MICROPROCESSOR-CONTROLLED FUSION SPLICER.

As a result of recent developments, Siemens is now offering an optical waveguide splicer which can be used with both single-mode and multimode fibers. The splicer is easy to operate and allows highly precise splices to be made fully automatically within 20 to 30 s. Precision alignment of the fiber ends by means of the LID-system (LID local injection and detection) and automation of the splicing process are just two of the most striking characteristics of the device. Extensive laboratory tests have shown that a mean splice loss of 0. 03 dB per splice for single-mode fibers can be achieved.