Plasma fusion splicer electrode

The electrode of the present invention relates to an electrode 10 for use in a plasma fusion splicer to join optical fibers. The electrode 10 includes an insulator 14 surrounding an electrically conductive core 12. The electrically conductive core 12 has a discharge end 26 from which the plasma field is initiated and sustained throughout the splice. The electrode 10 also includes a base 18 that electrically and mechanically connects the conducting core 12 to a fusion splicer. The operating temperature of the discharge end 26 of the electrode 10 is greater than the deposition temperature of volatiles from the splicing process.