Optical characteristics and reliability of plastic split alignmentsleeves for single-mode optical fiber connectors

摘要

Split alignment sleeves for single-mode (SM) optical fibernconnection are fabricated with a precise injection-molding techniquenusing a thermosetting epoxy resin. The fabricated plastic sleevesnexhibit dimensional accuracy of <4 Μm, and SC-type adaptorsnincorporating the plastic sleeves show an average connection loss ofn0.09 dB and a return loss of >50 dB. The plastic sleeves exhibit goodnresistance in 500-cycle mating tests using zirconia and/or glass ceramicnferrules, and in vibration and impact tests as well. The initial opticalncharacteristics are maintained in both short-term and long-termnenvironmental durability tests