Loose-Tube Neutral Tether Fiber Optic Termination Procedure
Abstract
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.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jun 01, 2001
- Accession Number
- ADA392727
Entities
People
- Martin F. Bowen
Organizations
- Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution