Title :
Optical characteristics and reliability of plastic split alignment sleeves for single-mode optical fiber connectors
Author :
Shuto, Yoshito ; Sato, Hirotsugu ; Yanagi, Shuichi ; Ohno, Masayoshi ; Tohno, Shunichi
Author_Institution :
NTT Photonics Lab., Ibaraki, Japan
Abstract :
Split alignment sleeves for single-mode (SM) optical fiber connection are fabricated with a precise injection-molding technique using a thermosetting epoxy resin. The fabricated plastic sleeves exhibit dimensional accuracy of <4 μm, and SC-type adaptors incorporating the plastic sleeves show an average connection loss of 0.09 dB and a return loss of >50 dB. The plastic sleeves exhibit good resistance in 500-cycle mating tests using zirconia and/or glass ceramic ferrules, and in vibration and impact tests as well. The initial optical characteristics are maintained in both short-term and long-term environmental durability tests
Keywords :
environmental testing; life testing; modules; moulding; optical fabrication; optical fibre couplers; optical fibre losses; optical fibre testing; optical testing; reliability; 0.09 dB; 50 dB; 500-cycle mating tests; SC-type adaptors; average connection loss; dimensional accuracy; environmental durability tests; fabricated plastic sleeves; glass ceramic ferrules; optical characteristics; plastic sleeves; plastic split alignment sleeves; precise injection-molding technique; reliability; return loss; single-mode optical fiber connection; single-mode optical fiber connectors; thermosetting epoxy resin; zirconia ferrules; Connectors; Epoxy resins; Joining processes; Optical fiber losses; Optical fiber testing; Optical fibers; Optical losses; Optical reflection; Plastics; Samarium;
Journal_Title :
Selected Topics in Quantum Electronics, IEEE Journal of
DOI :
10.1109/2944.806900
