Electronics and Communication Engineering Discipline
Khulna University
Sessional Lab Report
Course No. : ECE 4208
Course Title : Optoelectronics Devices & Fabrication Sessional
Name of the Experiment No. 9 : Demonstration of Optical Fiber fusion splicing technique
Submitted By
Ali Akkas
Student ID: 200934
Year: 4th
Term: II
Submitted To
Dr. Md. Shamim Ahsan Dr. Shakila Naznin
Professor Professor
Electronics and Communication Engineering Discipline Electronics and Communication Engineering Discipline
Khulna University Khulna University
Date Of Submission: 27-11-2024
EXPERIMENT NO: 09
EXPERIMENT NAME : Demonstration of Optical Fiber fusion splicing technique
OBJECTIVES
● To create a permanent, low-loss connection between two optical fibers
● To ensure efficient signal transmission
● To ensure the splice is durable and resistant to environmental factors
● To achieve precise core alignment of the fibers to ensure efficient light transfer between
the connected fibers.
THEORY
Optical splicing refers to the process of joining two optical fibers to create a continuous light
path with minimal signal loss. Achieving this requires precise alignment and specialized
techniques to preserve both the optical and mechanical integrity of the splice.
There are two primary methods of optical splicing: fusion splicing and mechanical splicing.
Fusion splicing is the most widely used, especially in long-distance telecommunications and
high-performance networks. This method relies on a fusion splicing machine, which uses an
electric arc to heat and slightly melt the fiber ends, fusing them into a single, seamless
connection. Precise heat application is crucial to prevent damage to the fibers and ensure optimal
performance.
The objective of optical splicing is to establish an efficient and reliable connection between
fibers. A deeper understanding of this process involves exploring the physical principles,
materials, and engineering factors that impact splice quality, offering valuable insights into this
critical technique.
REQUIRED EQUIPMENTS
● Fusion Splicing Machine
● Fiber Strippers
● Cleaving Tool
● Electrode/Arc Generator
● Protective Sleeves
● Splice Tray
● Cleaning Tools
EXPERIMENTAL PROCEDURES
I. To begin, we carefully removed the outer protective coatings from both fiber ends using a
fiber stripper, exposing the glass core and cladding.
II. Next, isopropyl alcohol was used to clean the exposed fiber ends, ensuring all dirt and debris
were removed.
III. Following this, a precision cleaving tool was employed to create a clean, flat cut at the fiber
ends, ensuring the cut was close to 90 degrees for proper alignment during splicing.
IV. Subsequently, both fiber ends were placed into the fiber holder of the fusion splicing
machine, which automatically aligned the fibers to match their optical cores perfectly.
V. Using a microscope or the machine's camera, we inspected the splice to verify proper
alignment and ensure no visible gap existed between the cores.
VI. Finally, an Optical Time Domain Reflectometer (OTDR) or optical power meter was used to
test the quality of the splice.
RESULT
Figure 1: Fiber
Figure 2: Strippering process
DISCUSSION
In fiber-optic communications, optical splicing is essential for establishing low-loss,
high-performance connections between optical fibers. This process involves precisely joining
two fibers to allow seamless light transmission through the splice, minimizing signal loss and
reflection, thereby ensuring efficient and reliable communication.
CONCLUSION
Ensuring efficiency and reliability, optical splicing is a vital technique in fiber-optic
communication systems. Among its methods, fusion splicing is renowned for its superior
performance, delivering low insertion loss, high mechanical strength, and long-term durability.
These attributes make it particularly suitable for high-performance applications such as
long-distance telecommunications and data centers.
