Process Date: September 2001

  CO2 laser radiation is readily absorbed by glass, which makes these lasers ideal for cutting and machining of optical fibers, or as a heat source for fiber splicing. In this case, single-mode telecommunication fibers were cut with a 25-watt laser at a speed of 6" per second with 5 passes (0.3 second cycle time), using an 80mm focal length lens.

Currently, most optical fiber is cut with mechanical tools such as diamond pens. The fibers are first scribed with the tool, snapped, and then polished to minimize information loss once the fibers are connected. The laser completes this process in just one step - it not only cuts the fiber to the desired angle, but also leaves a polished edge finish. In most cases, as in the photograph above, an angled cut is desired to eliminate back reflections when the fibers are joined together. The desired cut angle is achieved by positioning the fiber in relation to the angle of the beam's profile.