Roberto Scianca
IMS Connector Systems

Optical interconnections are one of the more delicate parts of an optical outdoor network, and not only from the point of view of performance. The alignment of two mated optical fibers is micrometric and, with such mechanical tolerances, thermal expansion mismatch of the various materials involved is a big challenge for the reliability of a connection.

The biggest challenge for a fiber optic assembly in outdoor conditions is thermal exposure. This paper describes a theoretical study that was carried out to determine the nature of stresses present inside an optical connector as a result of temperature levels. The study led to the development of a mathematical model and a computer program.