Precision End-Cap Splicing for Fiber Lasers
SAE Pentapod Fusion Splicer (PFS)
The rapid developments in fiber laser technologies and the increased demand of high-power fiber laser component fabrication has created the need for a dedicated and cost-effective end-cap splicer. It must be capable of processes outside of those available with standard production fusion splicers and glass processing equipment. These new capabilities must be ideal for production and R&D environments yet sophisticated enough to satisfy the stringent requirements of fiber laser fabrication.
3SAE Technologies End-Cap Splicer™ (ECS) is the world’s first portable end-cap fusion splicer that provides capabilities that overcome the limitations of current end-cap splicing processes to meet the most demanding requirements for the high-power fiber laser component fabrication. The ECS was specially designed for volume production, repeatability , precision and user-friendly operation while maintaining unprecedented end-cap splice quality. The ECS leverages 3SAE’s patented PentaPod™ alignment stages and latest 3rd generation Ring of Fire® heat source. With the combination of a precision mechanical design, high contrast optics, absolute control of relative positional and angular fiber-to-endcap alignment, and a next generation highly stable ROF plasma source, sets the ECS apart from any existing technologies. Additionally, a new splice scanning technology provides a detailed analysis of the splice quality and facilitates 3SAE’s “Curvature-Based Thermal Splice Calibration™.”
- Specifically designed to accurately splice end-caps to fibers for R&D and production environments
- The ECS can also be used to perform bundle-to-fiber splices of various diameters.
- The unique, patented PentaPod™ alignment stages are compact, rigid, and stable.
- Both the fiber and end-cap stages provide individual alignment in X, Y, and Z as well as Pitch, Yaw, and Theta yielding 6-axes of motion control (X, Y, Z, Xϴ, Yϴ, Zϴ) per side.
- ±6mm of relative linear alignment (X, Y, Z axes) with positional accuracy <0.1 μm
- ±6°of angular alignment (Xϴ, Yϴ, Zϴ axes) with positional accuracy <0.01°
- A new implementation of the 3SAE Ring of Fire® (ROF) technology provides superior thermal stability for applications from 125 μm to 2.5mm fiber diameter.
- Sophisticated machine vision provides the highest alignment quality and facilitates detailed process evaluation. Two Orthogonal (X & Y) live views of the splice during the splicing process
- New splice scanning technology provides a detailed analysis of the splice quality and facilitates 3SAE’s Curvature Based Thermal Splice Calibration™.
- Fiber and end-cap are fixtured in removeable, interchangeable carriages that can be customized to specific applications.
- Accurate control of the vertical alignment of the ROF with respect to the end-cap & fiber ensures even circumferential thermal distribution during the splice.
- Highly flexible splice process allows continuous control of arc temperature and fiber placement during the splice.
- Pre & post splice data export for convenient splice tracking and data analysis.
- An optional, integrated active feedback module is available facilitating output beam steering during the splicing process.
