Splicers and Types of splicing

Splicers

For longer distance communication, we have to connect one fiber with other fiber and mean while the losses must be minimized. The process of connecting the two fibers for permanent requirement is called Splicing. Depend upon requirement splicing is classified into two type. They are,

1.     Splices – For permanent connections.

2.     Connectors – For temporary connections.

1.Types of splicing

. There are two types of splices. They are (i). Mechanical splices (ii). Fusion splices.

A. Mechanical splices

a. Elastomeric splice

It is made by an elastomer material. It consists of a hole, so that we have to insert the two fibers from two ends for rigid hold. The elastomer is covered by a glass sleeve with ends in sucha way that it aligns the fibers into the elastomeric splice. The gel has the same refractive index is used as an adhesive. Thus the fibers are connected.

b. Four Rod Splices:

The four glass rods are attached with one end of the fiber to hold another fiber firmly.Initially the rods curve slightly outward, so that the fiber can be easily inserted into it. By a suitable mechanical pressure the rods are made to be tightly clamping the two fibers.Here also gel is used for adhesion.

B. Fusion Splices: Here two ends of the fiber is fused together with the help of a special equipment, using a high voltage electric arc. Hence, these splices are called fusion splices. Here the losses are minimized due to self-alignment system.