106
Splice Mode
4.
ECF
When fibers having some core concentricity-error are aligned using the
core-to-core method, their outer claddings are not aligned in line with each other as
shown below. However, surface tension created during arc discharge aligns the
fibers cladding-to- cladding due to the viscous self-centering effect. This results in
high splice loss due to the fact that the cores of the fibers are offset during the
process.
The ECF (Eccentricity Correct Function) prevents the high splice loss from
happening. The amount of offset expected due to this surface tension phenomenon
is calculated in advance, and this is taken into account to determine an intentional
core axis offset amount that is added after the fiber cores are aligned. With this
function, the fibers are core-to-core spliced even with the effect mentioned above.
Some “Core Step” may remain at splice point but this gives much lower splice loss
than core axial offset. A long arc discharge counteracts ECF, because surface
tension eventually aligns and splices fibers cladding-to-cladding. Canceling [ECF]
by setting this “OFF” reduces core step amount and increases core axial offset.
ECF OFF
ECF ON