Fiber Optic Cleaning is Necessary for Better Fiber Optic Signals

Brief history of Fiber optics and its uses:

Fiber optics technology, although it sounds like a technology of 21^st century, but unknown to many of us, the principle that works behind this miraculous technology is primitive and traces of this was found in year 1790, when Claude Chappe first tried to use this technology in the rear of telegraphic concept and failed. Later on in 1840, two scientists known as Daniel Colladon and Jacques Babinet, first mention tried its principle through an experiment of guiding a light from reflection.  Since then, the development in the area of fiber technology is growing rapidly. From there on, this fiber technology was used in various areas including, dentistry and other internal medical examination.  Currently, the technology is used everywhere (universities and enterprises) for data fastest data transmission, with the help of fiber optic connector. In order to have the better transmission through these connector, fiber optic cleaning has to be done regularly, failure to which may lead to failure of entire transmission.

Why the need for fiber optic cleaning does emerge?

In general, these fiber optic connectors require frequent connection and disconnection for its transmission and this practice always leaves trash in the adaptor or receptacle. The most amazing fact here is, even one micrometer of such dust particle or debris is competent enough of causing a huge signals or disorder.

What are the methods used for ferrule cleaning?

Undoubtedly, these fiber optical connectors are very expensive and transmission failure is one, which is not easy to track and troubleshoot. There are many techniques widely used for this entire cleaning process, but below one will discover about the best methods of cleaning:

·         Compressed gas cleaning: compressed cleaning is familiar as canned air, which blows the dust or rubbish out from the end face of fiber optic connector. However, the only problem with this canned cleaning is, it fails when the dust particle are below 3 microns.

·         Air Free wipes and solvents: the sole principle that works behind this method is dusting of fiber optical connectors using a specially designed lens paper, cloth, or solvent also. To the date, the frequently used solvent is IPA, which dries slowly without disrupting fiber optical signal. The disadvantage added with this technique of cleaning is, it is very unreliable and solely depends on the expertise of cleaning technician.

   

·         Swabs: the next instruments specially designed and developed for fiber optic cleaning are swabs. Although these equipments are far better than the previous one, yet they also are not reliable.

The most advanced equipments used to the fiber optic cleaning are Ferrule cleaner (AFC 3000), which is an attachment used before the dust cap of fiber optic cleaner. The need for these cleaners and fiber optic cleaning is peaking no matter whether it a cable company or telephone company. To know more about these cleaner and their availability please check http://www.aefos.com.