Criteria for accurate cutback attenuation measurements

Criteria for Accurate Cutback Attenuation MeasurementsN R. Haigh, R S. Linton, R Johnson, R Grigsby.BICC Cables Ltd, Optical Technology Unit, Helsby,Warrington, Cheshire, WA6 ODJ, U.K.ABSTRACTThis paper investigates the criteria for performing accurate spectral attenuation measurements using the cutback technique.It is clear that careful fibre handling, together with the correct choice of both fibre launch optics and cleaver are essential if acutback precision of less than dB is to be achieved.1. INTRODUCTIONThe use of single mode fibre in the local loop is placing increasing demands on the performance of fibre and fibre based