Proper cleaning of optical fiber is critical in all fusion splicing applications and particularly in high strength fusion splicing and high power laser combiner manufacturing. 3SAE’s optical fiber cleaning tools are designed and built from many years of fusion splicing experience and are designed to offer superior cleaning results and easy operation. 3SAE’s ultrasonic cleaners are the industry preferred fiber cleaning method, useful for all cleaning applications, while 3SAE’s patented Burst™ Technology is superior for fast, chemical-free, simultaneous mid-span window stripping and cleaning of optical fibers. For more sensitive fiber cleaning applications, 3SAE’s patented Ring of Fire® automatic scanning cleaning system remains unmatched.
Fiber Optic Cleaning
Ultrasonic fiber cleaners (USC) are most useful for removing dirt or coating debris from the fiber cladding without causing any damage or scratching on the surface. The USC is a compact, chemical bath most commonly filled with either Isopropyl alcohol or acetone, the fiber is suspended in the chemical bath via fiber holders while the alcohol inside is agitated to a certain frequency around the dirty on the fiber.. In most cases, the process is a matter of seconds and can produce very high tensile strength fusion splicing or glass processing.
In other unique cleanliness applications, 3SAE provides plasma cleaning process by which our Ring of Fire™ plasma field – a highly controlled heat source is used to etch away all residual stripping material.
Plasma Cleaning
Plasma cleaning is the removal of impurities and contaminants from surfaces through the use of an electronic plasma field. Our patented Ring of Fire arc plasma heat source produces a clean, stable wide are plasma field to gently etch and clean along the length of a polyimide or other metallic coated fiber.
Ultrasonic Cleaning
Ultrasonic cleaning has long been the preferred means of cleaning optical fibers for critical application splicing. However, previous ultrasonic technology was designed for cleaning larger objects, and the results were sometimes not optimum for fiber.
The 3SAE Ultrasonic Cleaner is a purpose-built ultrasonic fiber cleaner that was designed specifically for fiber splicing applications. Many years of splicing experience went into the functional, ergonomic design that ensures consistent cleaning results and easy fiber loading.
Operation of the 3SAE Ultrasonic Cleaner is easy and intuitive. The Ultrasonic Cleaner fiber holder rail can be configured to accommodate Fitel, Fujikura, Ericsson or 3SAE fiber holders. To operate, simply lower the fiber holder down the rail and press the start button. Audible and visual indicators indicate when the fiber should be removed. Additionally, the unit is designed to dip fibers in the ultrasonic bath without the use of fiber holders.
The intensity of cleaning can be adjusted to optimize results for different fiber types and sizes. Programmable presets can be provided for special applications.
3SAE’s complete line of preparation tools, including the 3SAE Ultrasonic Cleaners, are configurable for use with Fitel, Fujikura, 3SAE or Ericsson fiber holders. Use of fiber holders provides a repeatable handling process across strip, clean, cleave and splice equipment for high strength splicing and improved yield.
