Method and apparatus for terminating optical fibres

摘要

A method and apparatus for terminating optical fibres. In the method, the fibre is threaded through a tubular ferrule so that the end of the fibre projects from an end face of the ferrule, and a heated cutting edge is swept across the end face of the ferrule at a predetermined rate. This produces a cut end for the fibre with a minimum of scratches, roughness, distortion, stress or discoloration without the need for subsequent grinding or polishing. The apparatus disclosed is particularly intended for performing the above method and comprises a jig adapted to receive the tubular ferrule and a fixed heated blade. The jig is arranged to be movable freely under the action of gravity with the end face of the ferrule maintained in sliding engagement with the blade whereby the cutting edge thereof is swept across the end face at the predetermined rate.