A true sculptor of optical fibre…

By Sylvie Lemieux

At TeraXion, Éric Tarissan is a writing expert, although he does not use words to do his job. Instead, he uses a laser to perform filter writing on the optical fibres.

The optical fibre writing procedure is carried out in different steps. The filter is decladded and thereby made bare. It is then ready for the writing process, which is executed in accordance with the client's specifications. This is the step where Éric gets involved. He sits in front of his computer, which is connected to a spectral analyzer. This allows him to follow, on the screen, the shape of the curve printed by the laser on the optical fibre.

Once the writing is completed, Éric checks to ensure that the results comply with the client's expectations. Depending on the case, this work can be carried out by a technical assistant specializing in tests and measures, who is responsible for inspecting the product during every step of assembly. The compliant parts are routed to the encapsulation process, which involves placing the fibre in an athermal capsule that renders the printed fibre insensitive to even the harshest environmental conditions. A series of environmental stress tests is then conducted. If these are conclusive, the fibre is packaged and shipped to the client. If a part is rejected, it is set aside and examined in order to discover the origin of the problem and to correct the assembly process as required.

Éric works in a clean room. He is required to wear protective clothing (lab coat, cap, glasses, anti-static bracelet, etc.). He must also respect strict work procedures and ensure that the devices he uses are working properly.

Extreme sculptor

When he was hired at TeraXion, Éric had never before worked with optical fibre. During the course of his studies in telecommunications, he learned to use a spectral analyzer on coaxial cable. "So I wasn't completely lost when I arrived," he explained.

To become a good writing operator, excellent manual dexterity is necessary. "Writing on optical fibre is practically sculpting," Éric explained. "The work is very intricate and there is no margin for error. You work with fragile devices. You have to concentrate and watch the screen constantly to ensure that the filter follows the correct curve. Otherwise, the fibre is lost."

According to Éric, the operator does not just have to be patient and skilled. "He has to be very patient and very skilled. The nuance is very important," he said.

Does he find the work a little too routine? "Yes and no. It's true that I write on optical fibres all day. But because I work on different orders, I'm not always writing on the same curves," he added.

While Éric may be mainly assigned to writing, he is sometimes called on to execute other steps in filter assembly. "This allows us to develop a sense of multifunctionality. It also helps break the routine," he explained.

Éric is part of a team of operators who all work independently. Each must demonstrate a well-honed sense of organization in the execution of tasks. Depending on the case, it is also important to know how to take initiative. Éric must also attend meetings bringing together employees from different company departments. "These meetings allow me to update information and find solutions to any problems that arise. They also foster cohesiveness between the employees, and help create a great work atmosphere."