Source Effects On Long-Haul, Singlemode Fiber Attenuation Measurements

Timothy Reynolds; John Chipman

doi:10.1117/12.949585

19 November 1985 Source Effects On Long-Haul, Singlemode Fiber Attenuation Measurements

Timothy Reynolds, John Chipman

Proceedings Volume 0559, Fiber Optics: Short-Haul and Long-Haul Measurements and Applications III; (1985) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.949585
Event: 29th Annual Technical Symposium, 1985, San Diego, United States

Abstract

There has been much concern of late over the accuracy of Power Meters used in making loss measurements on long lengths of fiber cable, but comparatively little over the effects of source wavelength and spectral width. Being a function of wavelength, attenuation measurement errors can occur if the source wavelength is not controlled or adequately known. Presently available stable Laser Sources operate within a fairly broad wavelength range, usually being specified by equipment manufacturers at some nominal value of wavelength (1300 or 1550 nanometers) with a wide tolerance (30 to 40 nm). Measuring the same fiber with two "1300 nanometers" sources can result in a significant error. Measuring loss with an LED Source relates little to factory attenuation measurements due to their inherently wide spectral widths. This paper describes analysis and measurements on long lengths of concatenated Singlemode fibers using various Laser and LED Sources. Measurement precisions and repeatabilities are shown for various source types and wavelengths and the source wavelength tolerance required is determined for meaningful measurements.

Citation Download Citation

Timothy Reynolds and John Chipman "Source Effects On Long-Haul, Singlemode Fiber Attenuation Measurements", Proc. SPIE 0559, Fiber Optics: Short-Haul and Long-Haul Measurements and Applications III, (19 November 1985); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.949585

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