What process is used in fusion splicing?

Fusion splicing is a precise method used to join two optical fibers by melting their ends together. This technique employs an electric arc or a specialized splicing machine to generate the heat required to fuse the fiber tips. When the fibers are aligned and the heat is applied, it effectively melts the glass at the ends, allowing them to blend seamlessly at a molecular level. As the materials cool, they solidify into a strong, low-loss connection that is crucial for maintaining the integrity of the optical signal passing through the fibers.

This method is favored in fiber optics due to its durability and minimal signal loss, which is critical for high-performance communications systems. The other options refer to different processes that are not applicable to fusion splicing, as they involve mechanical connections, adhesives, or misalignments that wouldn't achieve the same quality of joint or reliability as achieved through the fusion splicing process.