Diffusion processes and the emerging intermediate area during arc fusion splicing of single-mode optical telecommunication fibers

Abstract

In this paper, the influence of diffusion processes of Ge02 impurity during arc fusion splicing on the parameters of splices of single mode telecommunication fibers of different types are discussed. The calculated values of diffusion coefficients of Ge02 in Si02 for fusion temperature are given. Moreover, assuming different diffusion models, the parameters of the dopant diffusion area, from the core to the claddings of fused fibers, are calculated. On this basis, the optimal values for fusion times and currents for optical telecommunication fibers of different types, to fulfil the telecommunication requirements on splices regarding their loss, reflectance and resistance to tearing, are calculated as well. The results of measurements of loss and mechanical strength of splices for the automatic and optimized programs for spliced connections of the TrueWave® optical fiber with other single mode telecommunication fibers are presented.