Fusion welding apparatus for optical fiber

Abstract

The present invention provides a compact fusion welding apparatus for optical fibers which has simple construction and which can stabilize discharges of discharge electrodes. Tip ends of a pair of the discharge electrodes (discharge forming ends) (5) are arranged so as to oppose each other via a space. Between tip ends of the discharge electrodes (1), connection end faces of a pair of optical fibers (2) are arranged so that the connection end faces thereof are opposed to each other and the connection end faces of the optical fibers (2) are fusion welded by discharge heat from the discharge electrodes (1). Dielectric bodies (4) are provided along the longitudinal direction of the discharge electrodes (1) in a form so as to sandwich the discharge electrodes (1) from both sides thereof. By means of the dielectric bodies (4), electric fields in the vicinity of the discharge forming ends (5) between the discharge electrodes (1) are stabilized and the swaying of air between the discharge electrodes (1) is prevented, thereby the sway of discharges between the pair of discharge electrodes (1) is suppressed, and thus the discharges are stabilized.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.