Modeling the splice loss of ultra-low loss fiber and single-mode optical fiber in high altitude area

Abstract

The application of Ultra-low loss (ULL) fiber in high altitude areas is gradually expanding, and the junctions between ULL fiber and single mode optical fiber (SMF) will continue to increase. More factors affect the fusion of SMF and ULL fibers in high altitude areas, and the harsh environments add a further complication to the fusion. Accordingly, a model of splice loss for fusion SMF and ULL fibers affected by altitude is proposed in this work. The model takes the splice losses caused by thermally diffused expanded core (TEC), lateral misalignment, and angular misalignment into account, as well as the effect of atmospheric pressure on TEC and angular misalignment, and the fusion experiments of SMF and ULL fibers are carried out at different altitudes. The results illustrate that the model established in this work shows a good agreement with the data of experiments, and the model can play a guidance role for splicing SMF and ULL fibers at high altitudes in the future.