Polarization Resolved Measurement of Rayleigh Backscatter in Fiber-Optic Components
Short Summary
Measuring the distribution of the light scattered in the backward direction as a function of length down a fiber-optic assembly can be useful in identifying breaks, bad spices and non-reflective events. This method has significant advantages in range, resolution, speed and usability when compared to conventional reflectometers.
Abstract
In this paper, we introduce a method for fiber-optic testing and troubleshooting at the assembly level that is based on using OFDR to measure the distributed Rayleigh backscatter along the length of the fiber-optic network. Measuring the distribution of the light scattered in the backward direction as a function of length down a fiber-optic assembly can be useful in identifying breaks, bad spices and non-reflective events. Rayleigh scatter can also be used to measure distributed loss and gain, induced stress and strain, temperature, and local birefringence.
Citation
B. Soller, M. Wolfe, and M. Froggatt, "Polarization Resolved Measurement of Rayleigh Backscatter in Fiber-Optic Components," in Optical Fiber Communication Conference and Exposition and The National Fiber Optic Engineers Conference, Technical Digest (CD) (Optical Society of America, 2005), paper NWD3.
Link