Keysight Technologies 86120B, User Manual

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25
Getting Started
Cleaning Connections for Accurate Measurements
Figure 1-2. Universal adapters to Diamond HMS-10.
The HMS-10 encases the fiber within a soft nickel silver (Cu/Ni/Zn) center which is
surrounded by a tough tungsten carbide casing, as shown in
Figure 1-3 .
Figure 1-3. Cross-section of the Diamond HMS-10 connector.
The nickel silver allows an active centering process that permits the glass fiber to be
moved to the desired position. This process first stakes the soft nickel silver to fix
the fiber in a near-center location, then uses a post-active staking to shift the fiber
into the desired position within 0.2
μ
m. This process, plus the keyed axis, allows
very precise core-to-core alignments. This connector is found on most Keysight
Technologies lightwave instruments. The soft core, while allowing precise center-
ing, is also the chief liability of the connector. The soft material is easily damaged.
Care must be taken to minimize excessive scratching and wear. While minor wear is
not a problem if the glass face is not affected, scratches or grit can cause the glass
fiber to move out of alignment. Also, if unkeyed connectors are used, the nickel sil-