Fiber Rough Cut Procedure

Overview

The optical fibers from Saint Gobain Crystals were shipped to UConn in several ~26 inch diameter cardboard spools. Due to concerns over UV light exposure, a single spool of BCF-20 (scintillating fiber) and BCF-98 (light guide) are stored on the end of the fiber cutting table in a light tight enclosure for construction use. The remaining inventories of fibers have been set aside in the manufacturer's shipping box for future use.

The fiber cutting table was designed as a dual purpose workstation. The following steps explain how this workstation is used to provide a way of cutting the fibers from their spools (a.k.a. rough cut). Later sections of procedure detail the use of parts of this work station as an alignment tool for the long light guides during fiber splicing.

Safety Information: Wear eye protection to deflect fiber debris. Ensure that sleeves are rolled up, hair is tied back, and jewelry is secure. A ventilation hose is located nearby to remove any particles which may be generated.

Procedure

• Locate logbook used for data recording.
• Make sure the Dremel cutting tool is unplugged then visually inspect:
  • Ensure cutting wheel is secure and not cracked
  • Verify electrical cord is in good working order.
  • Make sure the power switch is in the off position.

The Dremel tool used to cut the fibers and an example of appropriate eye wear.

• Plug in the Dremel tool.
• Check that the ventilation hose is secure and start the ventilation system.

The intakes for the ventilation system are open next to the area where the fibers will be cut.

The main body of the ventilation system that pumps the air out of a window.

• Flip up the opening to the spool storage box to expose the two slots with the protruding optical fibers.

The dark box used to store the to-be-cut fibers with the ventilation hose on top.

The end of the spools of fibers are held in place with a sandwich clip to ensure that they do not fall back into the box; the clip has foam weather stripping on the inside to protect the cladding.

• Select a fiber spool to cut from and remove the clip holding the corresponding fiber in place.
  • Ensure the fiber is held securely prior to release of the clip
  • If the fiber falls into the storage box:
    • Remove the side panel on the spool storage box using a razor knife to cut the tape.
    • Once the panel is removed, fish the fiber back through the slot at the top of the storage box and secure it in place.
    • Prior to closing the storage box, visually inspect the spools to make certain that the fibers are not fouled and the spools can rotate properly.
    • After inspection, position the side panel in place and secure with black duct tape.
    • Make sure that all exposed joints are covered.

• Place the fiber in the appropriately marked slot.
  • Place the end of the fiber against the mark that provides the fiber stop.
  • Place weights to hold the fiber in place and to keep it from bending to its original position while cutting.
• Hold the spool end of the fiber in place with your left hand.
• Don safety goggles.
• Set the Dremel cutting speed to 7.
• Cut the fiber along the notch with the Dremel.

The station used to measure and then cut the scintillating fibers. The lightguide station is an extended version of this.

The lightguide cutting station and weight used to hold down fibers.

• Turn off the Dremel and set it aside.
• Ensure that the clip has the fiber firmly secured in place before letting go of the fiber.
  • If needed, place the weight upon it.
  • Ensure that the end covered in sponge gasket is placed against the fiber, so as not to damage the fiber cladding.
• Carefully remove the cut fiber from the slot and wipe it with a lint free cloth.
  • To prevent flaring of the fiber cladding, start by wiping from the center of the fiber and continue the cleaning stroke until you are well past the end of the fiber. This will help to prevent any snagging and tearing back of the cladding from its core.
• Measure and record the cross-sectional dimensions of the fiber in the logbook.
  • For SciFi: only one measurement at the center of the 2 cm fiber is required.
  • For light guide: align the fiber to the marks indicated on the wood guide and take the required measurements at the points designated by the markings.

The micrometer used to take the cross-sectional dimensions of the fibers.

• Visually inspect the fiber for damage, paying particular attention to possible
  • Cracks
  • Cladding flare
• If the fiber passes the dimensional limits stated in the specifications document and the visual inspection, place it in the storage box.

Fibers in various stages of production are stored in the intermediate storage box.

Wider view of the intermediate storage box.

• Fibers that do not pass dimensional inspection are either discarded or kept in a separate location, with non-compliant areas marked with painters' tape.