Large core fiber optic cleaver

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION The present invention provides a device and method for the cleaving of optical fibers with core diameters equal to or greater than 400 .
mu.
m wherein the cleaved fibers possess high quality faces.
The presently claimed device enables the quality cleaving of fibers greater than 400 .
mu.
m in size at significantly reduced costs and in significantly less time than is possible by polishing.
The device and its use in the production of cleaved optical fiber ends is depicted in FIGS.
1 though 16D.
Like numbers are used to designate the same elements in each figure.
While the device is described in some instances with regard to specific component sizes and materials, these specific disclosures should not be construed as limiting.
Rather, the present invention is intended to encompass all variations of the particular components used that are within the level of ordinary skill in the art.
In order to provide a clear and consistent understanding of the present invention and claims, including the scope given to such terms, the following definitions relating to the invention are provided: Hackel refers to the fractured surface area of a cleaved fiber.
The Hackel zones depicted in FIG.
12 are typical of fibers cleaved with this device and are caused by the tensional forces applied during cleaving.
Mist is the term used to describe the boundary between the Hackel zones and the mirror surface of the fiber end face mist consists of small hair-line fractures in the surface and is also a product of tensional forces applied during cleaving.
The adjustments implemented in this device are designed to control the tensional forces applied to the fiber during cleaving.
Pressure wave pattern refers to the ripple affect extending from the Hackel zones across the fiber opposite the scribe mark, or fracture origin.
Kevlar is the trade name for the material used to increase the fiber strength within its jacket.
I.
LARGE CORE FIBER OPTIC CLEAVAGE DEVICE The cleaving device of the present invention is primarily comprised of three major components, the fiber connector block 103, the scribe assembly 120 and the chuck assembly 112