Increase in the strength of welded fiber waveguide joints

A study was made of the strength of welded joints formed between fiber waveguides made of quartz glass and intended for optical communication systems. An electric arc was used in welding. The use of chemical methods for the removal of the protective layers in the preparation of the fiber ends and etching of the surface layer of the waveguide increased the strength by a factor of 7.5. The welding technology developed for this purpose made it possible to form welded joints with an average breaking strength of 18 N.