Loss and mechanical strength of splices

In arc heating the strength and losses of splices as a function of fusion time and the pressure applied between the fibres for single-mode and multimode graded index fibres are obtained, operating at critical conditions of splicing. Average loss of splices 0.3, 0.15 and 0.02 dB for 5, 10 and 50 ¿m core diameters, respectively, are found. A compromise between strength and fusion time is made.