Characterization Of Source Power Distributions In Multimode Fiber By A Splice Offset Technique

The proper design and implementation of an optical communication system requires a knowledge of the transmission characteristics of the optical sources, fibers and interconnection devices used in the system. In this paper we will briefly review how extrinsic and intrinsic (to the fibers) parameters affect the transmission loss of interconnection devices. We will then describe an experimental splice loss versus transverse offset technique that was used in conjunction with a modal splice loss model to determine the mode power distribution produced in multi-mode graded index fibers by a variety of optical sources (lasers and LED's). A knowledge of the modal power distributions produced in optical fibers by optical sources is needed to determine important parameters such as information transmission capacity, splice loss and transient loss in a multimode fiber system.