Optical fiber splice element

Abstract

A splice element for splicing a first and a second optical fiber comprises an alignment mechanism having a base plate and a clamp plate. At least one of the base plate and clamp plate is formed from a silica material and at least one of the base plate and clamp plate includes an alignment groove configured to receive the first and second optical fibers in an end-to-end manner. The splice element also comprises an optical adhesive disposed in at least a portion of the alignment groove, wherein the optical adhesive is curable via actinic radiation.

Description

BACKGROUNDField of the Invention[0001]The present invention is directed to a splice element for splicing a first and a second optical fiber.Related Art[0002]Communications service providers are faced with increasing demands to deliver faster and better service to their customers. Service providers can meet these needs for greater bandwidth by incorporating fiber optics in the access network, the communication connection to the end subscriber. Service providers have announced gigabit service offerings.[0003]Ferrule type connectors offer test access sites, but have the drawback of higher optical loss 0.2 dB-0.3 dB, space, and require cleaning before every mate. If factory terminated, they require slack storage, due to their being purchased in standard units, leaving unsightly and bulky excess fiber coils.[0004]Fusion machines create low loss permanent reliable, splices. The machines are expensive, $3000 to $10,000, sensitive instruments which are easily damaged. It is not economically...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

The present invention is about a splice element that can connect two optical fibers. It has a base plate and a clamp plate made of silica material, and has an alignment groove or channel to hold the fibers. The splice element also has an optical adhesive that can be cured with actinic radiation. The technical effect of this invention is to provide a simple and efficient way to connect optical fibers, which is important for the optical communication industry.

Problems solved by technology

Ferrule type connectors offer test access sites, but have the drawback of higher optical loss 0.2 dB-0.3 dB, space, and require cleaning before every mate.

If factory terminated, they require slack storage, due to their being purchased in standard units, leaving unsightly and bulky excess fiber coils.

The machines are expensive, $3000 to $10,000, sensitive instruments which are easily damaged.

It is not economically feasible to purchase and train craft so that every FTTH installer has a machine.

They offer insertion loss which is better than connectors, but poorer than fusion.

The gels do not perfectly match the index of refraction of silica at the temperature extremes.

This causes reflection from the joint which does not meet some telecommunication standards.

In addition, the gel utilized is not a solid material, and therefore has no structural integrity.

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