Method and apparatus for thermally splicing at least two ends of optical fibres

摘要

The method involves positioning at least two associated optically conductive fibre ends (FE1,FE2) a predetermined distance (LA) apart. The ends are then rounded by thermal heating and are then each cooled for a predetermined period of time (KZ). In a separate, subsequent step, the cooled fibre ends are brought into end to end contact with each other and are thermally fused together. The apparatus for carrying out the method has a positioning means for spacing the fibre ends apart. The welding arrangement (EL1, EL2) has a control device (COM) for carrying out the rounding and welding process.