In this work we present an innovative method of connecting metal coated optical fibers with metal surfaces. The process is based on electrolytic reaction between copper and allows to obtain a robustand inflexible connection. Furthermore reliability tests of such fiber to metal joints have been performed, with the results of mechanical strength and temperature resistance tests presented. Additionally, as accelerated oxidation of copper at elevated temperatures is a major concern in long term temperature stability of the connection, we propose a method of slowing down the oxidation process with chemical nickel coating. Analysis of the obtained results allows us to predict that the investigated connection may find applications in various industrial optical sensors with special focus on harsh environments.

Date Published: 2 June 2014
PDF: 4 pages
Proc. SPIE 9157, 23rd International Conference on Optical Fibre Sensors, 91571N (2 June 2014); doi: 10.1117/12.2059608

Published in SPIE Proceedings Vol. 9157:
23rd International Conference on Optical Fibre Sensors
José M. López-Higuera; Julian D. C. Jones; Manuel López-Amo; José Luis Santos, Editor(s)