The present disclosure relates to an optical fiber processing apparatus. The optical fiber processing apparatus comprising: a fixing module for fixing an optical fiber; and a stripping module for stripping layers outside an uncoated bare fiber of the optical fiber, The stripping module may comprise a stripping member which comprises two bodies arranged in parallel. Each body is provided with two or more kinds of blades suitable for stripping different sizes of layers outside the uncoated bare fiber, and each body is configured to be rotatable about its longitudinal axis to select different blades among the two or more kinds of blades, thereby enabling the stripping member to strip two or more sizes of layers outside the uncoated bare fiber.

A deterioration estimation method according to one embodiment is a deterioration estimation method for estimating deterioration of a blade of an optical fiber cutter that cuts an optical fiber. The deterioration estimation method includes a process of determining a state of an end face of the optical fiber cut by the blade and a process of estimating from a determination result for the end face whether or not the blade is deteriorated.

The present disclosure describes an optical fiber splice closure for joining two fiber optic cables. The optical fiber splice closure comprises a strain relief assembly that securely holds the two fiber optic cables being connected, and an enclosure that houses the strain relief assembly. The configuration of the strain relief assembly allows for securing the two fiber optic cables in a compact space, thus permitting a compact enclosure of the optical fiber splice closure, while also providing quick and easy installation in the field. A method of joining fiber optic cables using the optical fiber splice closure is also disclosed. The optical fiber splice closure and ease of joining also facilitates repairing damaged fiber optic cable. A method of repairing existing fiber optic cable is disclosed.

Disclosed are methods of providing a hermetically sealed optical connection between an optical fiber and an optical element of a chip and a photonic-integrated chip manufactured using such methods.

Disclosed are methods of providing a hermetically sealed optical connection between an optical fiber and an optical element of a chip and a photonic-integrated chip manufactured using such methods.

A process for terminating an optical fiber with a ferrule includes the steps of: (a) providing an optical fiber and ferrule with an end of the optical fiber extending beyond a surface of the ferrule; and (b) directing a jet comprising an air-abrasive mixture at the end of the optical fiber to cleave the end of the optical fiber from the remainder of the optical fiber.

A process for terminating an optical fiber with a ferrule includes the steps of: (a) providing an optical fiber and ferrule with an end of the optical fiber extending beyond a surface of the ferrule; and (b) directing a jet comprising an air-abrasive mixture at the end of the optical fiber to cleave the end of the optical fiber from the remainder of the optical fiber.

A method for cleaving an optical fiber may include generating a laser beam, such as a CO.sub.2 laser beam, for a discrete time period. The laser beam may impact an optical fiber and form a discrete crater extending into the optical fiber from the outer surface thereof. The method may further include pausing generation of the laser beam for a discrete time period, and rotating the optical fiber about a longitudinal axis of the optical fiber. The method may further include repeating generation of the laser beam. A plurality of discrete craters disposed in an annular array about a circumference of the optical fiber may be formed. The method may further include separating the optical fiber into a main optical fiber portion and a cleaved portion after formation of the annular array of discrete craters.

A method for cleaving an optical fiber may include generating a laser beam, such as a CO.sub.2 laser beam, for a discrete time period. The laser beam may impact an optical fiber and form a discrete crater extending into the optical fiber from the outer surface thereof. The method may further include pausing generation of the laser beam for a discrete time period, and rotating the optical fiber about a longitudinal axis of the optical fiber. The method may further include repeating generation of the laser beam. A plurality of discrete craters disposed in an annular array about a circumference of the optical fiber may be formed. The method may further include separating the optical fiber into a main optical fiber portion and a cleaved portion after formation of the annular array of discrete craters.

An optical cable laying construction set (X) that includes an optical cable (C1) and plugs (P1 and P2). The optical cable (C1) includes an optical fiber which is a refractive index distribution-type plastic optical fiber. The plug (P1) includes a connecting portion connectable to the optical fiber, and an electric connector connectable to an external device, and has a configuration for converting an electric signal into an optical signal. The plug (P2) includes a connecting portion connectable to the optical fiber, and an electric connector connectable to an external device, and has a configuration for converting an optical signal to an electric signal. In an optical cable laying construction method of the present invention, laying construction of the optical cable on site is carried out using the optical cable laying construction set (X).