Abstract

As telecommunications companies upgrade and expand their fiber optic networks and plan for Fiber-To-The-Home (FTTH) to accommodate high speed Internet access, the need for an effective, repeatable and cost effective means of cleaning optical fiber connections becomes essential. The limitations of traditional cleaning methods, lack of formal cleaning procedures, and the misuse and overuse of cleaning products can not only result in signal degradation but can also damage the optical fiber end face polish. New methods for cleaning end faces have been under study for some time, in both Outside Plant and OEM environments. A new method of cleaning has been developed, which has been proven in the field to be more efficient in removing contaminants and is expected to be more cost effective in servicing the millions of connections projected for FTTH.

© 2005 Optical Society of America