Cleaving of PMMA Microstructured Polymer Optical Fibers with 3- and 4-Ring Hexagonal Cladding Structures

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Optical Engineering
• Polymer Science

Background:

• Microstructured polymer optical fibers (mPOF) offer unique properties but present challenges in fiber termination.
• Achieving a high-quality connectorized end-face is critical for reliable optical signal transmission in mPOF applications.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the optimal conditions for cleaving novel microstructured polymer optical fibers (mPOF).
• To determine the influence of blade temperature and cutting speed on the quality of the mPOF end-face.
• To assess the impact of blade surface quality on the cleaving process.

Main Methods:

• Qualitative assessment of mPOF end-face quality after cleaving.
• Experimentation with varying blade temperatures (room temperature to elevated) and cutting speeds (specifically 0.5 mm/s).
• Utilizing mPOFs with 3- and 4-ring hexagonal-like air cladding structures (approx. 250 μm outer diameter).

Main Results:

• Optimal end-face quality was achieved at room temperature with blade temperatures between 60-80 °C and a low blade speed of 0.5 mm/s.
• The quality of the blade surface was identified as a critical factor for obtaining satisfactory mPOF end-faces.
• Acceptable and consistent fiber end-face results were obtained for up to four cuts using the same razor blade and surface.

Conclusions:

• Controlled blade temperature and low cutting speed are essential for successful mPOF cleaving.
• Maintaining a high-quality blade surface is paramount for achieving reliable fiber optic connectorization.
• The study provides practical guidelines for the termination of novel mPOF structures.