Ultrahigh-strength fibre splices by modified H 2 /O 2 flame fusion

Although original fibre strength can be retained in fibre splices by fusing with an H2/O2 flame incorporating Cl2, there are often circumstances where the use of Cl2 is not always convenient or possible. The present effort to optimise splice strengths in the absence of Cl2 has resulted in average splice strengths of ∼690 ksi (∼4.8 GPa), values double those by conventional flame fusion or are fusion methods. This is of major advantage for all fusion splicing applications requiring high strength and long-term reliability.