| Abstract: | An investigation of techniques suitable for precision cutting of glass and fused silica capillary tubing has been carried out. Accurate trimming of capillary tubing is important when precision splitters and manifolds have to be made. Techniques employed for cutting optical fibers proved to be useful, and factors affecting the suface quality of the fracture are discussed. It was found to be difficult to obtain a square cut with a flat surface in the case of fused silica tubing. The best results were obtained when the tubing was scored with the edge of a broken silicon wafer before the fracture was accomplished. This technique allows precision cutting of glass tubing with an outer diameter of 100 μm or less. |
