Solution Introduction

Dimensionhas formed a series of products. For several years, we have been focusing on the research and development of interferometer optical systems and structural design. Excellent optical systems can provide image clarity, making 3D image restoration more realistic and accurate, providing reliability for the stability and accuracy of data calculation. We have designed a brand new and robustseismic resistant system, which improves seismic performance and ensures data stability.

The end face geometry detection solution includes:

The five interferometers are MT Pro Single/Multi-Channel Integrated Interferometer, FUTURE Automatic 5D Fiber Endface Interferometer, SANA2 Fiber Endface Interferometer, BINNA2 Automatic Fiber Endface Interferometer, SANA MINI Fiber Endface Interferometer, JumperRun Fiber Connector Tester system.

A series of products that can meet various types of connector testing, such as SC, FC, ST, LC, MU, E2000 ™, MTP ®/ MPO, MT16/32, MT-RJ, MT, bare core, bare fiber, etc.

The significance of End face geometry inspection

Fiber optic connectors are widely used connecting components in optical communication. The successful connection of fiber optic lines depends on the quality of the physical connection of the fiber optic. In order to improve the efficiency of fiber optic connection and optical signal transmission, it is necessary to strictly control the geometric dimensions of the fiber optic connector end face to reduce insertion loss and return loss. If the geometric dimensions of the end face are not strictly controlled or cannot meet the requirements, there is a huge risk of system connection failure, and the long-term reliable connection of the network cannot be considered.

At the same time, geometry inspection of the end face is not only a necessary step for the inspection of high standard fiber optic connectors, but also has important guiding significance and reference value for the design and production of the device itself. The quality of the connector end face is closely related to its design and manufacturing process. Therefore, we can improve and perfect the process based on the results of three-dimensional inspection of the end face:

① If the radius of the ferrule is too large, it may be due to the grinding pad being too hard; If the radius is too small, it may be due to the grinding pad being too soft. Therefore, the radius can be improved by adjusting the hardness of the grinding pad.

② If the apex offset of the core is large, it may be caused by the larger radius of the ferrrule in general. On the other hand, the reason may be that the adhesive is not completely removed, and there is residual glue on the end face, which makes the end face uneven. During grinding, angle deviation occurs, causing deviation of the core.

③ CoreDip may be caused by prolonged polishing time, which can be reduced appropriately. Conversely, the polishing time can be extended appropriately.

Geometric parameter indicators

According to IEC standards, three parameters are generally specified for PC type connectors:radius, apex offset, and fiber height.

①Radius of curvature R: describes the radius from the ferrule axis to the end face. It can also be described as the radius of the curve of the ferrule end face, where the connector achieves tight fitting of the fiber end face through the pressure of the spring, and the curvature radius controls the compression force to maintain the center matching force of the fiber. The unqualified curvature radius will increase or decrease the pressure of the fiber, and under the effect of aging, it will ultimately lead to the spacing of the fiber center matching, and even damage the fiber end face.

②Fiber Height H: The fiber height is the distance from the fiber end face to the ferrule end face. The height of optical fibers is an indicator used to measure the contact between optical fibers, material expansion or contraction, and fiber concavity, which can form air gaps between fiber contacts and alter insertion and return losses. The height of the optical fiber will increase the pressure between the optical fibers, thereby damaging the optical fiber, or transfer the pressure to the epoxy resin that fixes the optical fiber, thereby damaging the fixation of the optical fiber and affecting the stability of its performance. High quality fiber optic connectors must pass 3D testing.

③Apex offset L: Vertex offset is the distance from the highest point of the plug end face curve to the axis of the fiber core. Vertex offset will increase the effective coupling zone of the fiber, thereby increasing insertion loss and return loss.

For APC type end faces, in addition to the three parameters mentioned above, there are also two parameters that need to be measured: ④ APC Angle (usually 8 degrees) and ⑤ Key Error.

In addition, it is of great significance to measure the Core Dip on the surface of multi-core MTP/MPO fiber connectors. Due to the softness of the fiber core compared to the cladding material, it is easier to be cut during the grinding process, resulting in a depression in the fiber core (relative to the cladding), which is called "Core Dip".

The internal depression of the fiber core can cause the formation of "Air Gap gaps" between the fibers duringthe termination of MTP/MPO products, which directly (mainly) affects the system's "Return Loss" index.

The correspondence between the Core Dip index and the Return Loss return loss is shown in the table below, where a positive Core Dip index represents "depression" and a negative index represents "protrusion". Return Loss is defined as the docking test of MTP/MPO products of the same specifications, rather than direct reflection of air.

Challenges

In the process of End-face geometry inspection, users face the following challenges:

1. Accurate and stable data ensures product reliability and improves yield

2. Strong operability, low failure rate, and reduced dependence on employees

3. Low cost, improving production inspection efficiency

4. Personalized customization requirements