An optical fiber needs to be terminated to connect to other equipment or devices. Either connecting it directly to another fiber or fitting a connector to its end, is known as splicing. The two fibers can later be disconnected to change the routing of the cable or for testing if a connector is used while splicing is permanent. The fiber polishing holder is also used reliably.

Connector methods of termination

One method is to use is a pigtail for termination with a connector. With a connector pre-installed at one end, it is a short single optical fiber. Typically using fusion splicing, the bare fiber end can be spliced to the main fiber we wish to terminate. Each of the component fibers can be connected to a separate pigtail if it is a multi-fiber cable and hence to a separate connector.

On whether we are using single-mode or multi-mode fiber, the performance required, and the application, the choice of method used depends. A more accurate and cleaner connection is required by single-mode fiber to avoid reflectance and loss. While multi-mode fiber is easier to terminate in the field, it so is often pre-terminated in a factory.

The crimping role

The installer can use crimping or glue to attach the connector to the fiber. To glue the fiber into the connector’s ferrule, other adhesive or epoxy can be used and the end of the fiber is then polished with fiber polishing fixture.

Connecting the connector by crimping is an alternative, whereas to a crimp barrel; a crimping tool is used to apply mechanical force. It will form a tight bond with the connector itself and deform it. As compared to gluing, Crimping is faster but is a more expensive type. Slight higher light losses are resulted as compared to that in a glued connection.

Make sure to use the correct sleeve and fiber crimping machine for successful crimping as recommended by the connector manufacturer. To avoid damage to the connector and potentially the fiber itself, the specified force is used by the operator when crimping. The operator must be properly trained while the procedure is not overly difficult particularly when they are required to select the right crimping tool every time and to install multiple different types of cable and connector.