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Fiber Polishing Procedure (view source)
Revision as of 17:39, 14 January 2014
, 17:39, 14 January 2014no edit summary
'''Overview'''
'''Overview'''
The non fused ends of each fiber must be polished to a mirrored finish. This allows the greatest amount of light transmission through the end of the fiber. Fibers are polished in their appropriate collars, SciFis in their 6x6 collar and light guides in their 5x6 collar. Polishing bundled fibers in their collars affords a number of advantages, the main ones being square fiber ends and minimal cladding flaring. Because the fibers are polished in their collars, it is important that the fiber ends are flush with one another. The scintillating fibers are easily made flush in their collar, but with light guides it is not so easy. For this reason, the light guides are polished as soon as they are returned from end-milling and while they are still in their collars. The end-milling process leaves the fiber ends flush with one another, and so that step can be skipped with the light guides.
The non fused ends of each fiber must be polished to a mirrored finish. This allows the greatest amount of light transmission through the end of the fiber. Fibers are polished in their appropriate collars, SciFis in their 6x6 collar and light guides in their 5x6 collar. Polishing bundled fibers in their collars affords a number of advantages, the main ones being square fiber ends and minimal cladding flaring. Because the fibers are polished in their collars, it is important that the fiber ends are flush with one another. The scintillating fibers are easily made flush in their collar, but with light guides it is not so easy. For this reason, the light guides are polished as soon as they are returned from end-milling and while they are still in their collars.
'''Procedures'''
'''Procedures'''
* Clean the table that you will be polishing fibers on. Any dust, sand, or dirt on the table will translate through the paper and scratch the fibers.
* Clean the table that you will be polishing fibers on. Any dust, sand, or dirt on the table will translate through the paper and scratch the fibers.
* Set out 2-4 pieces of clean copier paper in a stack, and tape them to the table on each corner.
* Set out 2-4 pieces of clean copier paper in a stack, and tape them to the table on each corner.
* Place the collar square on the paper and support the other end of the light guide fibers by holding them above your head for the entirety of the polishing process.
* Place the collar square on the paper and support the other end of the light guide fibers by holding them above your head for the entirety of the polishing process.
* The light guide is now ready to polish.
* The light guide is now ready to polish.
''Scintillating fibers''
''Scintillating fibers''
* If polishing scintillating fibers, select the bag from the dark box with the bundle of fibers to be polished.
* If polishing scintillating fibers, select the bag from the dark box with the bundle of fibers to be polished.
** If they are flush with one another they are ready to be polished.
** If they are flush with one another they are ready to be polished.
** If they do not all look flush with each other, repeat the process with the spacers above until a relatively smooth polishing surface can be achieved.
** If they do not all look flush with each other, repeat the process with the spacers above until a relatively smooth polishing surface can be achieved.
''Polishing''
''Polishing''
* Begin making small circular movements with the collar on the paper while applying even pressure downwards.
* Begin making small circular movements with the collar on the paper while applying even pressure downwards.
* After a while the paper will become smooth and its polishing properties will become reduced. When this occurs start to slowly move to another portion of the paper.
* After a while the paper will become smooth and its polishing properties will become reduced. When this occurs start to slowly move to another portion of the paper.
* Once the complete surface area of the polishing paper has been used the top sheet may be removed to expose the under sheet.
* Once the complete surface area of the polishing paper has been used the top sheet may be removed to expose the under sheet.
** Note: Maintain at least two (and no more than four) sheets of paper on the table at a time. Too few or too many sheets can result in possible cladding damage.
** Note: Maintain at least two (and no more than four) sheets of paper on the table at a time. Too few or too many sheets can result in possible cladding damage.
* Continue polishing until a mirrored surface is achieved.
* Continue polishing until a mirrored surface is achieved.
* If a fiber slips in the collar and is no longer flush with the other fibers it may need to be polished individually.
** If this is the case, continue polishing until the other fibers in the bundle are polished.
** Take the collar apart and put the polished fibers to the side.
** The individual fiber will be polished with an individual polishing puck. The puck is designed to keep the fiber perpendicular to the page so as to achieve a square polish. However, polishing in collars does this better, and is therefore the preferred way to polish. The individual polishing puck should only be used when necessary.
* After a mirror finish is achieved for an entire bundle, it should be labeled and put in the appropriate area of the intermediate storage box.
** Polished ends of light guides should all face to the left in the dark box as consistent storing of polished fibers helps to save time during the fusing process.