Method for assembling a fiber optic splice

• US 10,598,856 B1
• Filed: 10/17/2019
• Issued: 03/24/2020
• Est. Priority Date: 10/04/2018
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: US Department of The Navy (U.S. Department Of Defense)
• Original Assignee: the united states of america as represented by the secretary of the navy
• Inventors: Beranek, Mark, Peterson, Nicholas, Yost, Bradley, Block, Michael
• Primary Examiner(s): Wong, Tina M
• Application Number:
  US16/655,557
• Publication Number:
  US 20200116938A1
• Time in Patent Office: 159 Days
• Field of Search: None
• CPC Class Codes: B29C 2035/0827 using UV radiation
• CPC Class Codes: B29C 35/0805 using electromagnetic radiation
• CPC Class Codes: G02B 6/25 Preparing the ends of light guides for coupling, e.g. cutting
• CPC Class Codes: G02B 6/2551 using thermal methods, e.g. fusion welding by arc discharge, laser beam, plasma torch
• CPC Class Codes: G02B 6/2553 Splicing machines, e.g. optical fibre fusion splicer
• CPC Class Codes: G02B 6/2555 Alignment or adjustment devices for aligning prior to splicing

Abstract

A method for assembling a fiber optic splice is provided. A first optical fiber end is inserted into a first clamp of the apparatus and a second optical fiber end is inserted into a second clamp of the apparatus. Situated between the first clamp and the second clamp is a curing chamber comprising a capillary tube containing resin and an ultra violet light. The first clamp moves a first distance, based on a first measured strain, towards the curing chamber. The second clamp is moved a second distance, based on a second measured strain, towards the curing chamber. The first clamp is then moved a third distance, based on a third measured strain, towards the curing chamber. The ultraviolet light is activated to cure the resin in the capillary tube.

Claims

1. A method of splicing optical fiber, the method comprising:

preparing a first optical fiber end and a second optical fiber end;

in response to a user interaction with an actuator, inserting, by a first motor assembly, the first prepared optical fiber end a first distance into a capillary, wherein the capillary comprises a resin;

inserting, by a second motor assembly, the second prepared optical fiber end a second distance into the capillary;

moving, by the first motor assembly, the first prepared optical fiber end a third distance in the capillary wherein the third distance is determined, at least in part, by a force measurement; and

activating an ultraviolet light, such that the ultraviolet light cures the resin.

2. The method of claim 1, wherein preparing the first optical fiber end comprises:

removing a portion of a first protective coating from the first optical fiber end exposing a first bare optical fiber portion;

placing a first metal sleeve over at least a portion of the first bare optical fiber; and

inserting the first optical fiber end into a first clamp of a splicing apparatus, such that the first bare optical fiber portion is positioned toward a curing chamber of the splicing apparatus.

3. The method of claim 2, wherein preparing the second optical fiber end comprises:

removing a portion of a second protective coating from the second optical fiber end exposing a second bare optical fiber portion;

placing a second metal sleeve over at least a portion of the second bare optical fiber; and

inserting the second optical fiber end into a second clamp of the splicing apparatus, such that the second bare optical fiber portion is positioned toward the curing chamber of the splicing apparatus.

4. The method of claim 1, wherein the first distance is determined by a first measured strain applied to the first optical fiber end, wherein the second distance is determined by a second measured strain applied to the second optical fiber end, and wherein the third distance is determined by a third measured strain applied to the first optical fiber end.

5. The method of claim 1, wherein preparing the first optical fiber and the second optical fiber comprises:

polishing the first optical fiber end and placing a first metal sleeve over a portion of the first optical fiber;

polishing the second optical fiber and placing a second metal sleeve over a portion of the second optical fiber;

inserting the first optical fiber end into a first clamp of a splicing apparatus, such that the first optical fiber end is positioned toward a curing chamber of the splicing apparatus; and

inserting the second optical fiber end into a second clamp of the splicing apparatus, such that the second optical fiber end is positioned toward the curing chamber of the splicing apparatus.