Improvement in fusion performance between G652.D fiber and Ultra-low-loss fiber by controlling discharge current of fusion splicer

Abstract

Due to factors such as external environment, splicing tools and differences in the fiber material itself, there are still many problems with the fusion performance of different kinds of optical fibers hybrid splicing. Up to now, the theoretical studies and experimental results reported on the loss and strength of fusion joint under harsh conditions have been too few and incomplete. Therefore, we have investigated the key issues to be solved in fiber fusion process, and firstly analyzed thermal characteristics in melt region, comprising fiber dopants diffusion effect and fiber core expansion, and then discussed the effects of fusion current and fusion time on fusion temperature, splice loss and fusion strength. Besides, a calibration method to improve discharge current of fusion splicer is proposed and splice loss model and fusion strength model for different types of optical fibers are established. Furthermore, fiber fusion-splicing experiments have been conducted under adverse circumstances, obtaining a large amount of experimental data. The simulation results are basically consistent with the theoretical analysis. Ultimately, the method has been directly applied to the field fiber fusion engineering with good results.