Fiber Optics Cleaning

[briansalomon]

Does anyone know of a guide for fiber optic cleaning/care similar to the HP "Connector Care" handbook?
What do you use/like?

[silv3rstr3]

I'm curious myself if that's even possible.  The wire is roughly the size of a strand of hair!

[Squidley]

When I was working for JDSU on their mobile cal team we had a guide on how to clean and inspect fiber optic connections. But, I don't seem to be able to find my copy of it. Sean Chappell at CTDI or Edgar Tombo at JDSU might be able to help you. I worked with them both at JDSU.

[briansalomon]

I'm going to answer my own question here as I've recently worked with an optics Phd and other senior fiber optics technicians.

There is no handbook. Every time a fiber is disconnected it is inspected visually with a specialized magnifying camera.


Between measurements, fibers are cleaned with this http://www.techni-tool.com/105IE6338?mkwid=sArrMzpES&crid=59637447381&mp_kw=&mp_mt=&pdv=c&gclid=Cj0KCQjwttbWBRDyARIsAN8zhbI3SbEdCMZrdDbdBhWyIRlpTjDdq5H8Ea243bsRcFZrUAgBOCyoAIEaAhThEALw_wcB

If there is any unacceptable imperfection, it is cleaned with alcohol and a soft lint free wipe. "Acceptable" is a judgment based on experience.

If that does not do the trick, the fiber has to be polished with appropriate fixturing and a dedicated polishing tool. Connector savers are appropriate and should be used.

There are many types of fiber optic cables/connectors. These must be matched to the instrument under test.

[Hawaii596]

I am not the "Fiber Guy" at our lab. But as I recall, we have a little plastic fixture that is loaded with some special "made-for-the-job" ultra-ultra-ultra-fine grit abrasive tape. They wipe the end of a fiber connector across one side of it once, then once across the other side of it. And it smooths the surface of the fiber connection for some appropriate "mirror" finish that makes signals couple through it properly.  If interested in further details, PM me, and I will ask that person for further information about it.