Abstract: Apparatus and methods are described herein for cleaving an optical element at a defined distance from a splice (or other reference point/feature) of the optical element within a desired precision and/or accuracy. In some embodiments, a method includes receiving an indication of a location of a feature in an intermediate optical assembly visible within an image of the intermediate optical assembly. The feature can be for example, a splice. A position of the intermediate optical assembly is translated relative to a cleave unit based on the indication. After translating, the intermediate optical assembly, the intermediate optical assembly is cleaved to form an optical assembly that has an end face at a location disposed at a non-zero distance from the location of the feature. In some embodiments, the location of the feature can be determined with an image recognition system.

Abstract: An enhanced optical fiber fusion splice with a first optical fiber spliced to a second optical fiber; a strength enhancer surrounding the first fiber, the second fiber and the splice; wherein the first fiber has a melting point of less than approximately 1000 degrees C.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods are described herein for cleaving an optical element at a defined distance from a splice (or other reference point/feature) of the optical element within a desired precision and/or accuracy. In some embodiments, a method includes receiving an indication of a location of a feature in an intermediate optical assembly visible within an image of the intermediate optical assembly. The feature can be for example, a splice. A position of the intermediate optical assembly is translated relative to a cleave unit based on the indication. After translating, the intermediate optical assembly, the intermediate optical assembly is cleaved to form an optical assembly that has an end face at a location disposed at a non-zero distance from the location of the feature. In some embodiments, the location of the feature can be determined with an image recognition system.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods are described herein for cleaving an optical element at a defined distance from a splice (or other reference point/feature) of the optical element within a desired precision and/or accuracy. In some embodiments, a method includes receiving an indication of a location of a feature in an intermediate optical assembly visible within an image of the intermediate optical assembly. The feature can be for example, a splice. A position of the intermediate optical assembly is translated relative to a cleave unit based on the indication. After translating, the intermediate optical assembly, the intermediate optical assembly is cleaved to form an optical assembly that has an end face at a location disposed at a non-zero distance from the location of the feature. In some embodiments, the location of the feature can be determined with an image recognition system.

Abstract: In some embodiments, an apparatus includes a formation member that defines a passageway configured to receive therein at least a portion of an optical fiber that includes a stripped portion to be recoated. The passageway defines at least in part a recoat cross-sectional width of the stripped portion of the optical fiber to be recoated. A nozzle is coupled to the formation member and configured to dispense a recoat material into the passageway when the nozzle is moved relative to the stripped portion of the optical fiber when the stripped portion of the optical fiber is disposed at least partially within the passageway such that the recoat material is dispensed on and surrounds the stripped portion of the optical fiber. In some embodiments, the apparatus includes a controller that can control the flow rate of the recoat material dispensed by the nozzle.