Optical fiber bending stress proof tester

Abstract

An optical fiber bending stress proof tester 40 which provides multiple mandrels or roller elements 22 and 24 for applying compression and tension stresses to multiple planes on the periphery of an optical fiber 10. In one embodiment, first and second roller elements 22 and 24 are incorporated in a roller block 50 which is stable in either of two angular orientations with respect to the longitudinal axis of the fiber 10. The fiber 10 is bent in an S curve around the two rollers 22 and 24. The rollers 22 and 24 control the bend radius and therefore the stress induced in the outer fibers of the filament. In a specific extension of this embodiment, multiple sets of first and second roller elements are provided in additional roller blocks. Each block is stable in a first loading position and a second test position. In the test position, discrete planes around the entire periphery of the fiber are exposed to bending stress in a single pass through the tester. A device constructed in accordance with the teachings of the invention would effectively bend the fiber in several planes with a controlled bend radius. More significantly, the device would subject the fiber to high stress levels for a very short period of time thereby minimizing the possibility of damaging the fiber.