Which termination technique depends on the quality of the cleaving tool for optimum performance?

The technique that relies heavily on the quality of the cleaving tool for optimum performance is the no-polish termination. This method involves using a mechanical cleave to create a flat surface on the fiber end. The accuracy and precision of the cleave are crucial because a poor cleave can lead to increased splice loss or back reflection, ultimately affecting the performance of the optical connection.

In no-polish termination, since the fibers are mechanically terminated without additional polishing steps, the integrity of the cleave directly influences the effectiveness of the connection. Therefore, using a high-quality cleaving tool is essential to achieve the best results in this termination method.

In contrast, other termination methods, such as thermal cure, UV cured, and anaerobic techniques, either do not depend on the cleaving process to the same degree or include additional steps that mitigate the effect of cleaving quality on performance.