THORLABS Vytran FFS2001 Series User Manual page 54

FFS2001 Series
Cleaving the Fiber
A Tension and Scribe method of cleaving is used to provide consistent, low end-angle cleaves.
5.4.1 Setting Up
The appropriate parameters should be pre-loaded and may be accessed in the Fiber Preparation Menu in the GUI.
Fiber Preparation Parameters
Check the parameters of the 'Cleave Angle Limits' and adjust as needed.
The Cleave Parameters determine the distance that the Cleave Blade moves towards the Fiber, before the Cleave
operation commences. This should already be setup for your workstation. Refer to the maintenance section or
contact Thorlabs if you require further advice on this.
Note: Parameter changes in the software interface are not saved into the configuration file (*.xml) until a file save
is executed.
5.4.2 Cleaving Procedure
Once the coating has been stripped, position the FHB at the right cleave station, just forward of the stripper slot.
When the FHB is properly seated, the vacuum will automatically activate. Make sure:
• The cleave lever is in the forward position prior to seating.
• The fiber lies properly in the cleave insert V-groove.
Move the cleave lever to the back position to apply tension to the fiber. The center, moving part of the FHB will
move away from the Cleave Block 1 to 2 mm, but should then stop. DO NOT continue with the Cleave operation
if the moving part of the FHB continues to move. If this occurs, clean the mating surfaces of the Cleave Block and
the FHB, and prepare new fibers. If this happens repeatedly refer to the maintenance section for further advice
or contact Thorlabs.
Press the Cleave Button to initiate the Cleave process, which will bring the Cleave Blade up towards the Fiber,
before starting a series of forward and backward arcs in a 'pecking' motion, slowly approaching the fiber to be
cleaved. As soon as the fiber is cleaved, the center block of the FHB will snap back to the right. Raise the Cleave
top (it is not necessary to wait for the Blade to return to Home), remove the FHB, and finally remove the cleaved
off piece of fiber from the V-groove to be disposed of safely.
Page 48
Figure 47 Cleaving Procedure
Chapter 5: Fiber Preparation
TTN286373-D02