Apparatus and methodology is provided for directional drilling which avoid the effects of static friction between the drill string and the borehole. Each of a pair of roll holder appliances disposed within the housing include a leg having a first end and a second end, and a first side and a second side. The ferrule holds an optical fiber having an end face. , formed by the reaction of a quaternary ammonium compound of the formula:. At least one of the pair of electrodes has a thin portion and a thick portion.