Statistical approach to the optimization of optical fiber fusion splicing in the field

The optimization of fusion splicing in the field is analyzed and a method for interpretation laboratory splicing data is presented. Two main parameters have been recognized to guide field splicing in long-haul applications: (a) maximum permissible splice loss and (b) maximum number of trials. The influence of these parameters on the average splice loss and on the total number of splices of a well-defined splicing system is illustrated. Computer simulations, based on laboratory test, have been performed to choose the optimum values for the two above-mentioned parameters to minimize the achievable mean splice loss and the number of splices to be made in actual installations