Optical Fiber Splicing

ITU-T Recommendation L.400

Jun Carbonell, PECE

Inno Instruments, Inc.
ECM Networks
 Optical Fiber Splicing
ITU-T Recommendation L.400
Jun Carbonell, PECE
Inno Instruments, Inc. - ECM Networks
ITU-T recommendation Section L defines industry standards on
Construction, installation and protection of cables and other
Elements of outside plant

Section L.400
Fiber Optic Splicing
• Methodology
• Guidelines
• Testing
Fiber Optic Applications in Communications
• International/ Domestic/ Regional Backbone Network
• Central Offices Interconnection
• Digital Loop Carrier Backhaul / DSLAM Backbone
• Mobile Phone Base Station Interconnection
• Fiber to the Home (GPON)
 Single-mode Fibers have been developed for
each application
• G.652 (Non-Dispersion Shift Fiber) - commonly used
• G.653 (Dispersion Shift Fiber) – Reduced Core Size for EDFA
• G.654 (Ultra Low Loss Optical Fiber) – Submarine Cables
• G.655 (Non-Zero Dispersion-Shifted Fiber) – Regional/DFON
• G.656 (Medium Dispersion Fiber) – Regional/DFON
• G.657 (Bend Insensitive Fiber) - FTTH
 Fiber to the Building
Enterprise minimum fiber
requirement per ISP/Telco
4 Fibers (1 pair active &
1 pair Spare)

x x x x x
Fusion SPLICES - X
 Fiber to the Home Network
Main Components (Active & Passive)
Network Access Point Optical Network Unit
Optical Node Unit
Local Convergence Point (NAP) (ONU)
Local Concentration Port

(LCP) PASSIVE ACTIVE

Optical Line Termination Unit
x x
(OLT) PASSIVE
ACTIVE
x x
x x x x
Fiber Optic Cable
Mechanical
Fiber Optic Cable
G.652d
G.657A2
SPLICES
Fusion
Fusion SPLICES 2nd OPTICAL SPLITTER
It splits 1 Fiber from LCP to
1st OPTICAL SPLITTER
SPLICES It splits the Main (1) Fiber to
8 Fibers connected to Subscibers
(Typical Loss: 9.6dB to 10.2dB)
8 Fibers to be fed to 8 NAP
(Typical Loss: 9.6dB to 10.2dB)
 Other Passive Optic Network (PON) Technology application

1 x 8 Splitter
IP CAMERA
Network 1 x 8 Splitter Fiber
Video Recorder ONU

Fiber
ONU
Fiber
SERVER OLT
To other
Splitter
ONU
IP-PBX ONU

WiFi Computer
Access Point Terminal
Internet

Advantages: INTERCOM/
PHONE
a. No distance Limitation (up to 20Km)
b. Less Active Devices ( Network Switches & Routers)
c. All IP applications in one fiber optic network
 ITU-T Recommendation L.400
Section 4.1 and 5.1 refers to Fusion Splices

Section 4.2 and 5.2 refers to Mechanical Splices

Objective is to obtain a Low or

Negligible splice loss
90% of Fiber Optic Network are connected
Using Fusion Splice
 Fusion Splicing Methodology
ITU-T L.400 Section 4 and 5
a. Fiber cleaning and Preparation
b. Coating Stripping
c. Cleaning of bare fiber ends
d. Fiber cleaving
e. Splicing
5.5.1.2 Fusion Splicing
5.5.1.3 Proof Test
5.5.1.4 Splice Protection
5.6 Field Splice Loss Measurement
 Fusion Splicing Methodology
Section 4 and 5
a. Fiber cleaning and Preparation
Removal of gel or any water-repellant chemical on the
Fiber coating using fabric/paper tissue soaked with
commercially available solvents or acrylic-friendly
chemicals (Limonene Base)
 Fusion Splicing Methodology
Section 4 and 5

b. Coating Stripping
Removal of primary and secondary (if applicable) coating
of bare fibers using Chemical, thermal or mechanical method.
In case of chemical, manufacturer should supply safety
information on chemical used. Mostly used method is mechanical.

For Ribbon Type Fibers, holders must be provided to strip, clean and
splice to ensure good alignment.
ITU-T Recommendation L.400

1. Removal of Coating

250 micron Coating

Exposing the Cladding & Core

 Fiber Optic Strippers

125, 900 micron and 3mm Stripper

125 & 900 micron Stripper (Mechanical) (Mechanical)

125 & 900 micron Thermal Stripper Ribbon Fiber Thermal Stripper
POORLY MAINTAINED STRIPPER CAN
CREATE SCRATCHES ON CLADDING
 Fusion Splicing Methodology
Section 4 and 5
c. Cleaning of bare fiber ends

Alcohol Dispenser Lint free cloth/tissue

 Fusion Splicing Methodology
Section 4 and 5
c. Cleaning of bare fiber ends

Isopropyl Alcohol Isopropyl Alcohol

>95% < 70%
 Fusion Splicing Methodology
Section 4 and 5
d. Fiber cleaving
The bare fiber ends shall be cleaved perpendicularly to the
longitudinal axis; the cut surface should be mirror-like without
chip or hackle.
For Fusion splices, end angles should be less than 1 degree
For Mechanical splice, end angles should be less than 4 degrees

Cleaver should always be cleaned.

GOOD CLEAVER, GOOD SPLICE
ITU-T Recommendation L.400

Coating

Coating

2. Cleaving the end of the fiber

 Fiber to be CLEAVED
ITU-T Recommendation L.400
Very light scratch is made to
the fiber

CLEAVER
BLADE
ITU-T Recommendation L.400
Angle should not be more than 1˚
(fusion splicing)
Coating ≤ 1˚

Coating

2. Cleaving the end of the fiber

 Rubber Grips of
Fiber Cleaver

Slight Cut
ONLY
Fiber Optic Cleaver
Rubber Grips
 Fusion Splicing Methodology
Section 4 and 5
e. Splicing
5.5.1 Fusion Splicing (Permanent)

5.5.2 Mechanical Splicing (Semi-permanent)

Index Matching Gel

MECHANICAL (FIBER OPTIC) SPLICE

Index Matching Gel

 Fusion Splicing

Fiber A Fiber B
 Fusion Splicing Methodology
Section 4 and 5
5.5.1 Electric Arc Fusion Splicing

5.5.1.1 Control of the Splicing parameter and conditions

5.5.1.2 Fusion Splicing
5.5.1.3 Proof Test
5.5.1.4 Splice Protection
 Fusion Splicing Methodology
Section 4 and 5
5.5.1 Electric Arc Fusion Splicing

5.5.1.1 Control of the Splicing parameter and conditions

Checking performance of Splicing Machine to adapt
on the following:
- Condition of Electrode
- Type of Fiber
- Environmental conditions
Factors Affecting Fusion Splicing
1. Tip of Electrode

3. Environment 2. Melting properties

of fiber
 Condition of Electrode

Electrode Life is around 3500 to 4000 Splices

Brand New
Old Electrode
Electrode
(Rounded Tip)
(Sharp Tip)

ELECTRODE TIP DISCHARGE

Fiber
Physical
Fiber manufacturer
Dimensions
should comply
And
with this
Material
specifications
Properties
 Fusion Splicing Methodology
Section 4 and 5
5.5.1 Electric Arc Fusion Splicing
5.5.1.1 Control of the Splicing parameter and conditions

“ARC Calibration” or “ARC Test” Features

This feature allow the fusion splicer to

Adjust the Electrode Power and position
Based on Temperature, Atmospheric Pressure
And Relative Humidity
5.5.1.1 Control of the Splicing parameter and conditions
ARC CALIBRATION

Machine will initially adjust the

Arc Power based on Temp, RH
and Pressure.
 5.5.1.1 Control of the Splicing parameter and conditions
ARC CALIBRATION

Electrode will produce

ARC to melt the ends
of each fiber (Left and Fibers are stationary
Right) (no movement)
 5.5.1.1 Control of the Splicing parameter and conditions
ARC CALIBRATION

Electrode will produce

ARC to melt the ends of
each fiber (Left and Right)
 5.5.1.1 Control of the Splicing parameter and conditions
ARC CALIBRATION

Some Fusion Splicer

Can accommodate up to
3µm difference
12 12

IF “FIBER A” HAS THE SAME

PHYSICAL ATTRIBUTES WITH
“FIBER B”
THEY WILL HAVE THE SAME MELT
DISPLACEMENT
 ARC CALIBRATION

12 18

This means “Fiber A” is not the

Same with “Fiber B”
If ARC Calibration is not performed, it might yield to a defective splice

Defective Fusion Splice Images

Fat or Bulging
Thinning

Line or Gap Separation

• LID (Light Injection & Detection)
The coated fiber is bent near the fiber tips to launch light
and detect light. The arrows denote the flow of control to or
from the microprocessor. Cannot splice if there if fiber is
working or with signal.
PAS (Profile Alignment System)
Components of a simplified fusion
splicer including heat source,
imaging lens, CCD, microprocessor,
and chucks for positioning and
aligning fiber tips. The thin arrows
denote the flow of control to or
from the microprocessor
Fiber Splice Method
Profile Alignment System (PAS)
Estimated Splice Loss Measurement

CORE ALIGNMENT
A B C D A’ B’ C’ D’

X X X X X X X X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
A X X X X
X X
X X
X X X X X X X X
Estimated Splice Loss Measurement

CLADDING ALIGNMENT
A B C D A’ B’ C’ D’

X X X X X X X X

A
X X X X X X X X

Core is not visible since it

Only concern is cladding
 Fusion Splicing Methodology
Section 4 and 5
5.5.1 Electric Arc Fusion Splicing

5.5.1.2 Fusion Splicing

Electric arcs heat the silica glass until it melts

in which fibers are longitudinally brought together
to obtain a geometrically continuous splice
 Fusion Splicing

Fiber A Fiber B
 Wavelengths and their Colors

1200nm to 1700nm
(Colorless or Invinsible)

(650nm) for VFL

(580nm)
Light Ray
Fiber Splice Method
Profile Alignment System (PAS)

Light signal is not reflected on the CCD

since 1310nm, 1490nm, 1550nm is not visible
so it can perform alignment
and splicing
FUSION SPLICING PROCESS
Electrode rods

1) Determination of fiber position/

fiber alignment

2) Pre-fusion

3) Stuffing and fusion

Fiber movement

4) Loss measurement
 FUSION SPLICING OPERATION TIMING

(1) Fiber Setting

“ARC” cleaning
(2) Cleaning
(spattering) (sec)

(3) Fiber end check

Alignment ARC gap;
Gap between fiber ends (um)

(4) Start of discharge

Pre-fusion
time (sec)
Arc power
(1 - 16 steps)

(5) Start of insertion

Fusion
(6) Completion of insertion Time
(sec)

Lo: Length overlap (um)

(7) Completion of discharge

Estimated Splice Loss Measurement

CORE ALIGNMENT
A B C D A’ B’ C’ D’

X X X X X X X X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
A X X X X
X X
X X
X X X X X X X X

Estimated Loss 0.00dB

Estimated Splice Loss Measurement

CLADDING ALIGNMENT
A B C D A’ B’ C’ D’

X X X X X X X X

A
X X X X X X X X

Estimated Loss 0.00dB

Core is not visible since it

Only concern is cladding
 CAUSES OF EXTRINSIC SPLICE LOSS

Not Good Fiber end surface OK

Lip Chip Angle NOT OK

 CAUSES OF EXTRINSIC SPLICE LOSS

E
Axial mis-alignment End separation

Angular mis-alignment
 Fusion Splicing Methodology
Section 4 and 5
5.5.1 Electric Arc Fusion Splicing
5.5.1.3 Proof Test
Performing a tensile test on the completed
Splice by applying 2N on both ends
of the splice to ensure splice integrity
 Fusion Splicing Methodology
Section 4 and 5
5.5.1.3 Proof Test

(2 Newtons Pull)
 Fusion Splicing Methodology
Section 4 and 5
5.5.1 Electric Arc Fusion Splicing
5.5.1.4 Splice Protection
Protector is a mechanical device or restored coating,
that provides both mechanical and environmental
protection to the single or multiple splices.
It shall never affect neither the attenuation of the splice
nor its functional properties
Fusion Splicing Methodology
Section 4 and 5
Mechanical Splice Protector

Heat Shrinkable Splice Protector

Heat Shrinkable Protection Sleeve
 Fiber Optic Splice Closure & Splice Tray

At least
60mm

At least
60mm

Protection Sleeves
Should be placed
Properly on fiber splice
Slot on fiber trays
5.6 Field Splice Loss Splice Measurement

A B C D A’ B’ C’ D’

X X X X X X X X
X
X
X
X
X X
X X
A X X X X
X X
X X
X X X X X X X X

Estimated Loss 0.00dB

OTDR Two-direction Testing to determine Splice Loss

Point A Splice point Point B

Point A Splice point Point B

 Fusion Splicing

Fiber A Fiber B

A seamless or flawless splice is a good splice

Estimated Loss 0.00 dB
Can we conclude that this is the actual splice loss?
 Same Mode Field Diameter

Fiber A Fiber B

Seamless Visual Connectivity (Physical Appearance)

Seen by our naked eye
If MFD of Fiber A is EQUAL to MFD of Fiber B
Seen by the Light Signal (OTDR Signal)
travelling inside the core
 Different Mode Field Diameter
MAJOR CAUSE OF INTRINSIC LOSS
Fiber A Fiber B

Seamless Visual Connectivity (Physical Appearance)

Seen by our naked eye

If MFD of Fiber A is NOT EQUAL to MFD of Fiber B

Seen by the Light Signal (OTDR Signal)
travelling inside the core
 Other INTRINSIC LOSSES

Off-center Fiber Cladding Diameter Mismatch

Numerical Aperture Mismatch Core Diameter Mismatch

(Multimode)
 MODE FIELD DIAMETER

Core diameter
MFD@1310nm Core diameter MFD@1550nm 9 microns
9.2 microns 9 microns 10.4 microns

1310nm wavelength travels 1550nm wavelength travels

Slightly Outside the core Beyond the core
(part of the cladding)
In testing a splice loss, use 1310nm because it will
give us the actual condition of the core joint
Sample of G.652D Specification sheet

Fiber Manufacturer

Fiber Manufacturer

Cable Manufacturer

They source fibers from multiple vendors

A-B

B-A

SPLICE LOSS = [(LOSS A-B) + (LOSS B-A)] / 2

= [0.533 + (-.406)] / 2
= 0.0635
 ITU-T G.671 Transmission Characteristics of
Optical Components and Subsystems

Section 5.13 – Acceptable Optical Splice Loss

Fiber to the Home Implementation: G.657A
 G.657A1 or A2 – used in FTTH application

1x8 Optical Splitters

used in LCP and NAP (FTTH) Fiber Drop and Fiber Indoor
Cable (FTTH)

They are spliced together with G.652D

MFD of G652D vs. G657A1&2 vs. G657B2&3
 Magnified view of
G.652D to G.657 Fusion Splice

G.652D G.657A2
Bend Sensitive Bend In Sensitive

The reason for the visible line in the splice is because of

the slight difference in material Composition of the Bend
Insensitive Fiber vs.G.652D fiber.
 Magnified view of
G.652D to G.657 Fusion Splice

MFD=9.2µm MFD=9.2µm

This SPLICE is OK!

G.652D and G.657 Splicing

G657 Fiber G657 Fiber

G652 Fiber G652 Fiber

 SUMMARY

To maximize the power budget in your fiber network,

reduce all sources of losses, especially the splice loss,
by observing ITU-T recommendations.

1. Proper selection of Fiber Optic Cable

2. Inform or train your technical personnel on proper
fiber optic cable preparation prior to splicing
3. Proper selection of Fusion Splicer
4. Proper Splice Loss Testing
[email protected]