How?to?Clean?the?Fiber?Optic?Connector?and?Precautions

Currently, the output power of conventional fiber optic amplifiers is very high. When the output power exceeds +19dBm, the fiber optic connector is quickly burned, reducing the output optical power.

For example, dust on the end face may cause local heating and form spots when exposed to intense light. The scars can't be removed with alcohol, and the fiber optic connector can only be replaced.

Why are fiber optics so easily polluted?

It mainly depends on the fiber optic's structure, working principle, and use environment. The current conventional fiber cladding diameter is 125μm, and the core diameter is 9μm. All light is transmitted in the fiber core, and the diameter of dust is usually less than 500 microns (fine dust can only be seen under an electron microscope). Countless dust is hidden in the seemingly clean end face.

It can be seen from the structure of the fiber end face that the core of the single-mode fiber is only 9 μm. If the connection point is not clean, it can easily cause ineffective transmission or even directly interrupt it.?As shown below:

Many reasons may cause the contamination of the fiber optic connector. The most common reasons are oil stains on fingers, dust, or other environmental pollution.

Standard?Fiber End Face Dirt Map

Handling Precautions for Fiber Optic Connectors:

1. Before the connector is pulled out from the fiber amplifier, the pumping laser of the fiber amplifier must be turned off;

2. The fiber optic connector insert and the end face of the connector must not touch the places that may cause various contamination, such as skin, etc.;

3. When stored or not plugged into the equipment, the end face of the connector must be covered with a dustproof protective cap; the same must be valid for the fiber optic adapter;

4. No matter what the situation is, as long as the fiber optic connector is pulled out from the device, it must be cleaned before it is inserted again;

5. When inserting the fiber optic connector into the adapter or flange, it must be ensured that the connector's end face can't touch anything other than the adapter ring; otherwise, the end face of the fiber may be rubbed and stained.

Fiber optic connector cleaning steps (Such as Fiber Optic Cleaning Wipes, Cleaner Box, and Cleaner Pen):

Fiber Optic Cleaning Wipes

1. First, confirm that there is no light in the fiber; only one connector can be cleaned at a time;

2. Fold the wiping cloth at least twice; avoid the part of the wiping cloth that will be used to clean the fiber optic connector from touching other objects, such as skin;

3. Gently press the fiber optic connector insert on the wipe, and rotate the insert several times;

4. Turn the fiber wiping cloth over to the unused side, and then slowly wipe the connector's end face with the fiber wiping cloth. The wiping action can only be maintained in one direction; if it is an APC connector, the wiping direction is as shown in the figure below;

5. Use a microscope to test the cleaning effect. Repeat the above cleaning steps until the microscope test results are expected;

6. Restore the fiber connections immediately after the cleaning process is complete.

Fiber Optic Cleaner Box

Fiber Optic Cleaning Pen

We hope this article can draw everyone's attention to the cleaning of fiber optic connectors, and the cleaning steps can also be helpful to you.