Heresy or Breakthrough: Fibre Optic Cleaning Without Inspection and Call for an "Open Architecture" Fibre Optic Precision Cleaning Procedure

Abstract

A new inspection device defines the three-dimensional nature of connector surface areas and potential debris in unseen and previously uncharacterized surfaces. Inspection and cleaning procedures emerged in 2006. There are limitations within these that are resolved with color digital photography of the three-dimensional surfaces rather than the limited two-dimensional perspectives of IEC 61300-3-35. The result is an update of cleaning processes that (only) consider 15-20% of a two-dimensional diameter of the area commonly termed an horizontal ‘end face’. Advanced inspection reveals not only the remaining ‘horizontal end face’, but also introduces and adds vertical surfaces to the ‘end face’ that result in a logical, obvious, and heretofore disregarded three-dimensional structure. (Figure 1) As well, the advanced inspection device reveals connector adapters which are commonly understood to be a source of cross-contamination of one connection to the other. Until this time, there has been no practical means to view connection adapters and alignment sleeve components. (Figure 2) All of these various surfaces may have debris that currently area not considered and are soil points that may induce cross-contamination. These surfaces, as to present an accurate definition of the connector, require redefinition from two dimensions to three. The results of this logical advance bring enhanced cleaning procedures, new tools, and more reliable transmissions for all fiber optic deployments. This means than instead of multiple recleaning, first time cleaning is more possible and successful deployments more probable. When existing standards were first written in 2006, there was less need for precision cleaning and inspection of these surfaces. As fibre optic capacities and transmission speeds have increased, awareness of the three-dimensional nature of connector surfaces leads network designers, installers, and researchers to adopt a higher standard of inspection and precision cleaning to meet the ever-advancing sciences of fibre optic transmission of all types. Each is equally mission critical and one open architecture cleaning procedure follows the crafts person and contractor and is written into specific network designs. In so doing, the network design itself becomes a training tool for subsequent deployments. A new inspection device defines the three-dimensional nature of connector areas and potential debris in unseen and previously uncharacterized surfaces. With IEC 61300-3-35, inspection and cleaning procedures emerged. There are limitations. One procedure is possible: adaptable to all cleaning products in a vendor neutral way.