Agilent Photonics Connector Care Effects of Damage Connectors and Interfaces in Fiber Optic Measurements 59 free download

File name Photonics Connector Care_ Effects of Damage Connectors and Interfaces in Fiber Optic Measurements 59

Keysight Technologies Qualitative Assessment on the Effects of Damaged Connectors and Optical Interfaces in Fiber Optic Measurements White Paper Abstract In a world in which fiber optics becomes more a part of our lives, more people have become involved in its activities ranging from metrology through to production and installation. In much the same way that BNC and N-Type connectors are used on a daily basis without further thought, the dangers of fiber optic connectors being used in a similar fashion become more real. To quantify or predict the effects that a damaged fiber optic connector or optical interface can have on measurements can be difficult, but sometimes a qualitative assessment of the damage is all that is required in order to ensure that these connectors are kept in a condition of optimum performance. This paper in conjunction with the presentation will attempt to demonstrate and raise the level of awareness to these facts. Background In order to visualize the effects that damaged fiber optic connectors can have, it is necessary to have a basic understanding of the optical fiber and connector. The following will give a brief overview. Cladding Cladding 125 m 9 m 125 m 50 m Core Core Singlemode fiber Multimode fiber Figure 1. Optical fibers Figure 1 shows the basic construction of two typical optical fibers. In common, they both consist of a glass fiber 125 microns (