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Why do optical connectors need cleaning?

[Download booklet] Effects of contamination on the end faces of optical connectors and countermeasures

Since the optical fiber core through which communication light passes is as small as 10 microns in diameter, even a small amount of dirt invisible to the naked eye affects transmission characteristics.
On the other hand, since the end face of the optical connector is exposed at the tip of the component, it is inevitable that it will become dirty.
Therefore, it is imperative to clean the optical connector just before connecting it.

Clean optical connector end Interestingly shiny core diameter 10 microns
Clean optical connector end face
Optical connector end face with dirt (oil from hands)
Optical connector end face with dirt (oil from hands)

If dirt that cannot be seen with the naked eye adheres to the core, it will degrade the transmission characteristics.

Wiping with fabric such as work clothes will conversely cause dirt and fiber waste to adhere.
Cleaning with alcohol on the wiper will leave wiping streaks.
Be sure to clean the optical connector with a special cleaner or cleaner just before connecting the optical connector.
NTT-AT 's optical connector cleaner wipes off dirt with fibers developed for cleaning optical connectors.

Appearance of fiber end face
A high-power laser hits the dirt on the end face and melts the core.
Furthermore, the power of communication light has been increasing recently.
Communication light is confined in a very small core of 10 microns, so the energy density is very high, and if the core is dirty, it will burn and the heat may melt the core.

In order not to cause such a serious trouble,
Cleaning with an optical connector cleaner is required.


Please take a look at the detailed information we have prepared.

To all optical connection workers and contractors

Very popular optical connector-related materials

After you apply using the request form on the right, an email with "Information from NTT-AT CLEANER Download Service" will be sent to the email address you registered.
[Booklet] A PDF of the impact of contamination on optical connector end faces and countermeasures can be downloaded.

booklet request

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[Paper] Impact of Contamination on Optical Connector End Faces and Countermeasures
September 2023 Ver.3.0

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