Abstract: The present method and kit provide for effective and efficient patching of fiber optic cables. The kit comprises mechanical fiber optic splicers, a fiber optic patch, a splice housing, and a protective housing. The mechanical fiber optic splicers can be used to splice the fiber optic cable and the fiber optic patch. The mechanical fiber optic splicers, the fiber optic patch, and a portion of the fiber optic cable can be enclosed within the splice housing. The splice housing can then be enclosed within a protective housing.

Abstract: An optical fiber composite that can easily have a desired mean transmission property as a whole even after a length of optical fiber is cut off from one end or both ends, a cable comprising the composites, and methods for producing the composite and cable. An optical fiber composite 10 is produced by splicing a first optical fiber 11, a second optical fiber 12, and a third optical fiber 13 in this order. The first optical fiber 11 and the third optical fiber 13 each have a first chromatic dispersion, D1, at the wavelength of a signal-carrying lightwave. The second optical fiber 12 has a second chromatic dispersion, D2, at the wavelength of the signal-carrying lightwave. The third optical fiber has a length, L3, shorter than the length, L1, of the first optical fiber. It is desirable that the ratio L3/L1 be at most 0.1.

Abstract: A kit and a method for splicing together porous sleeves are disclosed. The kit includes a release liner in the form of a non-porous membrane, preferably in the shape of an elongated tube. Adhesive and an adhesive applicator may also be included. The method includes the steps of inserting the release liner within an end of a first sleeve and then inserting that sleeve end into the end of a second sleeve. The outer surface of the first sleeve engages the inner surface of the second sleeve and defines an engagement zone having a predetermined length. The release liner extends along the engagement zone. Adhesive is applied to the outer surface of the second sleeve. The adhesive penetrates the second sleeve and bonds it to the first sleeve. The release liner acts as a barrier preventing the adhesive from bonding the first sleeve closed at the splice.

Abstract: An optical fiber collimator using a gradient index rod lens for securing a required long opposing distance and easy handling. The collimator includes a single mode fiber and a gradient index rod lens for receiving an incident light from the single mode fiber and converting the incident light into a collimated light, or condensing an incident light and coupling the condensed incident light to the single mode fiber. A meandering period (pitch) of a ray determined by a refractive index distribution of the rod lens is decided. The gradient index rod lens has a lens length larger by 0.5 meandering periods than a minimum lens length required to obtain a predetermined opposing distance between a pair of the rod lenses.

Abstract: Systems and techniques are described for fabricating a low-loss, high-strength optical transmission line. In one described technique, a first fiber is spliced to a second fiber at a splice point. The spliced fibers are loaded into a heat treatment station, where a gas torch flame is used to thermally treat a splice region including the splice point, with the thermal treatment reducing splice loss between the first and second fibers. While heating the splice region, a dry gas is purged around the torch flame during the heat treatment process to avoid water at the surface of the spliced fibers. According to further described techniques, a purging gas is fed to the torch flame to purge dust particles from the flame, and after the heat treatment has been completed, the torch flame is used to restore the glass surface of the spliced fibers. Additionally described are torch assemblies for fabricating low-loss, high-strength optical fiber transmission lines.

Abstract: An optical fiber splicer for splicing a plurality of first optical fibers arranged in spaced relationship with each other and a plurality of second optical fibers arranged in opposed relationship with the first optical fibers. The optical fiber splicer includes an XY table movable in XY directions orthogonal to each other, a tray mounted on the XY table, and first and second clamps for respectively clamping a selected one of the first optical fibers and a selected one of the second optical fibers to be spliced to the selected first optical fiber. The optical fiber splicer further includes first and second electrodes extending vertically and aligned with each other, first and second cameras located so as to interpose the first electrode, and an image processing unit for processing images picked up by the first and second cameras.

Abstract: An object is to provide an optical fiber fusion splicing method in which splice loss can be reduced, and also to provide an arc-heating unit used for heating the fusion spliced part of an optical fiber. The method comprises a process of fusion-splicing together the end faces of two optical fibers and a process of continuously heating the fusion spliced part by arc while moving one pair of electrodes provided opposite to each other across the fusion spliced part. The arc heating process is performed with the operation for decreasing arc temperature.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for bonding optical fibers are disclosed. A fiber bonding device feeds an optical fiber through a supportive sheath having a ceramic tip at its end. The optical fiber extends slightly beyond the ceramic tip and is aligned with the focal point of a laser, which causes the end of the optical fiber to melt, forming a molten region. The ceramic tip then extends partially into a substrate surface, causing the molten region of the optical fiber to become bonded to the substrate. The process is controlled by computer logic, such that it is an automated, precision process for bonding optical fibers.

Abstract: An optical fiber connector plug comprises a connecting portion including a rear entry at a first end and a first fiber stub exit opening to a first fiber stub channel. The first fiber stub exit is parallel to a second fiber stub exit opening to a second fiber stub channel. The first and second fiber stub exits are formed opposite the first end of the connecting portion. An optical fiber connector plug also includes a holder that fits into the rear entry of the connecting portion for permanent retention of at least one stripped, cleaved and polished optical fiber. First and second crimp elements, in the connecting portion, each have an open-ended bore coaxial with the fiber stub channels. Each crimp element contains an optical fiber stub. A molded top attached to the connecting portion includes an opening containing a compression element that forms splices by capturing a stripped, cleaved and polished end portion of an optical fiber and an optical fiber stub in each crimp element.

Abstract: Two fiber optic cables are spliced together so as to provide a relatively high strength splice without increasing the diameter of the cable and without degrading cable flexibility at the splice. The strength elements from one cable are used to replace the strength elements at the end of the other cable, after the fiber optic cores of the cables have been fused together. The splicing equipment advantageously uses elongated conduits to hold unwound strength elements out of the way to allow the cores to be fused and to prevent unwanted distortion of the cable during rewinding.

Abstract: A low-cost approach is provided for forming a low splice loss, low back reflection loss and mechanically robust angle-fusion splice between a standard silica fiber and a low-temperature non-silica glass fiber. This is accomplished by angle cleaving the silica fiber, square cleaving the non-silica fiber and then asymmetrically heating the fibers to form an angle fusion splice. A matched angle at the end of the non-silica fiber is generated in situ during the splicing process. The tip of the angle-cleaved silica fiber may be polished flat back to the edge of the core to reduce the range of motion of the non-silica fiber during splicing thereby further reducing splice loss and enhancing the mechanical strength of the joint.

Abstract: In a module for connecting and distributing optical fibers, intended for use in an optical distribution frame, the first end of each fiber is connected to a connecting socket and the second end of each fiber is connected to an optical distribution or transmission cable. The module includes an arm for guiding each fiber fixed by its first end to a support for a row of connecting sockets and connected by its second end to a cassette for coiling up each fiber. The cassette is articulated to the arm.

Abstract: Techniques and systems are described for reducing splice loss in an optical fiber transmission line. One described technique includes splicing together at a splice point a first fiber having a first modefield diameter to a second fiber having a second modefield diameter larger than the first modefield diameter. The splice point is heated to a core expansion temperature to cause a controlled thermal diffusion of core dopant in the first fiber in order to reduce modefield mismatch between the first and second fibers. Splice loss is then reduced by heating the splice point to a differential diffusion temperature to cause a controlled diffusion of a cladding dopant in the first fiber, while maintaining the expanded core.

Abstract: A low splice loss optical fiber transmission line is disclosed which has a first optical fiber portion and a second optical fiber portion, the first and second optical fiber portions having different mode field diameters. The optical fiber transmission line is advantageously loss-flattened. Additionally, a method of making an optical fiber transmission line is disclosed such that the loss due to the spliced connection is reduced during the fabrication of the optical transmission line.

Abstract: A kit and a method for splicing together porous sleeves are disclosed. The kit includes a release liner in the form of a non-porous membrane, preferably in the shape of an elongated tube. Adhesive and an adhesive applicator may also be included. The method includes the steps of inserting the release liner within an end of a first sleeve and then inserting that sleeve end into the end of a second sleeve. The outer surface of the first sleeve engages the inner surface of the second sleeve and defines an engagement zone having a predetermined length. The release liner extends along the engagement zone. Adhesive is applied to the outer surface of the second sleeve. The adhesive penetrates the second sleeve and bonds it to the first sleeve. The release liner acts as a barrier preventing the adhesive from bonding the first sleeve closed at the splice.

Abstract: Techniques are described for reducing splice loss by using an ultra-short bridge fiber to splice together a first fiber and a second fiber having different modefield diameters. The ultra-short bridge fiber has an intermediate modefield diameter between the modefield diameters of the first and second fibers. In one described technique, a first end of the ultra-short bridge fiber is spliced to a lead end of the first fiber at a first splice point. The bridge fiber is then cleaved at a predetermined distance away from the first splice point. A lead end of the second fiber is then spliced to cleaved end of the bridge fiber at a second splice point. A single protective splint is then installed that covers the bridge fiber and the first and second splice points. Further described is an optical fiber transmission line including an ultra-short bridge fiber.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an optical fiber device having a structure for effectively restraining the splice loss from increasing between two kinds of optical fibers having respective mode field diameters different from each other. The optical fiber device comprises first and second optical fibers fusion-spliced to each other, which are partly heat-treated such that both of their respective ratios of change in mode field diameter in the longitudinal direction become a predetermined value or less after fusion-splicing. When the ratios of change in mode field diameter in the vicinity of the fused point are appropriately controlled as such, the increase in splice loss at the fused point between the first and second optical fibers is effectively suppressed.

Abstract: Good quality fusion splicing of optical fibers with very different melting points (even 800° C. and 1800° C.) can be achieved by heating the end (3) of the fiber of lower melting point to a substantial extent (preferably entirely) by conduction from the pre-heated end (4) of the fiber of higher melting point. Preheating is suitably by a laser with its beam (15) centered close to the interface between the two fibers (or slightly displaced in the direction of the fiber of higher melting point if the intensity of the beam is relatively evenly spread) using a screen (13) to shade the fiber of lower melting point from the beam.

Abstract: Systems and techniques are described for monitoring a pre-splice heat treatment of an optical fiber. In one described technique, a lead end of a first fiber is prepared for splicing. The lead of the fiber is then loaded into a heat treatment station. While heating the lead fiber end, an optical time domain reflectometer is used to measure reflected backscatter loss from the lead fiber end. The lead fiber continues to be heated end until the measured reflected backscatter loss from the lead fiber end reaches a predetermined level. At that point, the heat treatment is discontinued.

Abstract: Optical systems that include optical fiber splices are provided. Such an optical system includes first and second optical fibers, each of which has an end surface and a side surface adjacent to the end surface. An adhesive joins the end surface of the first optical fiber to the end surface of the second optical fiber. Additionally, at least a portion of the end surface of the first optical fiber exhibits a wettability for the adhesive that is higher than a wettability for the adhesive exhibited by at least a portion of the side surface of the first optical fiber. Methods and other systems also are provided.

Abstract: An optical fiber spice holder, including a base having an upper surface and a plurality of sidewalls coupled substantially orthogonal to the upper surface. Each pair of sidewalls of the plurality of sidewalls forms at least one channel therebetween. The at least one channel has a first radius sized to secure an optical fiber splice, and a plurality of channels are formed adjacent to each other.

Abstract: A bridge fiber and a method of connecting two other dissimilar optical waveguide fibers is presented. The bridge fiber may be utilized to connect positive dispersion fibers or step index single mode fibers to compensative fibers, such as dispersion compensation fibers or dispersion-slope compensation fibers.

Abstract: An optical fiber composite that can easily have a desired mean transmission property as a whole even after a length of optical fiber is cut off from one end or both ends, a cable comprising the composites, and methods for producing the composite and cable. An optical fiber composite 10 is produced by splicing a first optical fiber 11, a second optical fiber 12, and a third optical fiber 13 in this order. The first optical fiber 11 and the third optical fiber 13 each have a first chromatic dispersion, D1, at the wavelength of a signal-carrying lightwave. The second optical fiber 12 has a second chromatic dispersion, D2, at the wavelength of the signal-carrying lightwave. The third optical fiber has a length, L3, shorter than the length, L1, of the first optical fiber. It is desirable that the ratio L3/L1 be at most 0.1.

Abstract: Systems and methods are described for reducing splice loss in an optical transmission line. A described system includes fiber guides for holding a first fiber and a second fiber in position for splicing to each other at a splice point. A heat source applies sufficient heat at the splice point to cause the first and second fibers to be fused together at the splice point, and subsequently applied heat to the splice point after the splice has been completed. The system further includes a tensioning assembly for applying a controlled, non-zero tension to the first and second fibers after they have been spliced together.

Abstract: Systems and techniques are described for monitoring a pre-splice heat treatment of an optical fiber. In one described technique, a lead end of a first fiber is prepared for splicing. The lead of the fiber is then loaded into a heat treatment station. While heating the lead fiber end, an optical time domain reflectometer is used to measure reflected backscatter loss from the lead fiber end. The lead fiber continues to be heated end until the measured reflected backscatter loss from the lead fiber end reaches a predetermined level. At that point, the heat treatment is discontinued.

Abstract: A data collection system that is attachable to an optical fiber splicer and is connectible to the splicer's serial port and/or video output. The device captures text data from the serial port and stores this data along with digitized video images of the fibers before, during, and/or after the splice. This data may be stored on a high-capacity storage medium, which may be removable. The date, time, and/or other external data may be recorded as well. The record of each splice is uniquely identified by a serial number or other indicium that is labeled on the splice. This serial number may be read into the data collection device by a laser scanner or optical wand. This device may also interface with a computer and may have full handshaking and a faster, better configured serial port connection than the splicer itself. Advantages of the data collection system include providing remote access of splice data, accountability for defective or problematic splices, and more efficient troubleshooting.

Abstract: A fusion splice including a first optical fiber having a first MFD and a first MFD expansion rate. The splice further includes a second fiber having a second MFD and a second MFD expansion rate, wherein the second MFD is lower than the first MFD. The second fiber comprises a core, a cladding radially surrounding the core, and a zone of high-concentration of fluorine between the core and the cladding. The rate of MFD expansion of the first fiber is less than the rate of MFD expansion of the second fiber during the fusion splicing operation.

Abstract: An optical module has first and second optical parts. Each of the optical parts has an optical path extending in a longitudinal direction and an end face intersecting the optical path. The end face of the first optical part faces the end face of the second optical part. Light enters the end face of the second optical part from the end face of the first optical part. An adhesive forms a joint for connecting the end faces of the parts to each other in peripheral portions about the optical paths of the parts.

Abstract: An optical fiber holding structure is used to restrain high fiber count fibers or to provide splice protection in a cable joint. Layers of fibers are inserted between a compliant splint member and a semi-rigid splint member, which are positioned within an outer gripping tube such as a heat shrink tube. Optionally, an internal support can be positioned between the layers of fibers. The assembly is heated causing the heat shrink tube to apply a gripping force to the splint members and fibers supported therebetween. Where more than two layers of fibers are being restrained, internal supports can be positioned between each of the fiber layers. One type of internal support includes a rigid beam coated with a compliant material.

Abstract: An optical fiber transmission line including first, second and third optical fibers connected together so that light travels through the transmission line from the first optical fiber, then through the second optical fiber and then through the third optical fiber. The first, second and third optical fibers have first, second and third characteristic values, respectively. The second characteristic value is larger than the first characteristic value and the third characteristic value. The characteristic value of a respective optical fiber being a nonlinear refractive index of the optical fiber divided by an effective cross section of the optical fiber. Pump light is supplied to the transmission line so that Raman amplification occurs in the transmission line as an optical signal travels through the transmission line.

Abstract: A multi-fiber optic device includes two optical fibers and a body. The body is formed around and adhered to the two optical fibers. The body includes two alignment bosses, a mating end and a tapered end. Each alignment boss includes an alignment aperture.

Abstract: Proposed is an apparatus and process (collectively referred to as a “Fiber Center”) for deploying and managing a central office fiber optic telecommunications infrastructure in response to demand from either a customer location or another operating telephone company (OTC) location. Customer demand information and management parameters are entered into a software system. In response to the demand information, the software system describes the required standard components and prefabricated cables, assigns the standard components and prefabricated cables to a specific location and enters this information into a reference data base. Assembly of the fiber optic infrastructure is implemented according to an equipment order which is generated based on the description and location information in the reference data base.

Abstract: A method of processing of air clad and photonic-crystal fibers enabling fiber cleaving, splicing and polishing is disclosed. Collapse of air channels, which are part of an air-clad fiber supports the processing techniques. The methods also provide means for heat generated by laser radiation at the spliced section of an air-clad fiber with conventional fiber collection and utilization.

Abstract: A method of controlling an optical fiber splicing machine utilizes a power control mode to control the amount of power delivered to fuse the fibers. In the power control mode, the attenuation is measured while the fusing process is occurring. A rate of attenuation loss is predicted from the measured attenuation values by using an estimator. If the rate of attenuation loss indicates that a threshold insertion loss will be crossed before the next attenuation measurement, the splicing machine is stopped prior to the next attenuation measurement. If the desired attenuation is not achieved, an energy control mode is utilized which controls the amount of energy delivered to fuse the fibers. After delivering this energy, the method measures the attenuation. If not within desired values, the energy mode is repeated. At each iteration the splicing control function utilized by the energy control mode may be reprogrammed. A PID control formula may be used to determine the arc current for each iteration.

Abstract: Systems and methods are described for reducing splice loss in an optical transmission line. A described system includes fiber guides for holding a first fiber and a second fiber in position for splicing to each other at a splice point. A heat source applies sufficient heat at the splice point to cause the first and second fibers to be fused together at the splice point, and subsequently applied heat to the splice point after the splice has been completed. The system further includes a tensioning assembly for applying a controlled, non-zero tension to the first and second fibers after they have been spliced together.

Abstract: Methods for connecting two optical fibers having different mode field diameters ((MFD) with low connection loss is proposed. One method comprises steps of preparing the third fiber (Fiber 3), a short length and MFD being smaller than that of the first fiber (Fiber 1) and larger than that of the second (Fiber 2), connecting the Fiber 1 to 3, connecting Fiber 2 to 3, and increasing MFD of Fiber 3 near the part connected or to be connected to Fiber 1, or MFD of Fiber 2 near the part connected or to be connected to Fiber 3 by heating the corresponding part. The other method comprises steps of preparing a short length Fiber 3 having smaller MFD than that of Fiber 1, increasing MFD of Fiber 3 near the part to be connected to Fiber 1 by heating the corresponding part, and then connecting Fiber 1 to 3, and 3 to 2 in that order.

Abstract: A device for welding together optical fiber, constructed and put into practice, according to the principles of this invention, comprises a photon source capable of transmitting photons to at a desired waveband to a desired target, e.g., a solid state part, a fiber optic cable, or a optical waveguide. The desired target, e.g., the end of an optical fiber, comprises a photon absorber material that is designed to absorb the photons emitted by the photon source. Through exposure of the photons emitted from the photon source, the absorber is caused to melt within a very short period of time for a defined period of time, during which time the desired target parts are joined and welded together. Ideally, the photon absorber material is matched to absorb photons in the same waveband as that emitted by the photon source. The device is configured to efficiently produce, focus, and deliver photons to the target area for welding.

Abstract: Optical systems that include optical fiber splices are provided. Such an optical system includes first and second optical fibers, each of which has an end surface and a side surface adjacent to the end surface. An adhesive joins the end surface of the first optical fiber to the end surface of the second optical fiber. Additionally, at least a portion of the end surface of the first optical fiber exhibits a wettability for the adhesive that is higher than a wettability for the adhesive exhibited by at least a portion of the side surface of the first optical fiber. Methods and other systems also are provided.

Abstract: A method of repairing an optical transmission cable which is broken at a breakage point, including the steps of fabricating a second cable by using the even number of first cables each of which includes a first area comprised of a bridge fiber and a second area comprised of at least one kind of fiber such that the first and second areas are arranged in a length-wise direction of each of the first cables, the second cable having opposite end surfaces having the same fiber arrangement as that of exposed surfaces of the optical transmission cable which are caused by a breakage of the optical transmission cable, first areas being spliced to each other and the second areas being spliced to each other in the second cable, and inserting the second cable into the optical transmission cable at the breakage point.

Abstract: Disclosed is a dispersion-compensating (DC) module [740] comprising a first length of DC optical fiber [10] in tandem with a second length of a standard singlemode optical fiber. The DC fiber is fabricated from silica glass and has a refractive index profile that includes a core region [51] surrounded by a cladding region [52] having a nominal refractive index n4. The core region includes a central core [511] having a nominal refractive index n1, a “trench” [512] surrounding the central core having a nominal refractive index n2, and a “ridge” [513] surrounding the trench having a nominal refractive index n3. A range of refractive index profiles has been found that provides relative dispersion slopes (RDS) that are greater than 0.012 nm−1 and figures of merit that are greater than 200 ps/(nm·dB).

Abstract: A conductive splint for repairing a damaged metallic sheath of a fiber optic cable includes a C-shaped stabilization element that spans the damaged area and a conductive stabilization component that attaches to the C-shaped stabilization element and provides for electrical connection across the section of damaged sheath. The conductive stabilization component includes a pair of end clamps that have an inner barbed surface for penetrating into and contacting the metallic sheath, and a conductive brace that is coupled between the clamps, the combination of the clamps and brace forming an electrical path across the damaged section. A heat shrink blanket is used to encapsulate the combination of the C-shaped element and conductive stabilization component, preventing further corrosion in the damaged section.

Abstract: An optical termination element for terminating an optical fiber carrying a signal of first maximum power level comprises a termination fiber which is unable to propagate a fiber fuse when the signal power is below a threshold power level which is greater than the first maximum power level. The termination fiber is designed by selecting values of the core diameter and the higher mode cutoff wavelength. The intention provides a termination component in which a fiber fuse can not be initiated at the maximum power to be provided to the termination.

Abstract: A method is described for producing a fiberoptic waveguide with a basic segment (11) and a phase shift segment (12), the basic segment (11) and phase shift segment (12) having fiber cores (K) of the same form and the fiber cores being aligned at a defined angle (&agr;) to one another. In the method, use is made of an optical fiber (1) having a fiber core (K) of the abovenamed form, which fiber is twisted at least approximately by the abovenamed defined angle (&agr;) and held fixed in this torsional position. Subsequently, a stress-relief zone (13) is heated inside the twisted fiber (1) until the torsion is released inside the stress-relief zone (13) and the basic segment (11) is produced on one side of the stress-relief zone (13) and the phase shift segment (12) is produced on the other side. In this case, the fixing of the torsional position is maintained until after solidification of the stress-relief zone (13).

Abstract: A fiber optic device for changing direction along a fiber optic path is provided. A first optical fiber having a first end portion, and a second optical fiber having a second end portion are joined at a fusion splice. A miniature bend is formed in the region of the fusion splice. The device is particularly useful for routing optical fibers in the field. A method of forming such a miniature bend in a fusion splice region between two optical fibers is also provided.

Abstract: A fiber splicing apparatus of the present invention includes a support (120a, 120b) for supporting the two optical fibers (112a,112b) such that the ends (114a, 114b) thereof are aligned and in physical contact, and a laser (130) emitting a laser beam (142) onto the ends of the optical fibers to heat and thereby fuse together the ends (114a, 114b ) of the fibers (112a, 112b). According to another embodiment, an apparatus is provided for heating a region (115) of one or more optical fibers(112a, 112b). This apparatus includes a laser (130) emitting a laser beam (132) and an optical modulator (134) positioned to receive and selectively modulate the intensity of the laser beam (132) to project a modulated laser beam (138) along a first optical path that terminates at the end (114a, 114b ) of the optical fiber(s) (112a, 112b)to be heated.

Abstract: The polarization state of a light wave is changed by a fiber polarization retardation device constructed by a method including employment of a pair of clamping fixtures, and a series of steps including clamping, cleaving, splicing, releasing, clamping, and cleaving, so as to achieve precise optical fiber lengths to achieve a desired polarization retarding device.

Abstract: A first waveguide and a second waveguide are aligned by applying an alignment dot on end surfaces of the cores of first and second waveguides. The alignment dots are positioned in close proximity to one another, and are melted together.

Abstract: An add/drop filter for optical wave energy incorporates a Bragg grating in a very narrow waist region defined by merged lengths of elongated optical fibers. Light is propagated into the waist region via adiabatically tapered fibers and is transformed from two longitudinally adjacent fibers into two orthogonal modes within the air-glass waveguide of the waist and reflected off the grating from one fiber into the other. The geometry of the waist region is such that the reflected drop wavelength is polarization independent, without lossy peaks in the wavelength band of interest. Additionally, back reflection are shifted out of the wavelength band of interest. High strength gratings are written by photosensitizing the waist region fibers by constantly in-diffusing pressurized hydrogen or deuterium. For narrow spectral bandwidth gratings, dimensional variations must be minimized or compensated, and the grating is apodized by both a.c. and d.c. variations in writing beams at a net constant power.

Abstract: Techniques and systems are described for splicing together first and second optical fibers. A thermal treatment station is described, having a chassis, a fiber holding block for holding a pair of optical fibers that have been spliced together at a splice point, the fiber holding block including a cutaway portion exposing the splice point, and a torch, the fiber holding block and the torch being mounted to the chassis such that the positions of the splice point and the torch can be adjusted with respect to each other so that the splice point lies in the flame. A technique for splicing together two optical fibers is further described, in which the optical fibers are first spliced together using a fusion splicer and then thermally treated by positioning the splice point in a flame while monitoring splice loss.

Abstract: A device is for actuating the flaps of an optical waveguide splicer. The device includes a wind protection flap that can be rotated around a first rotational axis between a closed state and an open state, a first holding flap that's is arranged underneath the wind protection flap on a side of a splicing location and can be swiveled around a second rotational axis between a closed state and an open state and a second holding flap that is arranged underneath the wind protection flap on the remaining side of the splicing location and can be swiveled around the second rotational axis. The wind protection flap is provided with a first coupling device via which the first holding flap and/or the second holding flap can be coupled to the movement of the wind protection flap from the closed state into the open state.