Development of a system for high strength fiber optic splicing for application in precision spool winding facilities is proposed. Phase i effort would be devoted to literature review, selection of splicing method, definition of splicing procedures, conceptual design, and phase ii plan. Procedures to be defined include buffer stripping, cleaving, splicing proper, buffer recoating and fiber transport between various stages of the overall splicing process. Phase ii plan is expected to include design of fabrication and testing of an experimental splicing system, accelerated life testing of splices made with the system, measurements to characterize splices, analysis of results, documentation of all phase ii work and recommendations for continued work
