In order to assess endface quality, manufacturers and users of singlemode fiber optic connectors use magnification to visually examine fiber optic connector endfaces. Workmanship defects such as scratches, pits, and cracks, when located in the wrong area of the endface and when severe enough, can cause high insertion loss and/or low return loss. Locations and severity of defects, as well as the degree of magnification used in inspection, must be defined to ensure consistent connector performance. A survey of fiber optic connector manufacturers and end users produces a variety of endface workmanship requirements and procedures. This paper covers the following topics:. | Singlemode Fiber Optic Connector Endface Workmanship Performance Effects of the Singlemode Fiber Optic Connector Endface Workmanship Introduction In order to assess endface quality manufacturers and users of singlemode fiber optic connectors use magnification to visually examine fiber optic connector endfaces. Workmanship defects such as scratches pits and cracks when located in the wrong area of the endface and when severe enough can cause high insertion loss and or low return loss. Locations and severity of defects as well as the degree of magnification used in inspection must be defined to ensure consistent connector performance. A survey of fiber optic connector manufacturers and end users produces a variety of endface workmanship requirements and procedures. This paper covers the following topics Fiber optic connector manufacturing process Important measurement system considerations Various workmanship parameters Performance problems caused by defects Current industry standard activities ADC s endface workmanship specification Fiber Optic Connector Manufacturing Process Fiber optic connectors with a ceramic ferrule are manufactured by filling the inside diameter hole of the ferrule with a heat-cure epoxy then inserting an optical fiber. The epoxy is cured so that the fiber is permanently bonded into the ferrule. Next the fiber is cleaved near the surface of the ferrule and the fiber and ceramic are subjected to various polishing processes with grit that becomes increasingly fine until the fiber and ferrule endface is smooth and defect free. At this point in the process the endface workmanship quality is inspected and if acceptable insertion and return loss are measured. Singlemode Fiber Optic Connector Endface Workmanship Optical Viewing System Parameters Optical viewing systems used for evaluation of connector endface workmanship have a large impact upon the results obtained. The parameters that influence how well an optical viewing system works include .
