Fusion splices for optical fibers by discharge heating.

A new type of electric discharge fusion splicing apparatus for optical fibers offering several advantages is developed and evaluated. An average splicing loss of 0.10 dB is obtained for step-index multimode silica fibers with a 60-microm core diameter. Tolerances in discharge energy, fiber misalignment, compression force and stroke length during fusion, and end face conditions are discussed experimentally. No accurate fiber axis adjustment is necessary in this apparatus. Mechanical strength of the splice is also excellent.