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Reference
Cleaning Connections for Accurate Measurements
Universal adapters to Diamond HMS_10.
The HMS-10 encases the fiber within a soft nickel silver (CuNiZn) center
which is surrounded by a tough tungsten carbide casing, as shown in
Figure 6-2.
Figure 6-2. Cross-section of the Diamond HMS-10 connector.
The nickel silver allows an active centering process that permits the glass fiber
to be moved to the desired position. This process first stakes the nickel silver
to fix the fiber in a near-center position., then uses a post-active staking to
shift the fiber into the desired position within 0.2
µ
m. This process, plus the
keyed axis, allows very precise core-to-core alignments. This connector is
found on most HP lightwave instruments.
The soft core, while allowing precise centering, is also the chief liability of this
connector. The soft material is easily damaged. Care must be taken to mini-
mize excessive scratching and wear. While minor wear is not a problem if the
glass face is not affected, scratches or grit can cause the glass fiber to move
out of alignment. Also, if unkeyed connectors are used, the nickel silver can be
pushed onto the glass surface. Scratches, fiber movement, or glass contamina-
tion will cause loss of signal and increased reflections, resulting in poor return
loss.
Tungsten Carbide
(Hard Case)
Nickel Silver (Cu/Ni/Zn)
(Soft center)
125 um Fiber
(Centered to about
0.2 microns)
Staking Groove
(Fixing oper.)
Secondary Staking
(Active Centering)
book.book Page 12 Monday, January 31, 2000 10:34 AM