FFS2000 Series Chapter 7: Splicing the Fiber
Rev B, July 21, 2017 Page 47
To continue the One Button Splice Process, click OK in the “load fiber dialog” or press the Splice Button on the
workstation again. The activated splice routine consists of multiple sub-processes that are defined within the
Splice Process Editor. These sub-processes can be grouped into fiber alignment, fiber splice, fire polish, and loss
estimation, which are further defined in the following sections.
7.4. Splice Routine
7.4.1. Fiber Alignment Methods
After the user starts the splice routine, the fibers will be aligned according to the subroutines assembled in the
active splice routine. The alignment routines are:
Edge Alignment
Active XY Alignment
End View Alignment (for PM fibers)
Active Rotation Alignment (for PM fibers)
Edge Alignment:
The Edge Alignment method uses image data from the CCD camera to align the fibers in the XY direction with the
Z-direction being the fiber line. This method is capable of aligning fibers of two different cladding diameters.
Active XY Alignment:
The Active XY Alignment method is used for fibers that have a core eccentricity. In such a case, the Edge
Alignment method cannot ensure a low-loss splice. Active XY Alignment uses input from an optical power meter
to maximize power transmitted between the fiber ends to determine the optimal XY alignment. Note: Connect the
optical power meter to the Analog 1 BNC input on the back panel of the FFS2000 Series.
End View Alignment:
The End View Alignment method is used for elliptical-clad fiber (PM or PZ), Panda fiber, or Bow Tie style fiber, or
a hybrid splice between any of these. These polarization-maintaining fibers are aligned rotationally as well as in
the XY-direction. Before loading the fibers into the FHBs, the fiber cladding can be coated with the pink dye
material. This enhances the contrast of the fiber structure. The PM alignment parameters (P1 and P2) must be set
correctly for each fiber type as described in the PM Alignment section.
Active Rotation Alignment:
The Active Rotation Alignment method is used for 3M elliptical-clad fiber (PM or PZ), Panda fiber, or Bow Tie style
fiber, or a hybrid splice between any of these. These polarization-maintaining fibers are aligned rotationally and in
the XY-direction, just as in the End View Alignment method above.
In addition to the End View Alignment method, the Active Rotation Alignment method uses a polarization analyzer
to precisely align the fibers rotationally. A light source is connected to the end of one of the fibers and the
analyzer is connected to the other fiber and the output of the analyzer is connected to Analog Port 1 or 2. The
analyzer contains a polarizer which is set to absorb any light in a perpendicular orientation relative to the main
axis of the fiber’s PM core. The analyzer will measure the optical power produced by the system consisting of the
fibers and the polarizer. The alignment routine will align the fibers until the power reading of the analyzer is
minimized.
7.4.2. Splice Method
Standard Splice
After the proper alignment is achieved, the fusion process begins. Before the filament turns on, the right-hand
fiber is moved towards the left-hand fiber a distance defined by the Pre-Push distance. The Argon flow will
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