What is the correct technique for cleaving a fiber?

The correct technique for cleaving a fiber involves scribing a single line across the fiber. This method allows for a precise and clean break in the fiber material. Scribing creates a weak point along the fiber, which can then be easily broken by applying a slight pressure. This technique is essential to ensure that the end of the fiber is flat and smooth, which is crucial for optimal light transmission and fitting into connectors.

Scribing ensures that the cut is uniform and minimizes the risk of damaging the fiber, which can happen with other methods. In contrast, using scissors, for instance, can lead to jagged edges that can impair performance or cause the fiber to fail. Similarly, using a saw back-and-forth can produce an uneven cut, while a quick, direct blow may not produce the desired clean cleave and could cause uncontrolled damage to the fiber. Thus, scribing is recognized as the best practice for cleaving fibers in a controlled and effective manner.