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:

** Verify that the electrical cord is in good working order.

** Verify electrical cord is in good working order.

** Make sure the power switch is in the off position.

** Make sure the power switch is in the off position.

[[File:JK Dremel.JPG|thumb|center|upright|The Dremel tool used to cut the fibers and an example of appropriate eye wear.]]

[[File:Dremel2.JPG|thumb|center|upright|The Dremel tool used to cut the fibers, with a diamond blade and foam pad, and an example of appropriate eye wear.]]

* Plug in the Dremel tool.

* Plug in the Dremel tool.

*Check that the ventilation hose is secure and start the ventilation system.

*Check that the ventilation hose is secure and start the ventilation system.

*Flip up the opening to the spool storage box to expose the two slots with the protruding optical fibers.

*Flip up the opening to the spool storage box to expose the two slots with the protruding optical fibers.

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*** After inspection, position the side panel in place and secure with black duct tape.

*** After inspection, position the side panel in place and secure with black duct tape.

*** Make sure that all exposed joints are covered.

*** Make sure that all exposed joints are covered.

* Place the fiber in the appropriately marked slot.

* Place the fiber in the appropriately marked slot.

** Place the end of the fiber against the mark that provides the fiber stop.

** Place the end of the fiber against the mark that provides the fiber stop. For specifications on the fiber length, see the [https://docs.google.com/document/d/1rHl580R3X3r2yn3hw1Mh-JC136NzWyE6IE_SoGRjR50/edit specifications document].

** Place weights to hold the fiber in place and to keep it from bending to its original position while cutting.

** Place weights to hold the fiber in place and to keep it from bending to its original position while cutting. Be sure to place the side covered in rubber gasket on the fiber.

* Hold the spool end of the fiber in place with your left hand.  

* Hold the spool end of the fiber in place with your left hand.

* Rest the Dremel on the 2x4 that has the grooves, and put a thin piece of foam under the Dremel to reduce vibrations.

* Cut the fiber along the notch with the Dremel.

* Cut the fiber along the notch with the Dremel.

* 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 side 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.

* Number the fiber by giving it a color code with elastics. See the [[Fiber Numbering Procedure]] page.

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

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

** 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 SciFi: only one measurement at the center of the 2 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. See [[Fiber Measuring Procedure]] for details.

[[File:JK Micrometer.JPG|thumb|center|The micrometer used to take the cross-sectional dimensions of the fibers.]]

[[File:JK Micrometer.JPG|thumb|center|The micrometer used to take the cross-sectional dimensions of the fibers. [Note: out of date as of 17/12/17]]]

* Visually inspect the fiber for damage, paying particular attention to possible

* Visually inspect the fiber for damage, paying particular attention to possible

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|[[File:JK Intermediate Dark Box.JPG|thumb|center|Fibers in various stages of production are stored in the intermediate storage box.]]

|[[File:box6.jpeg|thumb|center|Fibers in various stages of production are stored in the intermediate storage box.]]

|[[File:LH_RoughCutProcedure_DarkBox.jpg|thumb|center|Wider view of the intermediate storage box.]]

|[[File:box1.jpeg|thumb|center|Wider view of the intermediate storage box.]]

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* Fibers that do not pass dimensional inspection are either discarded or kept in a separate location, with non-compliant areas marked with painters' tape.

* Fibers that do not pass dimensional inspection are either discarded or kept in a separate location, with non-compliant areas marked with painters' tape.