Changes

The optical fibers from Saint Gobain Crystals were shipped to UConn in several ~26 inch diameter cardboard spools.  Due to concerns over UV light exposure, a single spool of BCF-20 (scintillating fiber) and BCF-98 (light guide) are stored on the end of the fiber cutting table in a light tight enclosure for construction use.  The remaining inventories of fibers have been set aside in the manufacturer's shipping box for future use.   

The optical fibers from Saint Gobain Crystals were shipped to UConn in several ~26 inch diameter cardboard spools.  Due to concerns over UV light exposure, a single spool of BCF-20 (scintillating fiber) and BCF-98 (light guide) are stored on the end of the fiber cutting table in a light tight enclosure for construction use.  The remaining inventories of fibers have been set aside in the manufacturer's shipping box for future use.   

The fiber cutting table was designed as a dual purpose workstation.  The following steps explain how this workstation is used to provide a way of cutting the fibers from their spools (a.k.a. rough cut).  Later sections of procedure detail the use of parts of this work station as an alignment tool for the long light guides during fiber splicing.

The fiber cutting table was designed as a dual purpose workstation.  The following steps explain how this workstation is used to provide a way of cutting the fibers from their spools (a.k.a. rough cut).  Later sections of procedure detail the use of parts of this work station as an alignment tool for the long light guides during fiber splicing.

'''Procedure'''

'''Safety Information:''' Wear eye protection to deflect fiber debris. Ensure that sleeves are rolled up, hair is tied back, and jewelry is secure. A ventilation hose is located nearby to remove any particles which may be generated.

* Locate logbook used for data recording.

* Locate logbook used for data recording.

* Make sure the Dremel cutting tool is unplugged then visually inspect:

* Make sure the Dremel cutting tool is unplugged then visually inspect:

* Turn off the Dremel and set it aside.

* Turn off the Dremel and set it aside.

* Ensure that the clip has the fiber firmly secured in place before letting go of the fiber.   

* Ensure that the clip has the fiber firmly secured in place before letting go of the fiber.   

** If needed place the weight upon it.

** If needed, place the weight upon it.

** Ensure that the end covered in sponge gasket is placed against the fiber, so as not to damage the fiber cladding.

** Ensure that the end covered in sponge gasket is placed against the fiber, so as not to damage the fiber cladding.

* Carefully remove the cut fiber from the slot and wipe down with a lint free cloth.

* Carefully remove the cut fiber from the slot and wipe it with a lint free cloth.

** To prevent flaring of the fiber cladding, start by wiping from the center of the fiber and continue the cleaning stroke until you are well past the end of the fiber.  This will help to prevent any snagging and tearing back of the cladding from its core.

** To prevent flaring of the fiber cladding, start by wiping from the center of the fiber and continue the cleaning stroke until you are well past the end of the fiber.  This will help to prevent any snagging and tearing back of the cladding from its core.

* Record the cross-sectional dimensions of the fiber in the logbook.

* Measure and record the cross-sectional dimensions of the fiber in the logbook.

** For SciFi: only one measurement at the center of the 3 cm fiber is required.

** For SciFi: only one measurement at the center of the 3 cm fiber is required.

** For light guide: align the fiber to the marks indicated on the wood guide and take the required measurements at the points designated by the markings.   

** For light guide: align the fiber to the marks indicated on the wood guide and take the required measurements at the points designated by the markings.