Results of experimental research of connector ferrule end-face contamination impact on degradation of fiber optic connection parameters

This work presents research results of fiber optic connector ferrule end contamination impact on degradation of key parameters – insertion loss and reflection. We tested four sets of couples of fiber optic connections performed for FC/PC connectors of the same type optical fibers – singlemode (SMF-SMF) and multimode (MMF-MMF) – as well as for differing optical fiber types – SMF-MMF and MMF-SMF. Contamination assessment degree over the connector ferrule end face was estimated by using video probe kit containing video microscope and software which provides ferrule end face quality inspection "PASS/FAIL" according to ratified standard IEC 61300-3-35. The IEC 61300-3-35 standard is a global common set of quality requirements for the surface of ferrule fiber optic connectors. This standard defines 3 zones of ferrule end face: "A" – core zone; "B" – cladding zone; "C" – ferrule zone. Results of direct research of fiber optic connector ferrule end face contamination impact on the insertion loss and reflection are represented.