Polishing of fiber optic connectors

The polishing characteristics of end faces of fiber optic connectors consisting of the combined structure of silica inlaid zirconia were investigated using a connector polisher and polishing papers with different abrasive types and grit sizes. The geometrical quality was measured using optical interferometry and fiber optical microscopy. The quality parameters included fiber and ferrule surface roughness, end face morphology, fiber height, radius of curvature, and apex offset. The optical performance was evaluated in terms of return and insertion losses using a loss tester. The surface roughness smaller than 20 nm R-a in the fiber area, the fiber heights smaller than 75 nm, the end face curvature radii of about 20-50 mm, and the apex offsets smaller than 100 mum were obtained in a polishing cycle of 1 min. The corresponding average return and insertion losses of -48 and 0.15 dB, respectively, were also achieved. The polishing efficiency was raised by at least 30% compared to the commercially applied processes. Finally, the polishing mechanisms of the fiber optic connectors were investigated regarding material response to abrasive machining. (C) 2003 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.