Fiber Optics Mechanical Splicing

What is fiber optics splicing ?
Fiber Optics splicing is the process of jointing or holding two fibers together

There are two methods of fiber optics splicing namely :-
a. Fiber Optics Mechanical Splicing

b. Fiber Optics Fusion Splicing

What Is Fiber Optics Mechanical Splicing?
In a mechanical splicing, two cleaved fiber tips are mechanically aligned to each other by using a precise housing alignment. An index matching gel is preinstalled between both end cleaved fiber tips to minimize back reflection and to maintain a low-loss optical interface.

It is similar function to the fusion splicing except that the fibers are held together by mechanical means rather than by permanent fusion or welding technique. 

The mechanical splice performance depends on 
a. cleaving performance
b. mechanical splice housing alignment design
c. end-user skills and patience

The Fiber Optics Mechanical Splicing  Concept 
Basically the mechanical splice process involves five steps:-
a. fiber optics stripping
b. fiber optics cleaning to remove excess of plastic buffer
c. cleaving the fiber optics ends
d. inserting the fibers into the mechanical splice housing.
This mechanical splice housing retains the fibers so their ends are in contact.

Advantages of Mechanical Fiber Optics Splices

1. Mechanical splices require no special tools except for fiber optics stripper and cleaver.
2. Mechanical splices can be used in situations where power supply is not readily available or the using of fusion splicing is highly impractical.
   
3. Mechanical splices can be made as a temporary connections. 
4. Mechanically aligned cleaved fibers  can be completed in few minutes thanks to precision alignment mechanism.
5. It is a low investment especially for FTTH's drop cable installation.

Disadvantages of Mechanical Fiber Optics Splices                                  

1. The typical insertion loss of mechanical splicing is < 0.3 - 0.5dB compared to 0.03dB using fusion splicing.
2. Mechanical splices are typically for multimode fibers due to its larger core diameter size however single mode mechanical splices is gaining momentum in the installaton FTTH last mile.
   
3. The optical performance depending on quality of cleaving, alignment mechanism and index matching gel 
   
4. Above all,  the completion of good mechanical splices depending upon end-user skills and patience.
   

Types of Mechanical Splices

Samples of Mechanical Splices