Abstract
Couplers and splitters are common devices in single-mode and multi-mode glass fibers applications, where they perform a variety of functions. However, when switching to plastic optical fibers (POFs), there is a shortage of commercial devices, which are usually custom-made. The problem with these devices is that modal power distribution in POFs is easily modified by spatial disturbances that produce a localized strong power transfer between modes, thus changing their transmission properties. In this work, a commercial Y-coupler designed for POFs is experimentally characterized. Measurements of its spectral, spatial and temporal characteristics have been performed, including insertion loss as a function of wavelength, angular power distribution, and frequency response. The obtained results show that this device has an equalizing effect over the power spatial distribution that reduces the fiber bandwidth, demonstrating the importance of considering the impact of this type of devices on the transmission properties of any POF system.
Highlights
In the last few years, plastic optical fibers (POFs) are penetrating and gaining interest in different communications scenarios, including home networks and avionics, where they exhibit competitive advantages over glass fibers
The main issue when these devices are introduced in a POF link is that they can modify the fiber modal power distribution, changing the transmission performance so that it is necessary to assess and quantify their impact [9]
Its main application is power monitoring by enabling the system designer to obtain the optical power value at specific points of a communications link without affecting its operation. This device has been experimentally characterized through the measurement of spectral insertion loss, angular power distribution extracted from far-field patterns (FFPs) and frequency response
Summary
In the last few years, plastic optical fibers (POFs) are penetrating and gaining interest in different communications scenarios, including home networks and avionics, where they exhibit competitive advantages over glass fibers. The need to design and manufacture POF-specific components, and passive devices, arises In this context, multi-port couplers are key elements to implement different layouts that require combining or splitting optical signals, whereas similar designs are needed for sensor applications and for power monitoring in network management and testing [1,2,3]. Its main application is power monitoring by enabling the system designer to obtain the optical power value at specific points of a communications link without affecting its operation. This device has been experimentally characterized through the measurement of spectral insertion loss, angular power distribution extracted from far-field patterns (FFPs) and frequency response.
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