Optical fiber group splicing technique and apparatus employing unique

Abstract

In accordance with the disclosed invention, a first group of optical fiber waveguides is spliced to a second, similar group of optical fiber waveguides using a unique foldable holder. The holder illustratively comprises a relatively thin wafer formed of a bendable material, such as a plastic or metal, and includes first and second sections disposed about a centrally extended fold line. Each section of the holder includes a plurality of grooves laterally spaced in a parallel relation symmetrically about the fold line for receiving and aligning the individual fibers in each fiber group to be spliced. To achieve the desired splice, the fibers in a first group are placed and then fixed in the grooves of the first section of the holder, while the fibers in a second group are placed and then fixed in the grooves of the second section of the holder. The assembly is then placed in a fiber scoring and breaking tool which divides each of the fibers in the two groups along the same line perpendicular both to the fiber axes and to the holder fold line. The unwanted ends of the fiber groups are then removed from the holder and discarded, and the holder is folded about its fold line bringing the fibers in the first group in accurate alignment with the corresponding fibers of the second group to complete the splice.