Most fiber optic connectors use a physical contact (PC) design, where the fiber end-faces are pressed together with high precision. Any particle or residue present at the interface can scatter or absorb light, disrupt the core alignment, and even scratch the glass. Even tiny contaminants—such as dust, oils, moisture, or other residues—can cause significant signal loss, increased reflectance, and permanent damage when connectors are mated. Proper cleaning. One of the most common and pernicious issues facing fiber optic installations (and failing to achieve the performance expected) has to do with contaminated fiber optical connection hardware. Specifically, a contaminated end face. This is where fiber optic cassette cleaners come in.