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Reference
Cleaning Connections for Accurate Measurements
Visual inspection of fiber ends
Visual inspection of fiber ends can be helpful. Contamination or imperfections
on the cable end can be detected, as well as cracks or chips in the fiber itself.
Use a microscope with 100× to 200× magnification to inspect the entire end
face for contamination, raised metal, or dents in the metal as well as any other
imperfections. Inspect the fiber for cracks and chips. Visible imperfections not
touching the fiber core may not affect performance, unless the imperfections
keep the fibers from contacting.
Cleaning Optical Connectors
CAUTION
The connectors on the instrument are
not
easily cleaned. Before connecting
cables to the lightwave instrument, it is
very
important they are cleaned
following the procedures in this section.
The procedures in this section provide the proper steps for cleaning fiber-
optic cables and HP universal adapters. The initial cleaning, using alcohol as a
solvent, gently removes any grit and oil. If a caked-on layer of material is still
present, this can happen if the beryllium-copper sides of the ferrule retainer
get scraped and deposited on the end of the fiber during insertion of the cable,
a second cleaning should be performed. It is not uncommon for a cable or con-
nector to require more than one cleaning.
CAUTION
Hewlett-Packard strongly recommends that index matching compounds
not
be
applied to their instruments and accessories. Some compounds, such as gels,
may be difficult to remove and can contain damaging particulates. If you think
the use of such compounds is necessary, refer to the compound manufacturer
for information on application and cleaning procedures.
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