Optical reflectometer (not in time-domain)

• Grant number: 03/02102-3
• Support Opportunities: Research Grants - Innovative Research in Small Business - PIPE
• Start date: November 01, 2003
• End date: September 30, 2004
• Field of knowledge: Engineering - Electrical Engineering - Electrical, Magnetic and Electronic Measurements, Instrumentation
• Principal Investigator: Benjamin Grossman
• Grantee: Benjamin Grossman
• Company: Cromática Sistemas de Comunicação de Dados e Informática Ltda
• City: São Paulo

Abstract

Optical fiber joints display discontinuities in connections involving optical connectors. The connection quality in monomode fibers is characterized by various losses of a physical order, such as insertion loss, return loss (or reflection loss), of a geometric order such as dislocation of the apex, measurement of protrusion or inversely, measurement of fiber recession in relation to the end of the connector, and alteration of polarization in polarization-retaining fibers, among others. This project proposes the construction of a reflection-loss meter, known as an optical reflectometer (not in time-domain) to be used to measure the optical power that returns through the fiber in the mentioned discontinuity. In high velocity optical joints and also in those that use multiplex or wave complement, the return loss is a fundamental variable to be measured. At present, telecommunications operators routinely insist that this variable be measured within a certain range for each connector to be accepted and included in the network, besides of course, the other variables mentioned which must also fit within acceptable ranges. (AU)