Fiber optic splice loss measurement

Abstract

Measurement of optical power loss in a fiber splice presents several challenges for manufacturers of optical modules. Requirements include measurement sensitivity of <0.05 ±0.005 dB for ultra low loss fusion splices between similar single mode fibers, and acceptable repeatability and reproducibility (R&R). These issues and several important gaps in the current loss measurement standards are addressed in a new draft standard, recently submitted to the Telecommunications Industry Association (TIA). The new standard describes measurement methods appropriate for various applications, including splices made with similar and dissimilar fiber types, and attenuating fiber at the test wavelength. This paper discusses the loss measurement results and gage R&R comparisons for the different methods included in the new standard, the practical aspects of making measurements and the question of directionality for dissimilar fiber splices. The experimental work was undertaken by the iNEMI (International Electronics Manufacturing Initiative) Fiber Optic Splice Improvement Project. The new loss measurement standard is a collaboration between iNEMI and the TIA.