Loose-tube neutral tether fiber optic termination procedure
By: by Martin F. Bowen.
Contributors: Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution.
Series: WHOI -- 2001-05.; Technical report; Technical report (Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution); WHOI (Series) -- 2001-05.
Publisher: Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution
Published: 2001
Place of publication: Woods Hole, Mass
Language: eng
Number of pages: 10
Subjects: Fiber optic cables.; Fiber optics.; Oceanographic submersibles -- Equipment and supplies.
Description: Neutral tethers for unmanned underwater vehicles may contain a bundle of single-mode, optical fibers that are protected inside flexible stainless steel tubing. To date the author knows of no commercially available systems or kits that substitute for the following procedure, which is a step-by-step method for terminating electro-optical, loose-tube tether assemblies when used in oil-compensated, underwater applications. This procedure alone will not result in a load-bearing assembly. It assumes that the tether's outer jacket and synthetic strain-relief layer have already passed through and been terminated to an unspecified, customized, load-bearing assembly. The procedure addresses in detail the preparation of three optical fibers and three copper conductors for repeated make-and-break installations into a vehicle's primary junction box. The user will need a large, clean workbench, plenty of light and a variety of specialized tools, most of which are listed. A spreadsheet is provided that describes the parts required and suggests appropriate vendors or other sources. The entire procedure can take up to four hours to complete per tether end.
Notes: "Funding was provided by the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution."

"June 2001."

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