Cleaving tool for optical fibers

Abstract

An optical fiber cleaving tool is disclosed having a frame with means for holding a fiber optic connector installed intermediate the length of an optical fiber against lengthwise movement, thereby providing a fixed fiber axis. A pair of selectively operable clamps are supported on the frame for engagement with the fiber at a location spaced from the connector, the clamps are further supported for slideable movement parallel to the fiber axis for placing a tension along the fiber axis to slightly enlongate the fiber. A pair of opposed, selectively operable fiber engaging members are supported on the frame for opposed engagement with the fiber, at least one of the members having a sharpened blade for scribing the fiber, the force placed on the fiber by one member being equal and opposite to the force placed on the fiber by the other member during scribing of the fiber for subjecting the fiber to zero torsion and zero bend stress. Crack propagation is induced through the thickness of the fiber at the scribe location by the axial tension on the fiber, thereby producing an end face on the fiber substantially perpendicular to the fiber axis, flush with the end of the connector, and having a suitable finish which does not require subsequent treatment to provide the desired smooth fiber end face.