Early Fiber Splicing Attempts

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These were the earliest attempts at splicing 2x2mm square fibers using modified equipment for the splicing unit. As can be seen in the images, there was a gap between the ferrules big enough for cladding or the polystyrene itself to leak through. It would seem that the pressure put on the ferrules together at their ends is not enough, or the pressure does not translate to the center of the ferrules. Another option was that the ferrules were warping due to the heat from the lamp. Because quartz does not expand/contract much with heat, though, this was considered unlikely.