2343-D01 Rev A 1/09/98
Page 3 of 3
TROUBLESHOOTING
Question (Q):
My loss is higher every time I try to re-insert my fiber(s)?
Answer (A):
The index matching gel is running out. Every time the fiber is retracted from the
ULTRA
splice, the gel is
being withdrawn from the glass capillary, thus not leaving enough for proper filling of “gaps”.
Solution (S):
Use another
ULTRA
splice, or add more index matching gel (ACA Part # WFN1CCIMG is recommended).
Q:
My fiber keeps breaking before I get it into the glass capillary?
A:
There are a variety of answers to this question:
1) If using Singlemode Fiber, is a Singlemode (yellow body)
ULTRA
splice being used? – And if using Multimode
125 micron fiber, is a Multimode (orange body)
ULTRA
splice being used?
2) Is the Collet (gray locking nut) adjusted properly to your buffer size(s)? – (Described in section 3)
3) Is the cleave length of your fiber(s) about 7 millimeters in length?
4) If working with different buffer sizes (i.e. 900 micron) did you open the gray locking nut too far? – This action
prevents the collet from guiding the fiber into the glass capillary, and generally the fiber breaks because it has
nowhere to go, and therefore, it hits the side-wall of the splice body.
5) Are you treating the
ULTRA
splice as a copper splice and forcing the fiber? – Especially on the second fiber
being installed, you have to insert the fiber with care. (As described in section 4).
Q:
When and Why should I use the Blue Tube?
A:
The Blue Tube has no other mechanical purpose except to aid in guiding smaller diameter buffers into the glass
capillary. This includes generally anything under 500 micron in buffer size. Some buffers are out of tolerance or larger
for the Blue Tube, if this occurs, simply remove the Blue Tube, and try inserting the buffer in that manner (also
described in section 3).
Q:
Do I need to add Index Matching Gel when I get the splice?
A:
NO – The
ULTRA
splice comes pre-loaded with index matching gel, ready to use.
S:
The ONLY time that you need to add index matching gel is when the splice is re-used more than four (4) times. The
reason is because every time the fiber(s) are withdrawn, gel is also being removed, thus gel needs to be replenished.
There are also a variety of supporting products available for the
ULTRA
splice, including a Lighted Workstation,
Holders, and other user friendly products to make the splice easy to install and operate. if you require any further
information, please contact your local Distributor, or us in any of the following convenient ways:
Thorlabs, Inc.
Phone: (973) 579-7227
Fax: (973) 383-8406
Email: www.thorlabs.com
