What is a fusion splice in fiber optics?

A fusion splice in fiber optics refers specifically to the process of joining two fiber ends by melting them together. This method entails using an electronic fusion splicer that aligns the fiber strands precisely and applies heat to the aligned fibers, which results in the two ends fusing into a single continuous fiber. This is done to minimize the loss of light transmission and maintain the integrity of the optical signal.

When performed correctly, a fusion splice creates a very low-loss joint, which is vital for ensuring optimal performance in fiber optic communications. This process is favored over other types of splicing due to its durability and effectiveness in maintaining the quality of the optical signal through the joint.