Crack generation and removal in cleaved air-silica structured optical fibres

The damage caused by cleaving various air-silica (AS) structured fibers is investigated as a function of cleaving force. Comparisons are made with standard optical fibers and tapered fibers. Optimum cleaving forces are determined for a number of air fractions and fiber diameters. A simple technique for removing cleave damage is also presented. Atomic force microscopy proves to be an efficient diagnostic tool for the characterisation of this damage and treatment.