An uncoated, unconstrained length of optical fiber can have sufficient curvature to cause alignment problems in automated mass fusion splicing equipment. The mass splicing techniques, which require the simultaneous alignment of as many as 24 fiber ends (12 splices), can tolerate limited offset between fiber ends. This paper describes a system for use in factory production which quickly and accurately measures the radius of curvature of a fiber, from which the maximum offset at any length can be calculated.
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