# Response Analysis of PLC Optical Splitters Under Force Cyclic Loading

## TL;DR

This study examines how PLC optical splitters respond to repeated force cycles, identifying a weak area that affects their reliability.

## Contribution

The paper introduces an online test platform to analyze PLC optical splitters' performance under cyclic loading, revealing new insights into their failure mechanisms.

## Key findings

- The weakest area in PLC optical splitters is the eight-channels output fiber array–PLC chip adhesively bonded joint.
- Force cycle loading and unloading cause sudden fluctuations in insertion loss (IL) of the PLC optical splitter.
- Real-time optical performance monitoring can reflect local deformation and damage behavior in weak areas.

## Abstract

In order to better understand the damage phenomenon and failure mechanism of planar lightwave circuit (PLC) optical splitters under force cycling, this paper established an online test experimental platform to study their optical and mechanical performance response under the action of force cycling. The research results show that under the action of force cyclic loading, the weakest area in the PLC optical splitter is the eight-channels output fiber array–PLC chip adhesively bonded joint; the moments of force cycle loading and unloading cause the insertion loss (IL) of the PLC optical splitter to fluctuate suddenly, especially at the moment of unloading. In addition, the research results show that under the action of force cyclic loading, the local deformation and damage behavior of the weak area can be reflected by the optical performance parameter indicators monitored in real time. This study helps to identify the location of weak areas of PLC optical splitters and understand their response behavior under force cyclic loads, which can provide a useful reference for subsequent measures to improve their long-term reliability.