Electroplated hermetic fiber

SpecTran Specialty Optics Company has optimized a process to meet stringent requirements for conductive optical fiber pigtails. The plating process deposits Ni-P (nickel phosphorus), nickel, and gold onto a hermetic (carbon coated) optical fiber. These optimizations improve product yield. The carbon-silica to metal adhesion increases as the thickness of electroless nickel increases. The optimal electroless nickel thickness was studied and is presented. High shear forces are achieved on a soldered metalized pigtail assembly. The critical process parameters and the results of the process improvements are discussed with recommendations for the product applications