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To Measure Splice, Attenuation, Adaptor and Bending

TITLE :
losses in Plastic & Glass Optical Fiber

DATE OF
: 8th Mar, 2022
EXPERIMENT

02
LAB NUMBER :

INSTRUCTOR : Dr Khurram Javed

:
SUBMITTED BY ___________________

___________________
ROLL NO :

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PART-1A
Splicing Of Optical Fiber - Mechanical Splicing
Objective

1. To splice together two lengths of glass/plastic fiber using a mechanical splice, and
to measure the splice loss.
2. To determine the attenuation of an optical fiber cable.
3. To house LEDs and Photodetectors (TO-18 Package) in receptacles.
4. To measure the adaptor loss, using ST adaptor.
5. To study bending loss in plastic fiber, including the effect of bending radius on
bending loss.
Introduction
Splicing is the process by which two optical fibers are joined. We know that fiber optic
links work without any repeaters upto a few hundred kilometres. However, due to
manufacturing limitations, the maximum continuous length achievable for a single fiber
is limited to a few kilometers (currently around 2.2 Km). Splicing is therefore necessary
for joining cables together permanently to achieve required lengths, as well as to repair
accidental breakages in cables. The best splicing methods have insertion losses of even
less than 0.1dB per splice or connection.
There are three types of splicing processes. They are
1. Ultra-violet (UV) curable Epoxy method
2. Mechanical Splice method
3. Fusion Splice method
Fusion splicing is the normally used method in commercial fiber optic cabling, as it
produces extremely reliable and low-loss permanent connections. Present-day splicers
have insertion losses below 0.1dB and even 0.05dB. However, the equipment is
extremely expensive, requires careful handling and must be operated by skilled
technicians. UV splicing and mechanical splicing methods are also widely used in several
practical situations including field repair, testing and prototyping. Though the insertion
losses are significantly higher than that for fusion splicing, they are inexpensive, quick,
easy to use and very portable.
In this experiment, we study mechanical splicing.

EQUIPMENT NEEDED
1. A suitable length of 50/125μ loose jacketed glass fiber
(30 - 50 cm)
2. Series 2000 Desktop Light Source
3. Series 2000 Desktop Power Meter
4. Single-end ST connectorized glass fiber
5. 5. Micrometer Precision Mechanical stripper
6. Scribe
7. Inspection microscope
8. Torch
9. Mechanical Splice

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MECHANICAL SPLICE
A mechanical fiber optic splice is shown in Fig 3.1. It consists of a glass capillary which
ensures proper butt joint, two locking nuts and two collets on both sides of the capillary.
The glass capillary tube is preloaded with refractive-index matching gel to minimise
splice loss. The mechanical splice is easy to install and is reusable, unlike the other forms
of splicing where the splice is permanent. This method does not require any special tools.
PROCEDURE
In this experiment, we will splice the bare end of a single-end connectorized fiber with
another short length of fiber. We will also measure the optical power before and after
splicing to determine the splice loss.
STEP 1
Take the single-end connectorized loose jacketed cable. Prepare the unconnectorized end
of the fiber as per the lengths shown in Fig 3.2 (The general procedure for preparation of
the fiber end is given in Experiment 1). Make sure that the cleave length is 8mm.
STEP 2
Connect the connectorized end of the fiber to the Series 2000 Fiber Optic Light Source.
Fit the Series 2000 Fiber Optic Power Meter with the glass bare-fiber adaptor. Insert the
fiber end of the cable after preparation and cleaning as above into the Power Meter
adaptor. The setup is shown in Fig 3.3. Feed in optical power from the source and note
power output P1 in dBm.
STEP 3
Take a 30 - 50 cm length of loose-jacketed fiber and prepare both its ends as per the
lengths shown in Fig 3.2. Handle the fiber carefully without touching the ends. The
cleave length should be 8mm.

FIG 3.1 Mechanical Splice

FIG 3.2 Preparation of Fiber

STEP 4
Take the mechanical splice, and slightly unscrew the locking nuts on either side, taking
care that they do not come out of the assembly.

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STEP 5
Gently insert one end of the prepared fiber into the collet such that the fiber tip is visible
in the glass capillary guide tube. Gently screw in the locking-nut to lock and secure the
inserted cable.
STEP 6
Remove the bare fiber end of the connectorized cable from the power meter. Gently
insert it into the other end of the mechanical splice, so as to align with and butt the
cleaved end-face of the other fiber visible in the glass capillary guide. Now, gently lock
the locking-nut to secure the fiber. This process is similar to a pin-vice, firmly gripping
the fiber when the locking-nut is tightened. The locking-nuts also provide strain-relief by
clamping on to the tight buffer.
STEP 7
Now insert the free end of the spliced fiber assembly into the power meter adaptor, and
measure the power output P2 in dBm. The setup is shown in Fig 3.3.
STEP 8
The insertion loss of the mechanical splice in dBm is given by P1 - P2. The loss
measured actually also includes the loss over the short fiber length, which can be safely
ignored as it will be negligible (around .001 dB) compared to the splice loss.
Note: The Power Source settings must not be changed for the duration of the experiment,
as a constant power output for the two reading is required.

FIG 3.3 Measurement of Optical Power

FIG 3.4 Measurement of Mechanical Splice Loss

PART-1B

Mounting Of LEDs & Photodetectors

INTRODUCTION
In order to couple optical power from LEDs or Laser Diodes into fiber, one needs
receptacles. The same is true for coupling or aligning the optical power coming out of the
fiber on to photodetectors. LEDs and Photodetectors are housed or receptacled in various
kinds of receptacles, such as SMA, ST, FC etc.

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EQUIPMENT NEEDED
1. TO-18 ST receptacles with PVC C-rings
2. LEDs (850nm LED [Glass])
3. Photodetectors (Si Photodetector [Glass])
4. Epoxy
PROCEDURE
STEP 1
Take an LED or photodetector and the receptacle of the required type (ST).
STEP 2
Insert the plastic C-ring into the receptacle such that the cut portion of the ring is aligned
with the groove provided in the receptacle. The LED/Photodetector notch will fit in this
groove to secure the optical device firmly. The plastic C-ring electrically insulates the
body of the optical device from the receptacle.
STEP 3
Now insert the LED/Photodetector gently into the receptacle such that the groove in the
receptacle guides the notch as shown in Fig 4.1. The LED / Photodetector’s front surface
must be normal to the axis of the fiber to be inserted.
STEP 4
Prepare a small amount of epoxy (3 - 4 drops) for potting the optical device in the
receptacle. Epoxy preparation and use is explained in Connectorization experiment.
Apply a small, even amount of epoxy all around the optical device in the receptacle using
the applicator stick, as shown in Fig 4.2.
DO NOT APPLY AN EXCESS OF ADHESIVE AS IT WILL FLOW ON TO THE
QUARTZ WINDOW OF THE LED / PHOTODETECTOR DEVICE.

FIG 4.1 Fixing LED/Photodetector in Receptacle FIG 4.2 Receptacle With LED/Photodetector

STEP 5
Allow the epoxy to cure for a minimum of one hour, without disturbing the receptacle.
After curing, the device will be fixed firmly and permanently to the receptacle. Check
that the device is firmly fixed and that it does not shake or move within

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PART-1C
Adaptor Loss
INTRODUCTION
Fiber Optic adaptors are used to connect two connectorized fiber optic cables by precise
mechanical alignment. In doing so, an additional loss is introduced by the adaptor, which is called
adaptor loss.
EQUIPMENT NEEDED
1. Series 2000 Desktop Light Source 2. Series 2000 Desktop Power Meter
3. 1 meter ST connectorized fiber (patch cord) - 2 nos. 4. One ST Adaptor
PROCEDURE
STEP 1
Connect the Fiber Optic Light Source to the Power Meter with a 1m ST patch cord AB as in Fig
5.1(a). Adjust the light source so as to get a convenient reading (P1 dBm) at the power meter. The
light source settings should not be changed for the remaining part of the experiment.
STEP 2
Disconnect end B from the power meter and connect it to an ST adaptor. Connect the second 1m
ST patch cord CD between the adaptor and the power meter, as shown in Fig
5.1(b). Note the power reading (in dBm), P2.
STEP 3
The losses involved in the set up are:
a) Coupling loss at the source l5
b) Fiber loss in cable AB l1
c) Adaptor loss, la
d) Fiber loss in cable CD, l2
e) Coupling loss at the receiver, lr
For a source power output P5

FIG 5.1 Measurement of Adaptor Loss

P1 = Ps – (ls + l1 + lr ) dBm
P2 = Ps – (ls + l1 + la + l2 + lr) dBm
P1 – P2 = la + l2
As the fiber loss in the cable CD l2 is negligible,
ST Adaptor loss la = ( P1 – P2 ) dB
The ST adaptor loss can be found for various settings of Ps.
Note: Adaptors can also be used as external optical low-cost attenuator.

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PART-2A
Attenuation In Plastic Fiber
INTRODUCTION
The loss or attenuation in a fiber optic cable is an extremely important physical
parameter. The attenuation in the fiber limits the link length. In other words, the number
of repeaters required in a link is mainly determined by the attenuation in the optical fiber.
In this experiment, we study a method to measure the attenuation in plastic fiber. The
attenuation of plastic fiber is expressed in dB/m (not in dB/Km!)
EQUIPMENT NEEDED
1. FOTX-200 Transmitter
2. Link Power Supply
3. Plastic Optical Fiber Cable - 2 lengths (1m & 5m)
4. Series 2000 Fiber Optic Power Meter
5. Assembled Digital Transmitter (plastic fiber) PCB
6. Multimeter
7. Function Generator
PROCEDURE
This experiment uses two lengths of plastic fiber with their prepared ends, for loss
measurement. If the fiber lengths do not have their ends properly prepared, please refer to
the “Preparation of Plastic Fiber” Appendix in the OFT User Manual.
STEP 1
Connect the 1m l1 plastic fiber as shown in Fig 6.1. Measure the optical power (P1) in
dBm at the Fiber Optic Power Meter, setting its calibration wavelength to 660nm.
STEP 2
Repeat above step for the 3m l2 plastic fiber, and read the power (P2) .
STEP 3
The attenuation of the plastic fiber, α is given by

Note: Attenuation of plastic fiber is often conveniently expressed in dB/m instead of

dB/Km.

FIG 6.1 Measurement of Optical Power (660nm Source)

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FIG 6.2 Measurement of Optical Power (850nm Source)

STEP 4
Next, configure the system as shown in Fig 6.2. by using the Assembled Digital
Transmitter (plastic fiber) PCB as an optical source at 850nm.
STEP 5
Set the calibration wavelength of the fiber optic power meter to 850nm.
STEP 6
Measure the optical power P1 and P2 at 850nm for the two lengths l1 = 1m and l2 = 5m,
respectively. Calculate the attenuation in dB/m as given in Step 3.
STEP 7
Tabulate the readings below:

PART-2B
Attenuation In Glass Fiber
INTRODUCTION
Attenuation is defined as

It is a strong function of the wavelength of operation. Attenuation (α) in optical glass

fiber is expressed in dB/Km.

where
l = length of fiber in Km. The typical values of α are 2.5 dB/Km and 1.0 dB/Km at
850nm and 1300nm respectively, for multimode graded-index fiber.

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EQUIPMENT NEEDED
1. Series 2000 Desktop Power Meter with Bare Glass Fiber Adaptor
2. Series 2000 Desktop Light Source or FOTX 300 and FOTX 500 with Power Supply
3. Single-end connectorized 1m loose-jacketed fiber optic cable
4. 1m & 200m loose-jacketed fiber optic cable - 1 no. each
5. Mechanical Splice
6. Function generator (if link transmitters are used)
PROCEDURE
STEP 1
Prepare the free end (B) of the single-end connectorized cable (AB) and connect it to the
mechanical splice. (Refer Experiment 4 for details). Connect the connectorized end (A) to
the Fiber Optic Light Source or FOTX 300 powered by link power supply. The set-up for the
experiment is shown in Fig 8.1. Note that the light source settings should not be changed
during the experiment and if the transmitter is used then the transmitter should be fed with
TTL waveform.
STEP 2
Take 1m & 100m fiber cables and prepare the ends as required for mechanical splicing.
STEP 3
Connect one end (C) of the 1m prepared cable (CD) to the mechanical splice, to make a good
optical joint.
STEP 4
Insert the other end (D) of the 1m cable into the power meter bare fiber adaptor and note
the power measurement, P1 (dBm).
STEP 5
Remove 1m fiber (CD) from the set-up, after gently releasing it from the mechanical splice.
STEP 6
Repeat steps 3 & 4 using the 200m prepared cable. Let the power reading be P2 dBm.
STEP 7
The attenuation in the fiber is given by

where
l1 = 1m & l2 = 200m
The factor 10-3 is due to conversion from m to Km.
STEP 8
Repeat the above experiment with 1300nm light source or FOTX 500 powered by Link
Power Supply and setting of the calibration wavelength of power meter at 1300nm.

FIG 8.1. Set Up for Measurement of Attenuation

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PART-2C
Bending Loss In Fiber
INTRODUCTION
Apart from material dependent attenuation in fibers, another major loss is the bending
loss due to bends in the fiber. The bending loss increases as the radius of curvature of a
bend decreases. Note that when a fiber is laid straight, it does not incur any bending loss.
While laying fiber optic cables, it is extremely important to avoid sharp bends.
EQUIPMENT NEEDED
1. OFT
2. FOTX 300 / FOTX 500 with Link Power Supply or Series 2000 Desktop Light Source
3. 1m Plastic Fiber
4. Series 2000 Desktop Power Meter
5. Single end connectorized multimode glass fiber of suitable length
6. Function Generator
PROCEDURE
STEP 1
Power ‘ON’ the OFT and check for its functioning. For details please refer to the OFT
user manual. Connect the 1m plastic fiber (with prepared ends) without any bend in the
fiber to the optical Tx1 (850nm) in it. If the fiber do not have their ends properly
prepared, please refer to the “Preparation of Plastic Fiber” Appendix in the OFT User
Manual. Stretch the 1m fiber all along a straight line and read the optical power P1
(dBm). This corresponds to radius R = ∞
STEP 2
Now make a single loop of radius R = 20 cm as shown in Fig 7.1. Measure the optical
power P2 in dBm. Measure P2 for various values of R.
CAUTION
Do not bend the fiber beyond the 1 cm of radius.
STEP 3
Bending loss = PBending = (P1 - P2) dB. This PBending is a strong function of R.
STEP 4
Now plot PBending Vs R

FIG 7.1 Bending Loss Measurement

STEP 5
What is your inference?

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