Overview
Fiber-Optics Manufacturing and Installation (2012-469)
Project Team:
- KITCO Fiber Optics
- Penn State Electro-Optics Center (EOC)
- Newport News Shipbuilding
- Naval Surface Warfare Center - Dahlgren
2012
NSRP ASE Investment: $150K
Objective:
With the desire to increase fiber optic productivity, reduce rework, and improve the lifecycle of fiber optic systems, this project tested and analyzed the performance of non-pristine fiber optic cable end faces, examining standard procedures, cleaning guidelines, and specification criteria with respect to MIL-STD-2042B, āFiber Optic Cable Topology Installation Standard Methods for Naval Ships.ā Evidence shows that interpretations of the fiber optic end face inspection acceptance criteria vary; they are not clearly understood nor consistently applied across the installation community. Automating the fiber optic end face quality inspection process can remove human subjectivity and ensure that a consistent level of process control is implemented and maintained over time.
Within this project, end face quality effects on performance were measured, while environmental stress was applied to a variety of connectors and termini with pre-existing defects and contamination. Quantitative acceptance criteria were identified and margins developed. The final report includes recommendations for improvements to the fiber optic end face inspection process that is applicable for all industries.