What does "splice loss" refer to in fiber optics?

"Splice loss" refers to the inherent loss of signal strength that occurs when two optical fibers are joined together, a critical concept in fiber optics. When fibers are spliced, whether using fusion splicing or mechanical splicing methods, it is inevitable that some light will not be transmitted through the junction due to factors like misalignment, variations in refractive indices, and imperfections in the fibers. This loss quantifies how effectively the splice allows light to pass from one fiber to another, impacting the overall performance of the fiber optic system.

Understanding splice loss is vital for installers, as it directly affects the efficiency and effectiveness of the fiber optic connections they make. The goal is to minimize this loss through proper techniques and equipment during the splicing process. Other options, such as loss during installation or environmental factors, do not specifically address the phenomenon of loss occurring at the splice point.