Three ways to check the inside of the fiber optic connector

Cross-section issues for fiber optic connectors. How many ways are there to look inside the connector? There are currently three methods of looking inside a fiber optic connector:

(1) Non-destructive X-ray

(2) Lossless sonar

(3) Destructive cross section

These methods help engineers determine the causes and effects of fiber optic connector failures and monitor the connector assembly process. All three methods have advantages and disadvantages, which are highlighted here:

The high cost of x-ray and sonar inspection services add significantly to the cost per fiber optic connector, and the cost per connector for destructive cross-sections is high. X-ray and sonar are much more invested than destructive cross-section equipment. Better visibility into internal details of how connectors are assembled, and better detail for destructive cross-sectional failure analysis.

Although x-rays and sonar are non-destructive, they can only provide a limited view of the interior, revealing key features of the bare fiber within the internal connector. This includes epoxy wicking through connectors, under/over epoxy application, air bubbles and scratches/cracks in the fiber Comprehensive failure analysis to prevent persistent problems and defects in connectors.

Gadford offers this unique cross-sectional service to identify and isolate problems associated with fiber optic terminations that would otherwise be invisible. The process begins with metallographic analysis of fiber optic connectors, requiring hours of vacuum drying, followed by vacuum fixing of the samples with a slow-curing, low-expansion epoxy.

Samples of these packages were then manually polished to maintain precise planarity, depth and co-planarity with the ceramic holes to provide the best vantage point for final inspection.