Fiber optic splicing involves connecting two Fiber optic Cables together in order to form a continuous optical wavelength. There are two types of fiber optic Cable splices: fusion and mechanical.

With fusion splicing, fiber optic cables are welded together using a localized heat source, such as an electric arc.

In the Mechanical Splicing process fibers are aligned by mechanical means and held by either mechanical devices or an optical adhesive.

With either type of fiber optic splicing fibers must be aligned perfectly. This is accomplished through either active fiber alignment or passive fiber alignment.

Active fiber alignment uses the optical signal from the Source as a guide for alignment. Passive fiber alignment uses mechanical devices to align the optical fiber.