What is a fusion splice?

A fusion splice is a method of splicing fibers using heat to fuse them together. This process involves aligning two fiber ends very precisely and applying an electric arc or oven to melt the glass fibers at their ends, which allows them to coalesce into a single fiber. The result is a low-loss connection that maintains the properties of the optical signal traveling through the fibers, making it an efficient and reliable method for creating permanent splices in fiber optic installations.

In contrast, the option involving glue refers to a different approach that does not ensure the same level of alignment or optical quality. The mention of mechanical splicing focuses on another method that utilizes connectors but does not involve melting the fibers themselves. Lastly, the reference to restoring cable integrity does not specifically describe a fusion splice but instead implies a broader category of repair techniques which may or may not involve splicing. Understanding these distinctions is crucial for grasping the various methods used in fiber optic technology.