Macrobends are larger-scale curves where the cable bends beyond its minimum bend radius, causing light to leak out of the core. Ribbon Fiber Optic Cable is a distinct type of fiber optic cable that features a series of optical fibers attached side-by-side in a flat, ribbon-type format. The cable is sometimes referred to as ribbon wire or ribbon cable fiber optic. This is accomplished with a machine called a fusion splicer that performs two basic functions:. Mechanical splices are faster for emergency restoration but have higher typical loss (0. 1dB for fusion) and degrade over time in outdoor environments. A professional splice kit includes: Every splice starts with proper preparation: clean the work area, protect against wind, and. Optical Core Alignment (also called “Profile Alignment”), an optical alignment technique, is used by many models of fusion splicers. The two fibers are illuminated from two directions, 90 degrees apart. From the images in a video camera, software recognizes the core of the fibers and aligns them. In order for light to be contained within a fiber, it must stay above the critical angle, or the angle at which it reflects off the boundary between the core and the cladding, rather than penetrating the boundary and refracting through the cladding. To maintain the critical angle, light must enter.
