Fiber optic connector connection failure

4 diagnostic methods can help eliminate the cause of fiber optic connector failure? Cross-section fiber optic connector. This technology allows us to actually look inside the fiber optic connector to see defects and pinpoint the cause of failure.

Vacuum impregnation of fiber optic connectors with metallographic grade epoxy. It is then cut at various locations and terminated at the approximate longitudinal midpoint of the fiber in the ferrule.

Cross-sectioning allows us to zero in on specific areas of fiber optic connector assemblies to identify potential defects. While analyzing this cross-section fiber optic connector, I found several localized fiber breaks in critical areas as well as one complete fiber break.

Fiber optic connector failure

In these zoomed-in images of this fiber optic connector, note a section of the fiber that is broken at a critical location.

The optical fiber connector

Here's another zoomed-in image of the same fiber optic connector. Note the local breakage of the fiber within the confines of the fiber bonding epoxy.

In the same fiber optic connector, the gap between the epoxy-bonded fiber and the internal fiber optic connector surface shows that the epoxy-bonded fiber exhibits significant shrinkage. In the image above, notice the significant shrinkage of the fiber bonding epoxy at the red arrows.

Cross-sectioning is an effective diagnostic tool, a practical solution to identifying process problems that can be resolved.

As can be seen, cross-sectioning provides the unique capability to identify and isolate problems associated with fiber terminations that would otherwise be invisible. A cross-section service in the center of the fiber can reveal breaks, nicks, microbends, shrinkage and microcracks in the fiber. Insufficient/too much epoxy or air bubbles in the epoxy; and problems with wire stripping, crimping, etc.

When a fiber optic connector fails, a cross section can help determine the cause and identify process issues. Fiber Center customers rely on this diagnostic service to visually analyze their fiber optic connectors, identify defects, diagnose potential causes and implement process improvements.

This enables you to perform regular audits and rapid failure analysis when you implement internal cross-cutting capabilities.

I encourage you to consider implementing the cross-section functionality internally in your own test environment. We can help you set up your equipment, then train you to perform the test and interpret the results. When a problem arises, you can call us - we are a resource you can rely on.

When this functionality is implemented in-house, routine cross sections can be performed to monitor the quality of fiber optic cable assemblies. Plus, you can perform rapid failure analysis within hours for immediate problem resolution.