Abstract: High strength optical fiber splices are obtained using an inert flowing gas to remove frit and discoloration produced during a fusing process. The fibers being spliced are protected from chemical and particulate contamination by preventing such contaminants from coming into contact with the exposed fiber ends as can occur when the fiber end is place into a solvent to soften the jacket prior to stripping. Finally, a post fusion heat treating step is added after the fibers have been spliced to remove any surface damage that may have been produced.

Abstract: Accurate simultaneous alignment and splicing of one or more pairs of optical fibers is achieved by the use of a glass coupler sleeve. One or more fiber holding channels are provided by the sleeve, each holding channel having at least one vertex and being configured to slidingly accept the optical fibers. The addition of a longitudinal slot to the coupler provides for the collapse of the coupler around the aligned fibers under predetermined heat and pressure, thereby providing permanent retention without the use of a bonding material.