Core Alignment vs Cladding Alignment Fusion Splicer
Core alignment fusion splicer provides lower loss fusion splices than cladding (V-Groove technology) fusion splicer’s for several reasons.
Core Alignment Splicer Cladding Alignment (V-Groove) Splicer
Typical 0.02dB Typical 0.05dB
Core Detection System (CDS) Profile Alignment System (PAS)
Left: 3 motors, Right: 3 motors Left: 1 motor, Right: 1 motor
Two cameras One camera
Align the fibers in the X, Y and Z dimensions Align the fibers in the Z dimension, X, Y dimensions relies on two V-Grooves
Core alignment fusion splicer is required for splicing G.652 to G.657A & B SMF.
The Causes of Fiber Misalignment for the Cladding Alignment (V-Groove) Fusion Splicer:
Fibre Concentricity and V-Groove Dirt and Dust
Cladding Diameter Tolerance (If the user is splicing fibers from two different manufacturers, the actual diameter of the fiber claddings may also be slightly different. The smaller diameter fiber will sit slightly lower in the V-Groove than the other resulting in further misalignment and therefore higher splice losses.)
Sumitomo fusion splicer ribbon fibre holders
Loss calculation error found
Daniel Wu was trained at Fujikura Sakura factory in 1996