What is the difference between fusion splicing and mechanical splicing?

Fusion splicing involves the use of an electric arc or heat source to melt the ends of the optical fibers together, resulting in a permanent bond. This method creates a single continuous fiber, allowing for minimal loss of light and maintaining the integrity of the optical signal. The precision alignment of the fibers is crucial for achieving optimal performance; thus, specialized equipment is used to ensure that the fibers are held in the correct position during the splicing process.

On the other hand, mechanical splicing employs a physical fixture to hold the fibers together, aligning their ends without the application of heat. This method allows for a temporary joint rather than a permanent one. While mechanical splicing can also result in a connection with reasonable signal loss, it generally is not as efficient as fusion splicing regarding the long-term performance and reliability of the splice.

This distinction highlights the key aspects of the two methods: fusion splicing is focused on creating a strong, permanent link using heat, while mechanical splicing is more about alignment using a fixture and does not involve any thermal processing.