MEASUREMENT OF LOSSES USING OPTICAL TESTERS

Abstract

Currently, quality control of fiber-optic transmission lines is carried out
by measuring light losses in them. For these purposes, equipment has been
developed that makes it possible to find not only total losses in the line (optical
testers), but also the distribution of losses and reflection coefficients along the
line (optical reflectometers). In local lines, given their small length (1... 2 km), it
is possible to limit the measurement of total losses using optical testers. This
method of measuring losses is a reference, since it measures directly the
proportion of power absorbed in the fiber (the fiber breakage method and the
insertion loss method). However, with the help of optical testers, it is possible to
measure only the total losses in the transmission line and at the same time it is
still necessary to have access to both ends of the fiber simultaneously, which is
difficult to implement in trunk line