Breaking Through Myth to Reality Future Proof Fiber Optic Inspection and Cleaning

The Fiber Optic End Face... ...is the "business end" of any and all fiber optic transmissions. It is the condition of this surface that assures maximum transmission speeds. Not unlike a 'dirty window', if this surface is soiled, damaged, or, improperly cleaned, some level of transmission reliability will be compromised. Ed Forrest has studied cleaning "things" beginning with his first career stop as a technical representative for Prestone(R) branded products. He found himself under the hood of a 1974 prototype GM car...in 1968. The issue at the time was higher operating temperatures for a world facing gasoline shortages and growing environmental concerns. Engine blocks were sand cast. Radiators often had sand residues and corroded from leaking exhaust gas. The issue, at that time, was higher operating temperatures for a nation facing gasoline shortages. In 1990, as industrial chemicals changed in response to global CFC-mandates, he began a new career in electronics production, service, repair and clean room sciences. These change-overs required new methods and procedures. He understands change-over procedures. In 1998, as fiber optics began to emerge, and to this time, he has been challenged by equipment producers and end users who are not satisfied with available ways and means to precision clean fiber optic surfaces. To prove a new thesis, Ed invented a new means to inspect the surfaces. Using digital color photography he has catalogued more than 3,000 unique pictures, many never before seen, of various fiber optic surfaces. This work lead to publication of this innovative and controversial work...based on 5,000 years of science! The study proves there more to a fiber optic connector than an end face as characterized by existing standards, which characterize in two-dimensions and not three-dimensional reality as this book definitively outlines. This is the latest and most detailed study of existing methods and procedures for fiber optic inspection and cleaning. As the Industry faces ever-higher expectations for the ever-evolving technologies of fiber optic sciences, there is need for clarity and a higher standard. "Breaking Through Myth to Reality" challenges the fiber optic industry to a new "best practice" that assures future success. Ed is quoted as saying: "In my career I saw sure-things like Betamax and huge engines fall by the wayside. Fiber optic sciences have strong competition from Wireless and Category Cable interests: it would be inane to have something slow expansion as something as easy-to-perform as proper precision cleaning methods and procedures.". This is not happening now. The book is an important eye-opening view for trainers, installers, scientists and network designers.