured to interface with a connector capable of operationally aligning the core of the first optical fiber with a core of a third optical fiber or an optical receiving/transmitting device. The first optical fiber also includes a transition region wherein a third outer surface of the first optical fiber transitions from the first outer surface to the second outer surface.

Abstract: A method of repairing an embedded optical fiber of a composite material structure including an embedded optical fiber embedded in a composite material, includes removing a portion of the composite material including a damaged portion of the embedded optical fiber to form an opening portion; polishing an end surface of the embedded optical fiber exposed in the opening portion and an end surface of the composite material exposed in the opening portion; and performing position adjustment such that a core of the polished embedded optical fiber and a core of a replacement optical fiber are aligned with each other, butting the end surface of the embedded optical fiber and an end surface of the replacement optical fiber with each other, and connecting the end surface of the embedded optical fiber and the end surface of the replacement optical fiber together.

Abstract: An optical connector to which an optical fiber cord including an optical fiber ribbon and a sheath is to be attached includes: a ferrule member a fusion splice protection sleeve, housing and a fixing member. The ferrule member holds a plurality of embedded fibers which are to be fusion-spliced respectively to a plurality of optical fibers constituting the optical fiber ribbon. The fusion splice protection sleeve protects a fusion-spliced portion. The housing houses the ferrule member and the fusion splice protection sleeve. The housing has, at the rear end, a recess for receiving a bifurcated portion of the sheath. The fixing member fixes the sheath to the housings and by holding it.

Abstract: A method for fabricating, and a structure embodying, a single-mode polymer wave guide array aligned with a polymer waveguide array through adiabatic coupling. The present invention provides a structure having a combination of (i) a stub fabricated on a polymer and (ii) a groove fabricated on a silicon (Si) chip, with which an adiabatic coupling can be realized by aligning (a) a (single-mode) polymer waveguide (PWG) array fabricated on the polymer with (b) a silicon waveguide (SiWG) array fabricated on the silicon chip; wherein, the stub fabricated on the polymer is patterned according to a nano-imprint process, along with the PWG array, in a direction in which the PWG array is fabricated, and the groove fabricated on the silicon chip is fabricated along a direction in which the SiWG array is fabricated.

Abstract: A fiber optic assembly includes first and second fiber optic ribbons and a splice protector. Each of the first and second fiber optic ribbons includes a plurality of optical fibers coupled in a substantially flat arrangement, where the optical fibers are aligned side-by-side with one another. The optical fibers of the first ribbon are fusion spliced with the optical fibers of the second ribbon such that the spliced ribbons at the splice have a common lengthwise axis, widthwise axis orthogonal to the lengthwise axis, and thickness axis orthogonal to the lengthwise and widthwise axes. The splice protector supports the optical fibers of the first and second fiber optic ribbons that are spliced to one another at the splice. The splice protector includes an ultra-violet light (UV-) curable adhesive that provides a flexible support for the splice, and is at least half as flexible when cured over the splice as the first and second ribbons in bending about the widthwise axis.

Abstract: A fiber optic connector has a mechanical splice assembly and a mechanical splice assembly holder. The mechanical splice assembly holder includes a body section and a cable retention section. The cable retention section includes a pair of cable retention arms extending from the body section and a guiding groove that is extended out from the body section. The guiding groove is located between the two cable retention arms.

Abstract: In aligning ends of optical fibers, e.g. ends of large mode area double-clad fibers (LMA-DCFs), in a fiber optic fusion splicer the best position of the object plane of the optical system for observing images of the cores of the fiber ends are first determined by maximizing the contrast of the core image, in particular the core image peak in intensity profiles. The alignment process may be performed by adjusting the offset distance between the observed cores in some suitable way, e.g. by using a cascade technique. In e.g. a process for prealigning the fiber ends the self-focusing effect of optical fibers can be used to first determine the best object plane position for observing the self-focusing effect and then the very pre-alignment operation can be performed. This may extend the range of image analysis allowing e.g. that alignment, in particular core alignment, can be performed without requiring direct information showing the position of sides or edges of the claddings in captured pictures.

Abstract: Field-installable mechanical splice connectors for making optical and/or electrical connections in the field are disclosed. One embodiment is a mechanical splice connector having an optical portion that includes at least one lens. The connector also includes a mechanical retention component for securing at least one optical field fiber to the at least one body.

Abstract: Ferrule retainers for retaining and supporting fiber optic ferrules in an optical fiber connector are disclosed. In one embodiment, the ferrule retainers include one or more access windows for accessing an alignment feature(s) of the ferrule located inside the ferrule retainer when the ferrule is assembled in the ferrule retainer. In this manner, the alignment feature(s) of the ferrule is accessible for referencing, if desired, when processing (e.g., polishing) the optical fiber(s) disposed in the ferrule when the ferrule is assembled in the ferrule retainer. The access window(s) provided in the ferrule retainers allows fiber processing equipment to reference the alignment feature(s) of the ferrule when assembled in a ferrule retainer regardless of whether the fiber processing equipment also references the ferrule retainer to reference the ferrule. The embodiments disclosed herein also include related fiber optic connector assemblies, connectors, and referencing methods.

Abstract: In aligning ends of optical fibers, e.g. for performing a prealignment of ends of large mode area double-clad fibers (LMA-DCFs) in order to thereafter perform a core alignment process, in a fiber optic fusion splicer a best, optimum or near optimum position or setting of the optical system for observing the self-focusing effect is first determined and then the very alignment operation may be performed using the determined setting. The very alignment process may then be performed by adjusting stepwise the offset distance between the observed fiber ends by e.g. using a cascade technique.

Abstract: The invention provides and apparatus for mechanically splicing fiber optic cables and method for performing the process. The apparatus comprises an inventive segmented track with a middle track segment containing a splicer mount, and first and second rotating track segments on opposed sides of a middle segment, the rotating segments moving from a cleaving orientation wherein the rotating track segments align with a respective flat edge angled cleaver and a rounded edge angled cleaver, to a splicing orientation wherein the rotating track segments align with the middle track segment. First and second fiber key holders securely holding partially stripped fiber optic cables move along the respective first and second track segment for cleaving by the cleavers and then toward the middle track segment where their cleaved tips come into controlled aligned contact within a splicer joint contained in the splicer joint mount.

Abstract: An apparatus for splicing of optical waveguide sections is in the form of a handheld splicer. The splicer comprises a preprocessing unit, which may comprise a plurality of processing devices for carrying out removal, cleaning and cutting steps. The optical waveguide sections are clamped in a holding apparatus and are prepared in the preprocessing unit. The holding apparatuses are inserted with the prepared optical waveguide sections into a splicing unit, where they are spliced. The spliced optical waveguide sections can be fed by means of a transfer station to a shrinking oven for shrinking a shrink sleeve on. The preprocessing unit, the splicing unit and the shrinking oven can be controlled by means of one hand of an operator, while the splicer is held with the other hand.

Abstract: The invention provides and apparatus and method for mass producing a plurality of fiber optic mechanical splice-on connector subunits. The apparatus utilizes a magazine detachably mounted on a frame and containing a plurality of slots. The slots contain a plurality of subunits, each of which includes a ferrule assembly carrying a fiber stub coated in uncured epoxy. The slots are moved through a cleaving zone on the apparatus defined by the area between a cleaver and fiber holder, wherein the fiber stubs are cleaved and then pulled so the portion of the fiber stub extending from the ferrule assembly to the cleaved end has a specified length. After cleaving and pulling all the fiber stubs in the magazine, the magazine is detached from the apparatus and moved to an oven wherein the epoxy is cured. After cooling, the subunits and removed from the magazine to provide a plurality of subunits, each containing a cleaved fiber stub securely oriented therein.

Abstract: A method of butting and connecting a first optical fiber and a second optical fiber in an optical connector comprises placing said optical connector that holds said first optical fiber in wherein an optical fiber connection tool; mounting said optical fiber holder on a holder mounting base of a front end bevel processing tool; processing a front end face of said second optical fiber such that said front end face of said second optical fiber is beveled relative to the surface perpendicular to the optical fiber axis direction; transferring said optical fiber holder to said holder support base; and moving said optical fiber holder toward said optical connector along said guide part, and butting and connecting the beveled front end face of said second optical fiber to the front end face of said first optical fiber such that their bevel directions are aligned.

Abstract: Disclosed are fiber optic connectors including a holder for attaching a fiber optic cable to a fiber optic connector along with cable assemblies and methods for making the same. In one embodiment, the holder includes a first and a second cantilevered arm that are squeezed together when a sleeve is placed over the holder. Further, one or more of the cantilevered arm may include a plurality of teeth for “biting” into the cable jacket and providing a suitable fiber optic cable retention force. The fiber optic connectors, cable assemblies and methods disclosed herein are advantageous since they allow the craft to quickly, reliably, and easily attach a robust fiber optic cable to a connector, thereby providing a rugged solution for the craft.

Abstract: An optical fiber handler for optical connector termination systems and other devices are disclosed herein. The optical fiber handler attaches to the optical fiber or cable and cooperates with other components for preparing the optical fiber and/or making the optical connection, thereby providing a simple, reliable, and easy termination for the optical fiber. For instance, the handler may cooperate with one or more of the following a strip tool, strip/clean tool, cleave tool for preparing the end of the optical fiber(s), and/or a mechanical splice connector for making the optical connection. Additionally, after the optical fiber handler is attached to the mechanical splice connector it may be easily removed by the craft if necessary to reposition and reterminated the mechanical splice.

Abstract: An optical fiber holder assembly for holding an optical fiber having any one of several different fiber constructions comprises a base and a fiber clamping mechanism. The clamping mechanism includes a clamping portion configured to clamp the optical fiber, the clamping portion including a first clamping plate hingedly coupled to a portion of the base. A first fiber entrance guide is formed in an entrance end of the fiber clamping mechanism to receive and guide the optical fiber to a first fiber channel formed in the base. A second fiber entrance guide is formed in the entrance end of the fiber clamping mechanism to receive and guide the optical fiber to a second fiber channel formed in the base. The first clamping portion includes first and second compliant gripping pads, the first gripping pad disposed on the base and the second gripping pad disposed in the first clamping plate such that the gripping pads overlap each other when the first clamping plate is placed in a closed position.

Abstract: A fiber optic connector assembly includes a connector and a carrier. The connector has a first mating end and a second end and an optical fiber terminated thereto. The fiber defines a first end adjacent the mating end and a second end protruding out of the second end of the fiber optic connector. A carrier having a connector end and an oppositely disposed cable end is engaged with the connector. An alignment structure is disposed on the carrier that includes a first end and a second end and a throughhole extending therebetween, the alignment structure including a cutaway portion extending perpendicularly to and communicating with the throughhole. The optical fiber terminated to the fiber optic connector is positioned within at least a portion of the throughhole with the second end of the optical fiber located within the cutaway portion.

Abstract: A device for installing an optical fiber in a connector, comprising an optical fiber cleaving mechanism (51), a connector holding means and a fiber insertion mechanism (55) arranged such that an optical fiber may be cleaved by the cleaving mechanism to produce an end of the fiber, and the end of the fiber may be inserted by means of the insertion mechanism into a connector (1) held by the connector holding means (53).

Abstract: An optical connector of the present invention includes a ferrule to which an internal optical fiber is embedded and an end face grinding is performed; and a connection mechanism which extends to an opposite side of a connection end face of the ferrule, wherein the optical connector butt connects the internal optical fiber and an insert optical fiber which is inserted from outside within a positioning groove provided at the connection mechanism; and a back end side of an end face of the internal optical fiber which butts to the insert optical fiber is made a beveled end face by cutting process.

Abstract: A fiber optic connector for making a mechanical splice with an optical fiber secured in an optical fiber handler is disclosed. The fiber optic connector provides the craft with a simple, fast and reliable way for terminating the optical fiber.

Abstract: A controlled radius splice protector includes a first fiber optic fiber, a second fiber optic fiber, a fiber splice connecting the first fiber optic fiber and the second fiber optic fiber, a hot melted splice tubing extending over the fiber splice and a jacket tubing receiving the hot melted splice tubing and pre-formed to a selected bend radius.

Abstract: A fiber optic cable assembly includes a connector and a fiber optic cable. The connector includes a housing having a first axial end and an oppositely disposed second axial end. A ferrule is disposed in the housing. A plurality of optical fibers is mounted in the ferrule. The fiber optic cable includes an outer jacket defining a fiber passage that extends longitudinally through the outer jacket and a window that extends through the outer jacket and the fiber passage. First and second strength members are oppositely disposed about the fiber passage in the outer jacket. A plurality of optical fibers is disposed in the fiber passage. The optical fibers are joined at splices to the optical fibers of the connector. A splice sleeve is disposed over the splices. The splice sleeve is disposed in the window of the outer jacket.

Abstract: Adapters for receiving high-fiber count splicing connector assemblies are disclosed. The adapter includes a splice guide insert having a first plurality of bores that extend from a first end of the splice guide and a second plurality of bores that extend from a second end of the splice guide. The splice guide aligns the optical fibers of respective splicing connector assemblies received on opposite ends of the adapter for making an optical connection. Additionally, methods are disclosed for laser processing multiple rows of fibers.

Abstract: A method of aligning a non-circular fiber with another component is provided. A method of aligning a first D-fiber with a second D-fiber includes rotating the first D-fiber; obtaining a first image profile of an end of the first D-fiber; using the first image profile to measure a diameter of a cladding of the first D-fiber along a first direction; and repeating these operations until a minimum diameter of the cladding of the first D-fiber is aligned along the first direction. The method also includes rotating the second D-fiber; obtaining a second image profile of an end of the second D-fiber; using the second image profile to measure a diameter of a cladding of the second D-fiber along the first direction; and repeating these operations until a minimum diameter of the cladding of the second D-fiber is aligned along the first direction.

Abstract: A ferrule holder is provided as one capable of improving convenience in a fusion splice between a built-in fiber and an optical fiber. The ferrule holder 1 is provided with a main body 2 and a lid 3. The main body 2 has a mount portion 4 on which a ferrule body is to be mounted, and the mount portion 4 is provided with a first mount surface 8, and a second mount surface 9 provided through a step portion 11 on the rear side of the first mount surface 8. This allows, for example, the ferrule body with a dust cap thereon to be mounted on the first mount surface 8 in the fusion splice in the case of an SC connector; it also allows the ferrule body with a dust cap thereon to be mounted on the second mount surface 9 in the fusion splice in the case of an LC connector. Therefore, there is no need for preparing a plurality of ferrule holders according to types of connectors, which can achieve improvement in convenience in the fusion splice between the built-in fiber and the optical fiber.

Abstract: A component for a closure is disclosed herein. The component includes a collar extending around a central axis. The component also includes a first expansion housing positioned outside the collar in a radial direction relative to the central axis. The first expansion housing has an interior region in communication with an interior of the collar. The first expansion housing also includes a first adapter mounting wall defining a plurality of first adapter mounting openings in which a plurality of first fiber optic adapters are mounted. The first fiber optic adapters include first connector ports adapted for receiving connectors from outside the first expansion housing.

Abstract: Methods for centering at least one optical fiber (10) having a centerline (16) in a connector ferrule (100) having at least one bore (120) with a central axis (AC) is disclosed. One method includes inserting a bare-fiber portion (13) into a ferrule bore so that at least a section (10S) of the bare-fiber portion extends beyond the ferrule front end (106). The method also includes selectively applying an amount of energy to the bare-fiber section to form a locally deformable region (19), and forming at a bulge (250) in the locally deformable region. The method also includes causing the bulge to form a force-fit with the bore at the ferrule front end, thereby substantially centering the optical fiber centerline along the bore central axis. Methods of centering nano-engineered optical fibers are also disclosed, wherein the optical fiber end is processed so that a substantially void-free fiber end (14) is made to substantially coincide with the ferrule front end.

Abstract: An optical fiber connector comprises an outer housing configured to mate with a receptacle and a collar body disposed in the outer housing. The collar body receives and secures a ferrule in a first portion of the collar body. The ferrule includes a central bore that defines an axis. The ferrule further includes a fiber stub disposed in a portion of the central bore, the fiber stub comprising a first optical fiber having a first end proximate to an end face of the ferrule and a prepared second end terminating within the ferrule. The collar body further includes a second portion that includes a housing portion to house a gripping device that grips a second optical fiber.

Abstract: A mechanical splice apparatus including a mechanical splice with a groove and an aligning component with a wedge. When the wedge is engaged in the groove of the mechanical splice an opening is formed in the mechanical splice and when the wedge is disengaged from the groove, the opening closes.

Abstract: A splicing method and splicing kit are suitable for creating a multimode mechanical splice. The splice may be used, for example, in Aircraft Battle Damage Repair operations. The splice utilizes two cylindrical inner crimp sleeves and an outer crimping assembly. The inner crimp sleeves are placed over prepared fiber cable ends, and the fiber core is cleaved. The cable ends are then inserted into an outer cannula of the outer crimping assembly. The cannula guides the inner crimp sleeves, and the cleaved fiber ends enter a glass ferrule in the cannula. The glass ferrule has a triangular bore containing an index matching gel. A window in the cannula and a magnifying viewer are provided to visually confirm the splice quality. The fibers may be cleaved by forming a circumferential score on the fiber.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for verifying an acceptable splice termination include propagating light energy into the stub optical fiber of a fiber optic connector, detecting and collecting the amount of optical power emanating from the stub optical fiber at a termination area of the connector, converting the optical power to an electrical signal proportional to the amount of collected optical power, and displaying the electrical signal on a feedback monitor, such as an optical power meter, an LCD bar graph, or an LED. An initial (i.e., reference) value is obtained with the field optical fiber not in physical contact with the stub optical fiber. A final (i.e., terminated) value is obtained with the field optical fiber in physical contact with the stub optical fiber and terminated to the connector. The final value is compared to the initial value to determine whether the change (i.e., difference) is sufficient. Alternatively, the final value is compared to a predetermined limit or threshold.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for splicing fiber optic lines having a first and second holder for direct or indirect receiving of at least one fiber optic line each, an alignment means for aligning the ends of the fiber optic lines received in the first and in the second holder to one another and electrodes in the region of the ends of the fiber optic lines aligned to one another for creating a slice connection. The two holders on one side and the alignment means and preferably the electrodes on the other side can move relative to one another between a splicing position and a release position such that the splice connection is released in the release position.

Abstract: An optical connector in which the housing property into a cabinet or the like can be enhanced because of the compactification, and which can solve problems of the increase of the bending loss of an optical fiber, the breakage, and the like is obtained. In an optical connector which houses and holds a fusion spliced portion where a short optical fiber previously fitted to an optical connector ferrule is fusion-spliced with a coated optical fiber, one end of a protection sleeve which armors the fusion spliced portion is coupled to the optical connector ferrule. As a result, the length of the protection sleeve which covers the fusion spliced portion so that the fusion spliced portion is positioned at the middle can be set with reference to an end portion of the optical connector ferrule. Therefore, the protection sleeve can be shortened, and compactification of the optical connector can be realized.

Abstract: A strain-relief assembly for a field-installable fiber optic connector is disclosed, wherein the assembly includes a ferrule holder, an intermediate sleeve, and a crimp sleeve. The ferrule holder back section holds a buffered section of a fiber optic cable, while the ferrule holder front end holds a ferrule and a splice assembly. A stub fiber is held within the ferrule and the splice assembly so as to interface with a section of field optical fiber protruding from the buffered section. The intermediate sleeve engages and generally surrounds a portion of the ferrule holder back section and thus surrounds a portion of the buffered layer. An intermediate sleeve handler may be used to handle the intermediate sleeve and attached the intermediate sleeve to the ferrule holder back section. Stress-relief strands from the fiber optic cable are flared around the outer surface of the intermediate sleeve. A crimp sleeve is placed over the intermediate sleeve to hold the ends of the stress-relief strands in place.

Abstract: A holder capable of protecting an optical connector ferrule from an external shock, or the like and executing a fusion-splice of a short optical fiber not to take out the optical connector ferrule from the holder is obtained. A holder for holding a connector plug equipped with an optical connector ferrule to which a short optical fiber is fitted and a plug frame for covering an outer periphery of the optical connector ferrule therein, wherein, when the short optical fiber together with the holder is fitted to a fusion splicing apparatus that fusion-splices the short optical fiber and other coated optical fiber, the short optical fiber extended from the plug frame is positioned in a fusion position.

Abstract: A field termination kit includes an optical fiber preparation device for preparing an end of an optical fiber, an optical inspection device for inspecting the end of the optical fiber, and a termination assembly for terminating the end of the optical fiber. A method of using a field termination kit includes rotating an end of a first optical fiber about a center of an abrasive portion of an optical fiber preparation tool. The end is pressed against an adhesive portion of the optical fiber preparation tool to clean contaminants from the end. The end is inserted into an inner passage of an optical fiber inspection device for viewing. The end is inserted into a termination assembly. The end is terminated to an end of a second optical fiber in a termination region of the termination assembly.