Measurement of Coupling Between Cleaved or Polished Fibers using an Automated Fusion Splicer

Loss mechanisms in fiber-to-fiber coupling and factors contributing to each and present experimental results on repeatability of insertion loss measurement using an automated fusion splicer are discussed. The effects of fiber tip preparation on coupling efficiency are evaluated. Controlling loss mechanisms unrelated to tip preparation consequently comes down to using matched fibers, maintaining cleanliness, avoiding damage to the fiber end faces during handling, preventing stress during mounting of the fibers, and precisely controlling alignment and fiber-to-fiber contact. This study presents an experimental setup that provides precise alignment of the fibers and control over the gap between the fibers while measuring transmitted power and visualizing the fibers through a video camera.