OPTICAL FIBER INTRODUCTION

Optical connectors are common throughout the network and give us the power to add, drop, move and change the network. However, it is an undeniable fact that the end face pollution of optical connectors is a major cause of the failure of the network. Today we will introduce the fiber end surface inspection.

 

About end face pollution

Like picture 1, the end face of the optical fiber or connector shall be no pollution or defect. Common pollution and defect types include dust, dirt, pits and debris as well as scratches(Picture 2). In addition, there are many different pollution sources, such as testing equipment, dust cap, bulkhead, people and environment, etc. Once the device is contaminated, there will be cross contamination between the network connector and the port. Thus, inspecting and cleaning test ports and leads before testing network connectors prevents cross-contamination.

 

Optical fiber inspection

Optical fiber inspection is suggested to carry out before mating connectors and using optical transceiver. As picture 3 shown, we must inspect and ensure the end surface is clean. If it is not clean, a cleaning process must be carried out. We will introduce the end face inspection of connectors and optical transceivers in the following contents.

 

Tools for optical fiber inspection

※ Clean, resealable container for the endcaps

※ Fiber optic inspection microscopes

※ Bulkhead probe

There are many kinds of optical fiber microscope, It was a simple, inexpensive, portable microscope. Nowadays, the most commonly used types of optical fiber inspection microscopes are video fiber optic microscope (desktop) and hand-held fiber optic microscope. 

 

Optical fiber connector inspection steps

※ Make sure that the lasers are turned off before you begin the inspection. (Warning: Invisible laser radiation might be emitted from disconnected fibers or connectors. Do not stare into beams or view directly with optical instruments.)

※ Remove the protective cap and store it in a clean resealable container.

※ Verify the style of connector you inspect and put the appropriate inspection adapter or probe on your equipment.

※ Insert the fiber connector into the fiber optic microscope adapter, and adjust the focus ring so that you see a clear end surface image.

※ Or, place the tip of the hand-held probe into the bulkhead connector and adjust the focus.