Experimental determination of optimum parameters for nano-grinding of optical fibre end faces

This study presents detailed experimental results that help to determine the optimal grit size, speed and in-feed rate for grinding end faces of optical fibres on a nano-grinding machine. The determination of these parameters was based on surface roughness, material removal rate and the surface and sub-surface damage investigations. The observations consisted of qualitative as well as quantitative evaluations. Qualitative assessment of surface quality was carried out using an optical microscope. The quantitative measurement of surface roughness was carried out using atomic force microscopy (AFM). The material removal rates were determined using feed rates of the nano-grinding machine. Using a focussed ion beam (FIB), the ground surfaces were milled to expose their cross sections. The ground surfaces and the cross sections were examined using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) for surface or sub-surface damage.