MX2008007660A - Apparatus and methods for verifying an acceptable splice termination - Google Patents

Abstract

Apparatus and methods for verifying an acceptable splice termination include propagating light energy into the stub optical fiber of a fiber optic connector, detecting and collecting the amount of optical power emanating from the stub optical fiber at a termination area of the connector, converting the optical power to an electrical signal proportional to the amount of collected optical power, and displaying the electrical signal on a feedback monitor, such as an optical power meter, an LCD bar graph, or an LED. An initial (i.e., reference) value is obtained with the field optical fiber not in physical contact with the stub optical fiber. A final (i.e., terminated) value is obtained with the field optical fiber in physical contact with the stub optical fiber and terminated to the connector. The final value is compared to the initial value to determine whether the change (i.e., difference) is sufficient. Alternatively, the final value is compared to a predetermined limit or threshold.

Description

APPARATUS AND METHODS FOR VERIFYING AN ACCEPTABLE JOINT TERMINATION BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION FIELD OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates, in general terms, to apparatuses and methods for determining whether the continuity of the optical connection between optical fibers is acceptable, and more particularly , apparatus and methods for verifying an acceptable splice termination between a field optical fiber and a fiber optic end in a fiber optic splice connector. BACKGROUND OF THE ART Optical fibers are useful in a wide range of applications, including the telecommunications industry where optical fibers are used for voice, data and video transmission. Due, at least in part, to the extremely wide width and low noise operation that is provided through the optical fibers, the range of applications in which the optical fibers are being used continues to grow. For example, optical fibers no longer serve simply as a means of long-distance signal transmission, but are increasingly being directed directly to their use in the home, and in some cases, directly to a desk or other work location. With the ever increasing and variable use of optical fibers, methods and apparatus have been developed to connect optical fibers between them outside the controlled environment of a factory, which is commonly referred to as "field installation" or "in the field". "', as for example in a central telephone office, in an office building, and in several types of external plant terminals. However, in order to efficiently connect the optical signals transmitted by the fibers, an optical fiber connector must not significantly attenuate, reflect or otherwise alter the optical signals. In addition, the fiber optic connectors for connecting the optical fibers must be relatively strong and adapted for connection and disconnection several times in order to accommodate changes in the optical transmission path that may occur over time. Although fiber optic connectors can generally be mounted more efficiently and reliably on the end portion of an optical fiber in a factory environment during the production of a fiber optic cable assembly, many fiber optic connectors must be mounted on the fiber optic cable. the end portion of an optical fiber in the field in order to minimize the cable lengths and to optimize cable management and routing. As such, numerous fiber optic connectors have been specifically developed to facilitate field installation. A useful type of fiber optic connector designed specifically to facilitate field installation is the UNICAM® family of field-installable fiber optic connectors available from Corning Cable Systems LLC of Hicy, North Carolina. Even though the UNICAM® family of field-installed connectors includes numerous common features that include a common termination technique (ie, mechanical splicing), the UNICAM® family also offers several different types of connectors, including mechanical splice connectors adapted for mounting in a single optical fiber and mechanical splice connectors adapted to be mounted on two or more optical fibers. Regardless of the foregoing, each of such field-installable fiber optic connectors requires a method to determine whether the continuity of the optical connection between the fiber optic connector and the field optical fiber mounted on the fiber optic connector is acceptable. . As used herein, this process is generally referred to as "verification of an acceptable splice termination". Typically a splice termination is acceptable when a variable related to the optical performance of the connector such as, for example, insertion loss or reflectance, is within a prescribed limit or threshold value. In a particular example, the splice termination is acceptable when the insertion loss of the connector in accordance with that indicated by an optical power meter or Optical Time Domain Reflectometer (OTDR) is less than a predetermined value. A fiber optic connector installed in conventional field 10 is illustrated in FIGURES IA and IB. By way of example, the fiber optic connector 10 shown in FIGURES IA and IB is a field-installable SC-style UNICAM® mechanical splice connector developed by Corning Cable Systems LLC. However, the apparatuses and methods described herein are applicable to verify the continuity of the optical connection between any pair of interconnected optical fibers, and more particularly, between a field optical fiber and an optical fiber of any fiber optic splice connector, including a single fiber or multiple fiber fusion splice or a mechanical splice connector. Examples of single fiber mechanical splice connectors are provided in U.S. Patent Nos. 4,755,018; 4,923,274; 5,040,867; and 5,394,496. Examples of typical multi-fiber mechanical splice connectors are provided in U.S. Patent Nos. 6,173,097; 6,379,054; 6,439,780; and 6,816,661. As shown here, the mechanical splice connector 10 includes a ferrule 12 that defines longitudinally, a longitudinal bore for receiving an optical fiber end 14. The fiber optic end 14 preferably has an appropriate size such that the end extends outwardly beyond the trailing end 13 of the splint 12. The mechanical splice connector 10 also includes a pair of opposed splice components 17, 18, at least one of which longitudinally defines a longitudinal slot for receiving and aligning the portion end of the fiber optic end 14 and an end portion of a field optical fiber 15 where the mechanical splice connector 10 is to be mounted. To assemble the connector 10 on the field optical fiber 15, the splice components 17 , 18 are positioned near the rear end 13 of the ferrule 12 such that the end portion of the fiber optic end 14 extending to the The back of the splint is placed inside the slot defined by the splice components. Then, the end portion of the field optical fiber 15 can be inserted into the slot defined by the splice components 17, 18. By advancing the field optical fiber 15 in the slot defined by the splice components. , 18, the end portions of the fiber optic end 14 and the field optical fiber 15 make physical contact and establish the optical connection, or coupling, between the field optical fiber and the fiber optic end. The splice termination of the fiber optic connector 10 is effected in accordance with that illustrated in FIGURE IB by actuating a cam member 20 to push the splice components 17, 18 together, and thereby hold the portions of end of the fiber optic end 14 and the field optical fiber 15 within the slot defined by the splice components. If the continuity of the optical connection between the field optical fiber 15 and the fiber optic end 14 is acceptable (for example, the insertion loss is less than a prescribed value and / or the reflectance is greater than a prescribed value), the cable assembly can be terminated, for example, by relieving deformation of the coating 25 of the field optical fiber on the splice connector 10 in known manner. Installation tools have also been developed in order to facilitate the termination of splicing of one or more optical fibers with a fiber optic connector, and particularly to allow the termination of splicing of one or more optical field fibers to a splice connector mechanic. Examples of typical installation tools for facilitating the connection of one or more optical fibers to a mechanical splice connector in the field are described in U.S. Patent Nos. 5,040,867; 5,261,020; 6,816,661; and 6,931,193. In particular, U.S. Patent Nos. 6,816,661 and 6,931,193 describe a UNICAM® installation tool available from Corning Cable Systems LLC of Hickory, North Carolina, designed / specifically to facilitate assembly of the family.

UNICAM® of fiber optic connectors in the end portions of one or more optical field fibers. Said installation tool 30 for mounting one or more optical field fibers 15 to a single fiber or multi-fiber field installable fiber optic connector 10 is shown in FIGURE 2. In general, the installation tool 30 supports the mechanical splicing connector 10, including splint 12 and splicing components 17, 18, while field optical fiber 15 is inserted into the connector and aligned with fiber optic end 14. Regarding this aspect, the tool of installation 30 includes a tool base 32, a tool housing 34 positioned in the tool base, and an adapter 35 provided in the tool housing. The adapter 35 has a first end for engaging the mechanical splice connector 10 mounted on the field optical fiber 15, and a second opposite end serving as a temporary powder cover. The front end of the mechanical splice connector 10 is received between the first end of the adapter 35, which in turn is placed in the tool housing 34. The end portion of the field optical fiber 15 is then inserted and advanced in the open rear end of the mechanical splice connector 10 and the splice components 17, 18 are subsequently driven, for example pushed together by engagement of the cam member 20 with at least one of the splice components in order to hold the end fiber optic 14 and field optical fiber 15 between the splicing components. In the particular examples shown here, the cam member 20 is driven by rotation of the cam driver arm 36 provided in the tool housing 34 approximately ninety degrees (90 °) around the longitudinal axis of the installation tool 30 and the mechanical splice connector 10 (for example, compare the positions of the cam actuator arm 36 in FIGURE 3A and FIGURE 3B). Once the fiber optic connector 10 is mounted at the end position of the field optical fiber 15, the resulting fiber optic cable assembly is typically tested end-to-end. Among other things, a test is performed to determine if the optical continuity established between the fiber optic end 14 and the field optical fiber 15 is acceptable. While optical connections and fiber optic cables can be tested in many different ways, a widely accepted test includes introducing light having a predetermined intensity and / or wavelength into one of the following: fiber optic end 14 or fiber field optics 15. By measuring the propagation of light through the fiber optic connector 10, and more particularly, by measuring the insertion and / or reflectance loss using an optical power meter or OTDR, it can be determined the continuity of the optical connection between the fiber optic end 14 and the field optical fiber 15. If a test indicates that the optical fibers are not sufficiently connected (for example, the end portion of the field optical fiber 15 and the end portion of the fiber optic end 14 are not in physical contact or are not aligned) the operator must either discard the entire fiber optic cable assembly. optical fiber or, more commonly, replace the fiber optic connector 10 in an attempt to establish the desired optical continuity. In order to replace the fiber optic connector 10, the operator typically removes (ie, cuts) the optical fiber connector from the field optical fiber 15 and repeats the mechanical splice termination process described above using a new optical fiber connector. mechanical splicing in the installation tool 30 and mounting the new mechanical splice connector on the end portion of the field fiber optic. Field-installed mechanical splice connectors have recently been developed which allow the splice termination to be reversed and therefore avoid the need to discard the entire fiber optic cable assembly or fiber optic connector. Regardless of this, it still requires an important time and an appreciable expense to assemble the fiber optic connector on the field fiber optic, remove the assembly of the installation tool, carry out the continuity test and, in the case of a splice termination Unacceptable, repeat the whole process. In order to facilitate a relatively simple, fast and inexpensive continuity test, Corning Cable Systems LLC of Hickory, North Carolina has developed installation tools for field-installable mechanical splice connectors that allow for continuity testing while the connector remains mounted on the installation tool. As previously described, the installation tool 30 includes an adapter 35 having first and second opposite ends, the first end is adapted to receive the "mechanical splice" connector 10. In order to test the continuity of the optical connection between the fiber field optics 15 and fiber optic end 14, an optical power generator, such as a Helium-Neon gas laser (HeNe) 40 is provided to supply a laser light of visible wavelength (e.g., red) ) to the area within the fiber optic connector 10 wherein the end portion of the field optical fiber meets the end portion of the fiber optic end, which is referred to herein as "termination area." In a particular embodiment , visible light is supplied through the fiber optic end 14 to the termination area through a test optical fiber 42 mounted on a corresponding test connector 44 received. or within the second end of the adapter 35. As a result, the termination area is illuminated with visible light which produces a "brightness" which indicates the amount of light coming from the fiber optic end 14 that is being connected to the field optical fiber 15. At least a portion of the connector 10 is formed of transparent or non-opaque material (e.g., translucent), for example the splice components 17, 18 and / or the cam member 20, such that the brightness in the termination area is visible to the operator. By monitoring the brightness dissipation that comes from the termination area (i.e., fiber optic end 14) before and after the insertion of the field optical fiber 15 into the fiber optic connector 10 and terminated the operator can determining whether there is sufficient physical contact and / or sufficient alignment between the field optical fiber 15 and the fiber optic end. In particular, the continuity of the optical connection between the field optical fiber 15 and the fiber optic end 14 is considered established if the initial brightness is dissipated below a threshold amount. In cases where the splice termination is unacceptable (ie, the initial brightness that comes from the termination area is not dissipated from the threshold amount). The field optical fiber 15 can be repositioned relative to the fiber optic end 14 and terminated again in the fiber optic connector 10 until the splice termination is acceptable. In accordance with the aforementioned, the installation tool 30 can be configured to allow the cam member 20 to be de-energized (i.e., reversed) in the case where the splice termination is unacceptable (i.e. brightness coming from the termination area greater than the threshold amount), thereby leading the splice components 17, 18 such that the field optical fiber 15 can be repositioned relative to the fiber optic end 14, and terminated again in the fiber optic connector 10. However, the operator should not attempt to cause the brightness to dissipate before actuating the cam member 20 by displacing the field optical fiber 15 around within the connector 10 in an attempt to cause the reduction of the brightness before the activation of the cam member. Displacement of the field optical fiber 15 can cause damage to the end portions of the field optical fiber and the fiber optic end 14, and in particular fiber dissociations. The field optical fiber 15 must be inserted into the splice connector 10 and advanced until it physically contacts the fiber optic end 14. When physical contact is made, the operator will typically see a flash in the brightness. When the cam member 20 is actuated, the brightness should decrease significantly. The Corning Cable Systems LLC method for verifying an acceptable splice termination described above is commonly referred to as the "Continuity Test System" (CTS) and the combined functionality of visible light laser 40, optical fiber test 42 and test connector 44 are commonly referred to as a "Visual Fault Announcer" (VFL) [Visual Fault Locator]. In practice, the method is generally sufficient to determine if most splice terminations are acceptable since the quality of the splice does not have to be maintained to a high degree of precision and the operator is typically highly trained and with a long experience . However, in certain circumstances, for example when a fiber optic network requires an exceptionally low insertion loss, it is important to maintain the quality of the splice termination to a higher degree of accuracy. At the same time, it is desirable to use operators with a lower level of training and a lower experience in order to reduce the overall cost of installing a fiber optic network. In such situations, a potential limitation of the CTS method described above that uses a VFL is the variation in the amount of brightness that comes from the termination area before and after termination of the field optical fiber 15 at the splice connector 10. In particular, it may be difficult for a highly skilled and experienced operator to evaluate whether the change in the amount of gloss that comes from the termination area is substantial enough to indicate an acceptable splice termination. Variations in ambient light, variations in the translucency of different fiber optic connectors, the operating condition of the VFL and the adapter, the subjectivity of the operator, and the variation introduced by different operators that perform the same test for different splice terminations are only some of the factors that contribute to the variable and inconsistent results that can be obtained when performing a continuity test using a VFL. In addition, depending on the translucency of the fiber optic connector and the intensity of the visible laser light, the termination area may still shine appreciably (sometimes referred to as "consumer brightness") even after an acceptable splice termination. As a result, an operator with less training and less experience may attempt multiple insertions of the field fiber optic terminations and / or splicing using the same fiber optic connector in an effort to further reduce or totally eliminate the consumption brightness in a termination. of acceptable splicing. These misdirected efforts of the poorly trained or inexperienced operator typically cause damage to the fiber optic or field fiber optic connector or result in optical performance that is lower than what would have been achieved if the operator had accepted the first termination even when the brightness had not been reduced completely and the brightness of consumption persisted. Contrary to common sense, it is the difference in the visible amount of brightness that comes from the termination area before and after the optical fiber field termination and not the residual amount of brightness that is most important in determining whether a termination of particular splice is acceptable. Accordingly, improved apparatus and methods are required to reduce the overall time and overall cost required to obtain an acceptable splice termination. Improved apparatus and methods are also required to eliminate the subjectivity currently introduced by an operator when an acceptable splice termination is verified in an optical field-installable fiber optic connector and to correspondingly increase the accuracy of determining whether or not a Particular splice termination is acceptable. Preferably, such apparatus and methods should cavity existing installation tools for field-installable fiber optic connectors and more preferably existing installation tools for mechanical splice connectors installed in single-fiber and multi-fiber field. Further features and advantages of the present invention are presented in the following detailed description and will be readily apparent to persons skilled in the art from the description or will be readily recognized by the practice of inventions in accordance with that described in the description. detailed, the drawings and the appended claims. It will be understood that both the foregoing general description and the following detailed description present exemplary embodiments of the present invention as well as certain preferred embodiments. As such, the detailed description is contemplated to provide a general perspective or structure for understanding the nature and character of the present invention in accordance with that indicated in the appended claims. The accompanying drawings are included for the purpose of providing a further understanding of the invention and are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification. The drawings illustrate several preferred embodiments of the invention and together with the detailed description serve to explain the principles and operations thereof In addition, the drawings and descriptions are considered as merely illustrative and are not intended to limit the scope of the claims in any way BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Figure IA is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of a conventional field-installable mechanical splice connector to be mounted on an end portion of a field optical fiber, the splice connector comprises a splint, a fiber optic end extending backward from the ferrule, a pair of opposed splice components for receiving and aligning the end portions of the fiber optic end and the field fiber optic and a cam member for engaging the splice components, which are shown with the cam member in the non-driven position Figure IB is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the mechanical splice connector and the field optical fiber of Figure IA, which is shown with the end portions of the fiber optic end and the field optical fiber positioned within the components of FIG. splice and the cam member in the actuated position to hold the respective end portions between the splice components. Figure 2 is an environmental perspective view of an installation tool for a field-installable mechanical splice connector operable to terminate a field optical fiber at the fiber optic end of a mechanical splice connector and to verify a splice termination acceptable in accordance with a preferred apparatus and method of the invention. Figure 3A is an environmental perspective view of an installation tool for a field-installable mechanical splice connector in accordance with another preferred apparatus and method of the invention, shown with the cam member in the non-driven position. Figure 3B is an environmental perspective view of the installation tool of Figure 3A, shown with the cam member in the actuated position. Figure 4 is a flow diagram illustrating preferred methods for verifying an acceptable splice termination in accordance with the invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Reference will now be made in greater detail to various exemplary embodiments of the invention, preferred embodiments of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. If possible, the same reference numbers will be used in all drawings to refer to the same or similar parts. A single fiber field installable mechanical splicing cone that can operate to terminate a field optical fiber to the connector is shown herein for use with the various embodiments of the invention simply for convenience purposes. It will be understood, however, that the apparatuses and methods for verifying an acceptable splice termination disclosed herein can be applied to any optical connection between any number of optical fibers, such as, but not limited to, any termination of splicing between neighboring optical fibers in where the light energy can be transmitted along at least one of the optical fibers and the light energy can be detected, collected and measured in the immediate vicinity of the junction. Accordingly, the invention should not be considered limited in any way by the example of a single-fiber field-installed mechanical splice connector shown and described herein. Referring now again to Figures IA and IB, there is shown a longitudinal cross-sectional view of a conventional single-fiber field-installable mechanical splicing connector 10. The mechanical splice connector 10 comprises a ferrule 12 defining a longitudinal perforation through which to receive and hold an optical fiber end 14 in a known manner, for example by means of an adhesive The front end (also known here as the face of end) 11 of the splint is typically precisely ground such that the fiber optic end 14 is flush (as shown) or protrudes slightly from the end face of the splint, however, the fiber optic end 14 it may also protrude outward from the end face 11 of the ferrule 12 over a predetermined distance, if desired.In addition, the end face 11 may be oriented generally perpendicular to the bore in order to provide a connector of the type Ultra Physical Contact (UPC) [Ultra Physical Contact] or it can be formed at a predetermined angle to provide an Angle Physical Contact (APC) connector [Conta Angular Physics], in a known manner. Further, even when a single fiber splint 12 is shown for comfort purposes, the splint may define several longitudinal perforations through to receive a corresponding plurality of optical fiber ends in order to provide a multi-fiber mechanical splicing connector. . Independently, the trailing end 13 of the ferrule 12 is inserted and clamped within the forward end of a ferrule holder 16 such that the fiber optic end 14 extends rearwardly over a predetermined distance from the ferrule between a pair of components. of opposite splices 17, 18, placed inside the splint clamp. At the same time, the ferrule holder 16, including the splint 12 and splice components 17, 18, is located within a connector housing 19. A cam member 20 is movably mounted between the splint holder 16 and the splint holder 16. housing of the connector 19 for engaging a keel portion of the lower splice component 18, as will be described. If desired, the ferrule 12, the ferrule holder 16 and the cam member 20 can be pushed relative to the connector housing 19, for example, through a helical spring 21, in order to ensure physical contact between the end face 11 of the splint 12 and the end face of an opposite splint in a corresponding optical fiber connector or corresponding optical device. Finally, a spring retainer 22 can be positioned between the connector housing 19 and a middle portion of the cam member 20 and fixed on the connector housing to retain one end of the spring 21 relative to the connector housing. As a result, the ferrule 12, the ferrule holder 16 and the cam member 20 are pushed forward, yet allowing a piston movement rearwardly relative to the connector housing 19. As illustrated by the directional arrow horizontally in Figure IA, a field optical fiber 15 is inserted into the trailing end of a ferrule holder 16 opposite ferrule 12 and fiber optic end 14. Even when not required, the mechanical splicing connector 10 can be provided with a means, for example, an inlet tube (not shown), for guiding the field optical fiber 15 in the splint holder 16 and between the splice components 17, 18 in alignment generally with the fiber optic end 14. Preferably, at least one of the splice components 17, 18 has a groove formed therein for receiving the fiber optic end 14 and the field optical fiber 15. As shown here, the upper splice component 17 is equipped with a longitudinal V-shaped slot for receiving and guiding the fiber optic end 14 and the field optical fiber 15 in fine alignment. Typically, the field optical fiber 15 is closely covered or damped with a coating 25 that is stripped back to expose a predetermined length of the end of the field optical fiber. The mechanical splicing connector 10 may be additionally equipped with a fold tube or with another type of strain relief mechanism (not shown) to retain and relieve by deformation the coating 25 of the field optical fiber 15. With the coating Once removed, the field optical fiber 15 can be "inserted and advanced at the rear of the mechanical splice connector 10 between the splice components 17, 18 until the end portion of the field optical fiber makes physical contact with the end portion of the fiber optic end 14. The cam member 20 may then be actuated, for example by rotating the cam member relative to the ferrule holder 16 about the longitudinal axis of the connector 10, to engage the keel in the splice component 18 and consequently push the lower splice component 18 in the direction of the upper splice component 17, as illustrated by the vertical direction arrows in figure IB. The movement of the lower splicing component 18 causes the end portion of the optical fiber end 14 and the end portion of the field optical fiber 15 to settle within the V-shaped groove formed in the upper splicing component 17. , thereby aligning and simultaneously holding the field optical fiber 15 relative to the fiber optic end 14 between the splice components. In the case where the field optical fiber 15 is not in physical contact or is not properly aligned with the fiber optic end 14, significant attenuation and / or reflectance of the optical signal transmitted along the fibers may occur. optical A small amount of attenuation and / or reflectance is unavoidable at any optical connection due to the fact that the optical fiber cores are not truly concentric and the junction between the optical fibers can not be formed with the same precision as a continuous optical fiber. Accordingly, the continuity of the optical connection between the field optical fiber 15 and the fiber optic end 14 is acceptable when a variable related to the optical performance of the connector, such as insertion or reflectance loss, is within a limit. prescribed or threshold value. In a particular example, the continuity of the optical connection is sufficient, and therefore the splice termination is acceptable, when the insertion loss in the mechanical splice is less than a prescribed value and / or the reflectance in the mechanical splice is greater than a prescribed value. As previously described, an indication of the insertion loss in a mechanical joint can be observed using the Continuity Test System (CTS) developed by Corning Cable Systems LLC that includes an optical power source or source of radiant energy incorporated in a Visual Fault Locator (VFL) [Visual Fault Locator] comprising, for example, a helium-neon gas laser (HeNe) that propagates a light energy having known characteristics such as intensity and length of wave. Figure 2 shows an installation tool 30 for a field-installable fiber optic connector, such as for example a mechanical splicing connector 10, placed in combination with a VFL 40 to electronically measure the insertion loss of the fiber optic connector 10 in the mechanical joint. The location of the mechanical splice joint corresponds to the area 'within the fiber optic connector 10 where the end portion of the field optical fiber 15 meets the end portion of the optical fiber end 14, and is also referred to herein as the "termination area". In the exemplary embodiment shown in Figure 2, the VFL 40 supplies light energy through a test optical fiber 42 and the fiber optic end 14 towards the termination area through a corresponding test connector 44 mounted on the Test fiber optic and received at the second end of an adapter 35. The VFL 40 releases light energy in at least one of the optical fibers neighboring the mechanical splice (i.e., the fiber optic end 14 in the preferred embodiments shown here ), thereby causing the mechanical link board to "glow" in such a manner that the amount of optical energy coming from the termination area can be detected and collected and subsequently displayed to an operator. In particular, the VFL 40 generates an optical signal (for example a laser light) and transmits the optical signal through a relatively short test optical fiber 42, optically connected to the VFL 40 and finished in the factory with a polished test connector 44 with precision. The polished end face of the test connector 44 is optically connected to the polished end face of the mechanical splice connector 10 through the adapter 35. With the end portion of the field optical fiber 15 spaced from the end portion. from the fiber optic end 14, the light energy introduced at the fiber optic end generates an increased brightness that comes from the end of the fiber optic end within the splice components 17, 18. The intensity of the brightness decreases when the end portion of the field optical fiber 15 is physically and optically connected to the end portion of the fiber optic end 14, either through direct physical contact or through a corresponding gel placed within the aperture defined by the splice components 17, 18, since most of the light energy transmitted through the fiber optic end is connected to the optical fiber of countryside. The light energy that is not transmitted in the field optical fiber 15 results in a residual brightness significantly lower than the enhanced brightness present when the end portion of the field optical fiber is spaced from the end portion of the optical fiber end 14. In a particular embodiment, the mechanical splice connector 10 is a UNICAM® SC style field-installable connector of the type available from Corning Cable Systems LLC of Hickory, North Carolina. Luminous energy is introduced into the termination area of the mechanical splice connector 10 from the VFL 40 through an optical fiber end 14. While the light energy coming from the VFL 40 is typically a light of visible wavelength, the VFL can produce light energy having any wavelength, including light of invisible wavelength, since, as will be described below, the light energy coming from the VFL is supplied to an opto-electronic circuit that has means to collect the energy luminous and convert the optical energy into electrical energy which is supplied to a feedback monitor that defines a display that indicates the amount of light energy coming from the termination area. In summary, the apparatuses and methods of the present invention offer an electronic meter and a method for electronically measuring the optical power in the termination area. In contrast, the use of conventional CTS that includes a VFL is based on an operator to observe and interpret subjectively the amount of light of visible wavelength that comes from the termination area. Therefore, the results obtained using a conventional CTS are subject to considerable variability and inconsistency according to numerous factors including variations in ambient light, variations in the translucency of different fiber optic connectors, the condition of the VFL and the adapter, the subjectivity of the operator , and the variability introduced by different operators that perform the test for different splice terminations under different test conditions.

The exemplary embodiment of the apparatus for verifying an acceptable splice termination shown in Figure 2 comprises the installation tool 30, the VFL 40, a means 50 for collecting the optical energy propagated by the VFL and coming from the termination area of the mechanical splice connector 10, and a feedback monitor 52 to display an indication of the amount of optical energy that comes from the termination area. While the terms "display" and "display" are used in this written specification and the appended claims, it is contemplated that the feedback monitor 52 may provide a visual, audio, or other sensory indication (eg, vibrations). ) to the operator of the amount of optical energy that comes from the termination area in such a way that the apparatus can be used in any conceivable work environment. Examples of a suitable feedback monitor 52 include, but are not limited to, examples of Light Emitting Diode arrays (LEDs), a bar graph of Liquid Crystal Display (LCD), an analog meter, a mechanical needle, or similar pointer, an electric meter, an electric scale, an audible signaling device, and any other device to provide a perceptible signal proportional to the amount of optical energy that comes from the termination area of a fiber optic connector that n? it is generated or determined by the subjective interpretation of the operator. Simply for purposes of explanation and convenience, the feedback monitor 52 will be described herein as presenting a visual indication of the amount of optical energy that comes from the termination area. In the preferred embodiments shown herein, the feedback monitor 52 comprises an optical energy meter (see Figure 2) or an LCD bar graph (see Figures 3A and 3B) that can operate to quantify the amount of optical energy collected from the area of termination, and in particular the mechanical link, and then deploying a real or scaled optical power level useful for estimating the insertion loss such that the operator can determine if the splice termination is acceptable. In other words, the collection means 50 samples the light energy coming from the termination area, converts the optical energy into electrical energy, and supplies the electrical energy to the feedback monitor 52, for example, through an electrical cable 51 connected operatively and that extends between the collection medium and the feedback monitor. The feedback monitor 52 then visually displays a level of optical power or reading proportional to the electrical power supplied to the feedback monitor. The operator then reads the optical power level directly from the feedback monitor 52 to determine if the splice termination is acceptable. In relation to the specific apparatus shown in Figure 2, the fiber optic mechanical splicing connector 10 is mounted within a fastener, which is commonly referred to as a cradle, which is located in the tool housing 34 of the installation tool 30. The mechanical splicing connector 10 is placed in the tool housing 34 such that the cam member 20 is received within a cam actuator comprising a suitable means, such as a lever, or arm 36 for actuating the cam. cam member 20, at the appropriate time to hold the fiber optic end 14 and the field optical fiber 15 between the splice components 17, 18. The dust cap (if provided) on the front end 11 of the splint 12 it is then removed and the mechanical splicing connector 10 is positioned within one end of the adapter 35. For example, the cradle can be configured to slide longitudinally in the tool housing. is 34 in a direction generally parallel to the longitudinal perforation of the splint 12. The test connector 44 is then placed and seated correctly within the other end of the adapter 35. Typically, the polished end face of the test connector 44 is in actual physical contact with the polished end face 11 of the mechanical link connector 10 to establish good optical continuity between the test optical fiber 42 and the fiber optic end 14 However, according to the configuration of the adapter 35, the end faces of the corresponding connectors 44, 10 do not have to be in actual physical contact. Once the mechanical splice connector 10 and the test connector 44 are properly seated within the adapter 35, the VFL 40 is activated to propagate the light energy along the test optical fiber 42, through the test connector 44 and along the fiber optic end 14 of the mechanical splice connector 10 towards the termination area. As previously described, the light energy will produce a significant amount of "brightness" in the termination area since the field optical fiber 15 is not yet in physical contact with the fiber optic end 14. As a result, the transmitted light energy along the fiber optic end 14 is not connected to the field optical fiber 15. Alternatively, the field optical fiber 15 may be at least partially inserted at the rear end of the connector (and more specifically at the rear end of the connector). splint fastener 16 and loosely between the splice components at 17, 18), such that the end portion of the field optical fiber 15 is not yet in physical contact with the end portion of the fiber optic end 14 before the VFL 40 is activated. In this way, a possible concern is avoided in the sense that the laser light propagates without being reduced through the splice connector 10. For the same reason, the test connector 44 can be placed inside the adapter 35 after partial insertion. of the field optical fiber 15 in the mechanical splice connector 10. However, typically, the test connector 44 is placed inside the adapter 35 and the VFL 40 is activated before the field optical fiber 15 is inserted with the object to provide the greatest possible value of the insertion loss to use it as a reference value in the unfinished configuration, as will be described. The collection means 50 is placed near and, more specifically, immediately adjacent to the termination area of the mechanical splice connector 10 in order to collect a sufficient amount of light energy in the termination area. The collection means 50 can be any photosensitive device, such as a photodetector, phototransistor, photoresistor, optical integrator (for example, an integration sphere), or similar. An alternative embodiment of the collection means 50 includes one or more fiber optic strands positioned adjacent the termination area of the fiber optic connector 10. In the case in which the fiber optic connector 10 is a mechanical splice connector, the strands Fiber optics can be placed around the junction point of mechanical junction in any arrangement capable of effectively collecting a sample of the light energy that comes from the mechanical splice. For example, fiber optic strands may consist of points, four points or any number of points preferably arranged in a circular array around the mechanical splice joint. Preferably, the fiber optic strand or the various strands of optical fiber are multimodal fibers of large core, such as for example plastic optical fibers (POF), which are connected together through a passive IxN optical coupler in a single optical fiber that is is in optical communication with the feedback monitor 52 (for example, an optical energy meter). Alternatively, the fiber optic strand or the various fiber optic strands may be connected in a large area detector, or the detector may be positioned around the splice junction and connected directly to the feedback monitor 52 through a link optical. In additional modalities, one or several lenses can be used to collect and focus the light energy that comes from the termination area in the fiber optic strands. In another embodiment, an optical integration sphere can be used to collect a larger portion of the light energy. The light collected by the integration sphere can be focused on one or more optical fiber strands operable for optical connection of the integration sphere with an optical detector or with an optical energy meter. Regardless of the above, the collection means 50 detects the amount of brightness that comes from the termination area and collects the light energy, preferably in the form of optical energy. The collection means 50 converts the collected optical energy into electrical energy using a conventional opto-electronic circuit and supplies an electrical signal that is proportional to the amount of optical energy collected to the feedback monitor 52. As shown in Figure 2, The feedback monitor 52 is operatively connected to the collection means 50 by an electric cable 51. Accordingly, the collection means 50 is typically configured with the opto-electronic circuit. Alternatively, the feedback monitor 52 may be operatively connected to the collection means 50 by an optical cable 51 and the feedback monitor configured with the opt-electronic circuit. Many other devices and methods for collecting the amount of light energy coming from the termination area and for displaying the magnitude of an electrical signal representative of it in a monitoring device are within the scope of a person with ordinary knowledge in the field and they are contemplated to be included within the broad scope of the present invention. Accordingly, the scope of the present invention should not be construed as limited to the particular examples of the collection means 50 and feedback monitor 52, or to their respective methods of operation shown and described herein. The amount of brightness that comes from the termination area and that is measured through the collection means 50 before the insertion of the field optical fiber 15 into the mechanical splice connector 10 is used as an "initial" value (i.e. , "reference") representative of an "unfinished" connection of the connector, or more specifically, a "non-actuated" condition of the cam member 20. The end portion of the field optical fiber 15 is then advanced in the connector of mechanical junction 10 until it makes real physical contact with the end portion of the fiber optic end 14. If desired, the field optical fiber 15 can be preloaded with an axial force by rotating an opposite pair of clamping rollers 38 provided in the tool base 32 with the field optical fiber positioned therebetween to ensure that the end portion of the field fiber optic remains in physical contact with the end portion of the fiber optic end 14. The cam member 20 is then selected to fix the relative positions of the field optical fiber 15 and the fiber optic end 14 between the splice components 17, 18. If turned off after obtaining the initial value (ie reference), the VFL 40 is activated again to propagate the light energy towards the termination area where the collecting means 50 detects the energy luminous and collects the optical energy, converts the optical energy into electrical energy and supplies an electrical signal proportional to the optical energy that comes from the ter to the feedback monitor 52, in accordance with the previously described. This subsequent measurement of the amount of brightness that comes from the termination area, which is referred to herein as the "final" (ie, "finished") value is then compared to the initial value to determine whether the splice termination is acceptable. In particular, it is the magnitude of the change (ie, difference) between the initial value and the final value that is the greatest indication of an acceptable splice termination. For example, the sensitivity or scale of the optical power meter 52 in Figure 2 can be adjusted in such a way that the initial value of the optical power coming from the termination area is represented by a needle or pointer placed in the optical power meter in or beyond (to the right) of the displayed location. If the needle or pointer is located at a position significantly below (left) of the location representing the initial value once the field optical fiber 15 is aligned with and in physical contact with the fiber optic end 14 (i.e. the final value of the optical power is greatly reduced), the operator can correctly determine that the splice termination is acceptable. In this way, the operator in most cases can quickly, efficiently and accurately verify an acceptable splice termination without depending on a subjective interpretation of the difference in the amount of brightness that comes from the termination area. It will be appreciated that the apparatuses and methods can also be used with only a minor variation to determine if a splice termination is acceptable before actuating the cam member 20. In this alternative method, the sensitivity or scale of the optical power meter 52 is and the final value of the collected optical energy is recorded once the field optical fiber 15 is advanced in the mechanical splice connector and in physical contact with the fiber optic end 14. The final value of the collected optical energy is then compared to the initial value. To the extent that the final value is relatively low and the initial value is significantly greater than the final value, the operator can determine that the splice termination is acceptable. This alternative method may be useful as a means of increasing productivity when many field optical fibers 15 are successively terminated in the same type of mechanical splice connector 10 using the same test equipment (VFL 40, test fiber optic 42, power connector). test 44 and adapter 35) under the same test conditions. In another alternative method, the feedback monitor 52 may consist of only a single green LED and a single red LED. If the final value is less than or equal to a predetermined limit or threshold, then the green LED is illuminated in order to indicate an acceptable splice termination. Otherwise, the red LED is illuminated to indicate an unacceptable splice termination. In this way, all the subjectivity of the operator is eliminated and the determination of an acceptable splice is reduced to a simple decision of "passes" or "does not pass" based on the illuminated LED. Obviously, a single LED capable of illuminating more than one color, more than one intensity, or illuminating only in case of an acceptable splice termination can be used. Figures 3A and 3B illustrate another preferred embodiment of an apparatus and method for verifying an acceptable splice termination in accordance with the present invention. In this embodiment, the installation tool 30, the VFL 40 and the feedback monitor 52 have been combined into a single housing to form an integrated installation tool and CTS 100, thereby eliminating the need for test fiber 42, connector of test 44, adapter 35 and electrical or optical cable 51, as well as the potential for problems and / or associated wiring failures. As a result, the integrated CTS 100 installation tool offers a space-saving, more efficient, more reliable test and installation system with fewer jumpers for field-installable fiber optic connectors. As illustrated, the installation tool 30 is configured to be used with field-installable mechanical splice connectors. However, it is contemplated that the installation tool 30 can be easily modified to be configured for use with field-installed fusion splice connectors. The operation of the installation tool 30 is essentially in accordance with that previously described with the exception of the fiber optic connector 10 that does not have to be placed inside the adapter 35. On the contrary, the VFL 40 can be placed in the housing 60 in such a way that the splint 12 of the fiber optic connector 10 can be aligned with the optical transmission element (eg, optical fiber or laser diode) and physically contact said optical transmission element of the VFL 40. As a result, the optical connection between the VFL 40 and the fiber optic connector 10 does not require a jumper cable such as a test optical fiber 42. In addition, suitable structural components can be provided between the VFL 40 and ferrule 12 of the optical fiber connector 10 in such a way that the splint does not have to be in actual physical contact with the optical transmission element of the VFL, therefore reducing the possibility of damage to the 11 of the splint, the fiber optic end 14 or the optical transmission element, as well as increasing the life of the VFL. The housing 60 can also be provided with an activation device, such as a switch, 54 for activating the VFL 40 to propagate light energy at the optical fiber end 14 of the optical fiber connector 10 at the appropriate time. Typically, the switch 54 will also operate the feedback monitor 52 to display a visual indication of the amount of optical energy collected in the termination area by the collection means 50. However, a second drive device may be provided in the housing 60. in order to separately drive the feedback monitor 52. In addition, one or more attenuators, such as quadrants or buttons, 56, 58 can be provided in the housing 60 to adjust the sensitivity or scale of the feedback monitor 52 and / or the means of collection 50.

The feedback monitor 52 is illustrated as an LCD bar graph in the embodiment shown in Figures 3A and 3B. In particular, the LCD bargraph 52 comprises a series of indicators that can be illuminated either individually or collectively to represent the amount of optical energy in the termination area detected and collected by the collection means 50. As shown in FIG. Figure 2A, the end portion of the field optical fiber 15 is partially inserted into the rear end of the mechanical splice connector 10, but is not yet in physical contact with the fiber optic end 14. As a result, a significant amount of brightness that comes from the termination area (as indicated by the enhanced light pattern adjacent to the collection medium 50) and the LCD bargraph 52 is displayed displaying a significant amount of optical energy detected and collected by the means of collection (in accordance with that indicated by the upper indicator of the illuminated bar graph). Preferably, the sensitivity of the collection means 50 or the scale of the graph of the LCD bars 52 is adjusted in such a way that the upper indicator that is illuminated corresponds to the initial value of the collected optical energy. It will be noted that the cam actuator arm 36 provided in the installation tool 30 for driving the cam member 20 is in an upright non-driven position and there is no preload in the field optical fiber 15. However, in accordance with As previously described, the initial value of the collected optical energy is typically displayed on the bar graph 52 with the cam actuator arm 36 in the vertical non-driven position and before the field optical fiber 15 is inserted into the connector mechanical junction 10. As shown in Figure 3B, the end portion of the field optical fiber 15 is in physical contact with the fiber optic end 14 and a preload is applied to the field optical fiber. In addition, the cam actuator arm 36 is shown in the horizontal actuated position rotated approximately ninety degrees (90 °) in a clockwise direction relative to the vertical non-driven position illustrated in Figure 3A. As a result, a substantially reduced amount of brightness is shown coming from the termination area (in accordance with that indicated by the reduced light pattern adjacent to the reconstruction medium) and the LCD 52 is displayed displaying a substantially reduced amount of optical energy detected and collected by the means of collection (in accordance with that indicated by the lower indicator of the illuminated bar graph). The lower indicator on the LCD bargraph 52 that is illuminated corresponds to the final value of the collected optical power. Accordingly, an operator can easily examine whether the change (i.e., difference) between the initial value of the collected optical energy and the final value of the collected optical energy is significant enough to verify an acceptable splice termination. As shown, the actuator arm 36 provided in the installation tool is rotated approximately ninety degrees (90 °) clockwise about the longitudinal axis of the fiber optic connector 10 such that the member of cam 20 is in the actuated position and the optical fiber exchange 15 is terminated in the collector. However, as previously described, the initial value of the collected optical energy can alternatively be displayed on the LCD bar graph 52 with the cam arm 36 in the vertical non-driven position and the field optical fiber 15 in physical contact with the fiber optic end 14, and with or without the application of a preload to the field optical fiber. Figure 4 is a flow chart illustrating preferred embodiments of methods 200 for verifying an acceptable splice termination in accordance with the invention previously described. In the broad sense of the invention, a field-installable fiber optic connector having a fiber optic end extending backward from a ferrule is provided and placed in an installation tool. An optical transmission element of an optical energy generator, such as VFL, is optically connected to the polished end face of the ferrule such that the light energy propagated by the VFL is transmitted along the fiber optic end. to a fiber optic connector termination area. The VFL is activated and the amount of light energy that comes from the termination area in the form of optical energy is collected and converted into electrical energy in the form of an electrical signal that is proportional to the collected optical energy. The electrical signal representing the collected optical energy is displayed on a feedback monitor to establish an initial value of the collected optical energy. The end portion of a field optical fiber - >is inserted and advanced at the rear end of the fiber optic connector until the end portion of the field optical fiber is in physical contact with the end portion of the fiber optic end. The field optical fiber is then terminated at the fiber optic connector by actuating the cam member. If the VFL was turned off after displaying the initial value, the VFL is activated again. The amount of light energy that comes from the termination area in the form of optical energy is collected again and converted again into electrical energy in the form of an electrical signal that is proportional to the collected optical energy. The electrical signal representing the collected optical energy is displayed on a feedback monitor to establish a final value of the collected optical energy. An operator compares the change (ie, difference) between the initial value of the collected optical energy and the final value of the optical energy collected to verify if the splice termination is acceptable. Alternatively, the initial value can be obtained with the end portion of the field optical fiber in physical contact with the fiber optic end portion, but not yet finished. The field optical fiber is then terminated at the fiber optic connector and the final value is obtained. The final value is then compared to the initial value to determine whether the splice termination is acceptable in the previously described manner. Alternatively, the final value can be compared to a predetermined limit or threshold to determine if the splice termination is acceptable. The UNICAM® family of fiber optic mechanical splice connectors is ideal for applying the apparatuses and methods of the following invention to estimate the insertion loss at the mechanical splice junction between the fiber optic end 14 and the field optical fiber 15 , and therefore to determine if the splice termination is acceptable. UNICAM® mechanical splice connector technology has unique design features that allow a quick, accurate and economical estimation of the insertion loss of the mechanical splice junction during the termination process and before releasing the deformation of the coating or damper 25 surrounding the field optical fiber 15. As indicated above, the means for collecting light is used to display an initial optical energy (ie, reference) and a final (ie, completed) optical energy. An estimate of the insertion loss can be calculated based on the percentage between the final optical energy and the initial optical power in accordance with that described in co-pending US Patent Application No. 11 / 193,931 filed July 29, 2005 and assigned to the assignee of the present invention. This estimate of insertion loss reduces the disposal rates of UNICAM® through the additional elimination of having to depend on the subjectivity of an operator to visually determine whether there has been a sufficient reduction in the amount of "brightness" that comes from the union of mechanical splicing to verify the acceptable optical continuity between the fiber optic end 14 and the field optical fiber 15. It will be apparent to a person sed in the art that innumerable modifications and variations can be made to the example modalities of the apparatuses and methods of the invention shown and described herein without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Accordingly, it is contemplated that the present invention encompass all conceivable modifications and variations of this invention, provided that these alternative embodiments are within the scope of the appended claims and their equivalents.

Claims (30)

1. CLAIMS 1. An apparatus for verifying an acceptable splice termination, said apparatus comprising: a fiber optic connector having an optical fiber end; a field optical fiber having an end portion for insertion into the fiber optic connector; an installation tool that operates to terminate the field optical fiber in the fiber optic connector; an optical power generator in optical communication with one of the following: optical field fiber and fiber optic end to propagate light energy along the field optical fiber or fiber optic end to a termination area of the optical fiber connector optical fiber; a means to collect the luminous energy in the termination area; a feedback monitor to indicate the amount of light energy collected in the termination area. 2. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the optical energy generator comprises a Locator
2. Fault Visual that has a laser to generate an l > uz laser.
3. 3. The apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the Visual Fault Locator comprises a test optical fiber having a first end in optical communication with the laser and a second end having a test connector mounted therein.
4. 4. The apparatus according to claim 3, further comprising an adapter placed in the installation tool for the optical interconnection of the test connector and the fiber optic connector.
5. 5. The apparatus according to claim 1 wherein the means for collection is selected within the group consisting of a photo detector, a photo transistor, a photo resistor, an optical integrator and one or more strands of optical fiber.
6. 6. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the feedback monitor is selected within the group consisting of a series of Light Emitting Diodes (LEDs), a Liquid Crystal Display (LCD) bar graph, an analog meter, a mechanical needle or similar pointer, an electric meter, an electric scale and an audible signaling device.
7. 7. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the fiber optic connector is a mechanical splice connector comprising a cam member and the installation tool comprises a cam actuator arm for actuating the cam member for Finish the optical fiber in the fiber optic connector.
8. 8. The apparatus according to claim 7, wherein the mechanical splice connector further comprises a pair of opposed splice components and the cam member operates to clamp the field optical fiber relative to the fiber optic end between the spikes. splice components.
9. 9. An apparatus for verifying an acceptable splice termination between a field optical fiber and a mechanical fiber optic splice connector having a fiber end, the apparatus comprising: an installation tool that operates to terminate the optical fiber of field in the mechanical splice connector; an optical power generator for generating and propagating light energy along one of the following: field optical fiber and fiber optic end to a termination area of the mechanical splice connector; a means to collect the luminous energy in the termination area; Y ? a feedback monitor to indicate the amount of light energy collected in the termination area.
10. 10. The apparatus according to claim 9, wherein the optical energy generator comprises a Locator Visual de Fallas that has a laser to generate a laser light.
11. 11. The apparatus according to claim 9, wherein the means for collection is selected within the group consisting of a photo detector, photo transistor, photo resistor, an optical integrator and one or more strands of optical fiber.
12. 12. The apparatus according to claim 9, where the feedback monitor is selected within the group consisting of a series of Light Emitting Diodes (LEDs), a Liquid Crystal Display (LCD) bar graph, an analog meter, a mechanical needle or similar pointer, an electric meter, an electric scale and an audible signaling device.
13. 13. The apparatus according to claim 9, wherein the mechanical splice connector comprises a cam member and the installation tool comprises a cam actuator arm that operates to drive the cam member to terminate the optical fiber of the cam. field in the fiber optic connector.
14. 14. The apparatus according to claim 13, wherein the mechanical splice connector further comprises a pair of opposed splice components and the cam member operates to clamp the field optical fiber relative to the fiber end (optical between the splicing components
15. 15.- A method for verifying an acceptable splice termination, said method comprising: providing a field optical fiber and a fiber optic connector comprising a fiber optic end; get an initial value of a predetermined variable; terminate the field optical fiber in the fiber optic connector; get a final value of the default variable; compare the initial value and the final value to determine if the difference between the initial value and the final value indicates an acceptable splice termination.
16. 16. The method according to claim 15, wherein the initial value is a reference value with the field optical fiber not in physical contact with the fiber optic end and the final value is a value terminated with the optical fiber. of field in physical contact with the fiber optic end.
17. 17. The method according to claim 15, wherein the initial value is a reference value with the field optical fiber in physical contact with the fiber optic end, but not yet terminated in the fiber optic connector, and Final value is a finished value with the field optical fiber in physical contact with the fiber optic end and terminated in the fiber optic connector.
18. 18. The method according to claim 15, further comprising propagating light energy along one of the following: the fiber optic end and the field optical fiber to a termination area of the fiber optic connector.
19. 19. The method according to claim 18, further comprising detecting and collecting the light energy in the termination area of the optical fiber connector.
20. 20. The method according to claim 19, further comprising collecting the light energy in the termination area in the form of optical energy and converting the optical energy into an electrical signal proportional to the amount of optical energy collected in the area of termination.
21. 21. The method according to claim 20, further comprising deploying the electrical signal in a feedback monitor.
22. 22. A method for verifying an acceptable splice termination, comprising: providing a field optical fiber and an optical fiber connector comprising an optical fiber end; obtaining an initial value of a predetermined variable that is representative of the quality of the splice termination between the field optical fiber and the fiber optic end; indicate the initial value in a feedback monitor that is perceptible to an operator; placing the field optical fiber inside the fiber optic connector such that an end portion of the field optical fiber is in physical contact with an end portion of the fiber optic end and the field optical fiber ends in the optical fiber. fiber optic connector; get a final value of the default variable; indicate the final value in the feedback monitor; compare the initial value and the final value in order to determine whether the change between the initial value and the final value indicates an acceptable splice termination.
23. 23. The method according to claim 22, further comprising propagating light energy along one end of optical fiber and field optical fiber to a termination area of the fiber optic connector.
24. 24. The method according to claim 23, which further comprises collecting the light energy in the termination area to obtain each of the initial value and the final value.
25. 25. The method according to claim 24, further comprising displaying an electrical signal in the feedback monitor that is proportional to each of the initial value and final value.
26. 26.- A method to verify an acceptable splice termination between a field optical fiber and a mechanical fiber optic splice connector having an optical fiber end, the method comprises: propagating light energy along one fiber field optics and one fiber optic end to a termination area of the mechanical splice connector; collect the luminous energy in the termination area to obtain an initial value representative of the amount of light energy; insert the field optical fiber into the mechanical splice connector and advance the field optical fiber in such a way that the field optical fiber is in physical contact with the fiber optic end; terminate the field optical fiber in the mechanical splice connector; collect again the luminous energy in the termination area to obtain a final value representative of the amount of light energy; compare the difference between the initial value and the final value to determine if the splice termination is acceptable.
27. 27. A method for verifying an acceptable splice termination between a field optical fiber and a fiber optic mechanical splice connector having an optical fiber end, the method comprising: inserting the field optical fiber at least partially into the mechanical splice connector such that the field optical fiber is in physical contact with the fiber optic end, but not terminated at the mechanical splice connector; propagating luminous energy along one fiber optic field and fiber optic end to a termination area of the mechanical splice connector; collect the luminous energy in the termination area to obtain an initial value representative of the amount of light energy; terminate the field optical fiber in the mechanical splice connector; collect again the luminous energy in the termination area to obtain a final value representative of the amount of light energy; compare the difference between the initial value and the final value to determine if the splice termination is acceptable.
28. 28. A method for verifying an acceptable mechanical splice termination between a field optical fiber and an optical fiber endpoint in a mechanical fiber optic splice connector, the method comprising: inserting and advancing the field optical fiber in the optical fiber connector. mechanical splicing until the field optical fiber is in physical contact with the fiber optic end; terminate the field optical fiber to the mechanical splice connector; propagating luminous energy along one fiber optic field and fiber optic end to a termination area of the mechanical splice connector; collect the luminous energy in the termination area to obtain a determined representative value of the luminous energy; compare the finished value with a predetermined threshold in order to determine whether the splice termination is acceptable.
29. 29. The method according to claim 28, further comprising displaying an indication of whether or not the splice termination is acceptable in a feedback monitor.
30. 30. The method according to claim 29, wherein the feedback monitor comprises at least one Light Emitting Diode.