Optical fiber arrangement method, optical fiber fusion splicing method, method for manufacturing optical fiber ribbon with connector, and intermittently connected optical fiber ribbon

An optical fiber arrangement method comprising:

• preparing an intermittently connected optical fiber ribbon including optical fibers arranged side by side at a first pitch larger than a fiber diameter, wherein
• the optical fiber ribbon has connecting regions in which the optical fibers are connected and a non-connecting region between the connecting regions,
• each of the connecting regions includes connecting sections intermittently arranged in a longitudinal direction of the optical fiber ribbon,
• each of the connecting sections includes connecting portions intermittently arranged in a width direction of the optical fiber ribbon, and
• holding the non-connecting region of the optical fiber ribbon with a holder, wherein the connecting portions of the optical fiber ribbon intermittently connect the optical fibers extending out from the holder to each other;
• changing a width of the optical fiber ribbon in an interior of the holder;
• and
• arranging the optical fibers extending out from the holder, wherein intervals of the optical fibers are changed from the first pitch to a second pitch smaller than the first pitch by removing the connecting portions in a holding state where the holder is holding the optical fibers.