Bare fiber adapters are a very convenient way to connect unterminated fibers with standard FC, SC, ST, LC receptacles. You can simply strip, cleave, clean and insert the fiber, without the hassle of epoxy and epoxy curing steps. They are perfect for power meter hook-ups, temporary system repairs. Find out more details in the full article!
1) What Are Bare Fiber Adapters?
They provide a simple and effective way to use unterminated fibers with optical standard receptacles such as FC, SC, ST, LC and SMA.
You can just simply strip and cleave the fiber and insert it into the adapter which has self-locking mechanism. When finished, simply push it out with piano wire. They can be used for thousands of times which is very convenient and cost saving.
Broken fibers are easily removed with piano wire, allowing thousands of insertions. The holders are recommended for power meter hook-ups, temporary system repairs or wherever a quick connection is required.
2) Types Available
There are various receptacle types available: SC, FC, ST, SMA, LC, and more. Both single mode and multimode types are available. They are also sometimes called bullet bare adapters, or bare connectors.
The adapter ferrules are usually Zirconia (a type of ceramic). Zirconia provides high stability and repeated use without worn out.
You should not use the adapter with a light source, because physical contact is required at the launching end of a test station. But you can use the adapter with a power meter, just make sure the power meter has a wide-area detector. (larger than 3mm).
3) Instructions on How to Use Bare Fiber Adapters
The steps on using bullet fiber holders are pretty simple.
A. Strip the outer jacket to about 3 inches
B. Strip the buffer coating leaving about 2 inches of fiber exposed
C. Score and Cleave the fiber, leaving 0.5 inches bare fiber exposed.
D. Once it is cleaved, clean the fiber with Isopropyl alcohol and Kim wipes
E. Press the clamp button on the bare fiber adapter. Insert the cleaved fiber in the rear of the housing until the glass is flush with the end of the ferrule. Release the clamp button, securing it in place
