THORLABS Vytran FFS2000 Series User Manual

FFS2000 Series Chapter 3: Description
Page 4 TTN047338-D02
Chapter 3 Description
3.1. Introduction
The Vytran
®
FFS2000 Series is a fusion splicing workstation designed to meet the demands of both volume
manufacturing and R&D splicing. All splicing processes - strip, cleave, clean, splice, recoat, and proof test - are
logically integrated into a single, automated system that produces consistent splices quickly and efficiently.
The FFS2000 Series offers convenient user control of all splicing parameters from the included Windows
®
7 PC
with GUI. Additionally, a fully automated 4-axis positioning system is available (Item #s FFS2000PM and
FFS2000WS) for precise rotary alignment of polarization-maintaining fibers. This complete and convenient
automation control, combined with the advantages of our Filament Fusion technology, makes the FFS2000 Series
ideal for high-strength, specialty fiber splicing, and manufacturing.
All of the FFS2000 Series components and procedures have been designed to yield consistent, reliable high-
strength, low-loss splices. These include:
 Fiber holding blocks (FHBs, sold separately) and transfer jig minimize fiber handling by precisely
positioning the fiber for each process.
 Soaking and stripping procedures safely remove the fiber’s acrylate coating while maintaining fiber
strength.
 A built-in cleaver provides a low-end-angle cleave, important for achieving low-loss splices.
 Ultrasonic cleaning prior to splicing removes any coating particles or residue left on the glass surface
which would otherwise reduce splice strength.
 A Charge Coupled Device (CCD)-based imaging system used in conjunction with sub-micron-level
stepper-motor positioners automatically aligns the fibers prior to splicing.
 An incorporated video imaging system displays the fibers alternately in two perpendicular axes.
 Precise control of fusion temperature necessary for splicing is achieved by using an inert purging gas and
an electric filament.
 A post-fusion fire polish process cleans any deposits or impurities on the regions adjacent to the splice
thereby enhancing splice strength.
 The recoat process maintains splice strength by restoring a protective polymer coating over the fusion
splice.
 The proof tester ensures that a splice meets a minimum strength requirement (Item #s FFS2000PT and
FFS2000WS)
In order to achieve optimum quality splices, it is important to read the instruction manual carefully and completely
before attempting to operate the machine. Additionally, the required maintenance and service work should be
performed on a regular basis to ensure that the splice quality is not compromised. This manual provides
instructions for performing such services. When in doubt, please contact tech support
(techsupport@thorlabs.com) as they are best qualified for diagnosing problems. Improper and/or incomplete
maintenance may result in impairment of the operating characteristics of your splicer.
3.2. System Overview
3.2.1. Gas Supply
Use only zero- or research-grade argon gas supply. Any other gas may damage the unit. Zero-grade argon is
specified as 99.999% pure with O
2
< 0.5 ppm, H
2
O < 3.5 ppm, and THC (Total Hydrocarbons) < 3.5 ppm.
Research-grade argon is cleaner with specifications of 99.9995% purity with CO
2
< 0.5 ppm, H
2
O < 0.5 ppm, N
2
<
3.0 ppm, O
2
< 1.0 ppm, and THC < 0.5 ppm.
When using a large tank of gas, be sure the regulator is set to approximately 10 to 11 psi. Do not exceed 25 psi
under any circumstances. If no gas pressure is present at the input port the splice process will abort.

THORLABS Vytran FFS2000 Series Specifications

General

Brand	THORLABS
Model	Vytran FFS2000 Series
Category	Laboratory Equipment
Language	English