Metal Particles and Slivers on the Ferrules of Fiber Optic Connectors - Sponsored Whitepaper

Metal Particles and Slivers on the Ferrules of Fiber Optic Connectors

Anatomy of Optical Connectors Communications equipment uses many types of fiber optic connectors. Manufacturers use zirconia, a very hard material, to make optical connector ferrules and fiber stubs that are utilized within some transceiver devices. The ferrule and stub encompass an optical fiber and hold the fiber securely in place with epoxy. Manufacturing polishing processes, developed and refined over many years, are able to produce very high quality, visually pristine optical end-faces.

Connector adapters and/or bulkhead adapters support optical connections. The adapters install into face plates on equipment and capture service side optical connectors installed within. Manufacturers use different materials and configurations for adapters, including but not limited to: plastics, metalized plastics and plated metals.

Metal Particles and Slivers on the Ferrules of Fiber Optic Connectors

With the recent emphasis on optical cleanliness, precision inspection of optical end-faces is increasingly important. From the first end-face inspection during cable assembly manufacturing to final installation at the customer site, an optical connector must be inspected and possibly cleaned multiple times. Multiple inspections are especially necessary if defects were detected during manufacturing.