Reference

Cleaning Connections for Accurate Measurements

Universal adapters to Diamond HMS_10.

The HMS-10 encases the fiber within a soft nickel silver (CuNiZn) center which is surrounded by a tough tungsten carbide casing, as shown in Figure 6-2.

Staking Groove (Fixing oper.)

Secondary Staking (Active C entering)

Nic kel Silver (Cu/Ni/Zn) (Soft center)

Tungsten Carbide (Hard Case)

125 um Fiber (Centered to about

0.2 microns)

Figure 6-2. Cross-section of the Diamond HMS-10 connector.

The nickel silver allows an active centering process that permits the glass fiber to be moved to the desired position. This process first stakes the nickel silver to fix the fiber in a near-center position., then uses a post-active staking to shift the fiber into the desired position within 0.2 ∝ m. This process, plus the keyed axis, allows very precise core-to-core alignments. This connector is found on most HP lightwave instruments.

The soft core, while allowing precise centering, is also the chief liability of this connector. The soft material is easily damaged. Care must be taken to minimize excessive scratching and wear. While minor wear is not a problem if the glass face is not affected, scratches or grit can cause the glass fiber to move out of alignment. Also, if unkeyed connectors are used, the nickel silver can be pushed onto the glass surface. Scratches, fiber movement, or glass contamination will cause loss of signal and increased reflections, resulting in poor return loss

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