Micro crack analysis of optical fiber by specialized TD-OCT

• Published in: Optics and laser technology Vol. 116; pp. 22 - 25
• Main Authors: Tanaka, Masayuki, Shiina, Tatsuo
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Kidlington Elsevier Ltd 01-08-2019; Elsevier BV
• Subjects: Absolute value; Cables; Micro crack; Optical connectors; Optical fiber; Optical fibers; Reflection value; Time domain OCT; Reflection value; Micro crack; Time domain OCT; Absolute value; Optical fiber
• ISSN: 0030-3992; 1879-2545
• DOI: 10.1016/j.optlastec.2019.02.057

•We have developed the specialized TD-OCT systems with the rotation mechanism for reference paths scanning.•It is now possible to conduct the absolute measurement within the error of ±3 dB and the return loss range of −10 to −100 dB.•This system can detect the existence of the hidden fiber micro crack.•Return Loss on the surface of the optical fiber is the sum of the Fresnel reflection and the scattered light.•Measurement value is matched with the theoretical value until the degree of the surface angle θb < 8°.
We have developed a method to evaluate absolute value of return loss from crack on an optical fiber in an optical connector by using the specialized TD-OCT. The absolute measurement of the return loss could be accomplished in the range of −10 to −100 dB with an error of ±3 dB. As a result, the micro crack of the optical fiber could be evaluated quantitatively. Furthermore, the state of the micro crack, which could not be detected in the past, was able to be analyzed without taking the product apart. If the value of the return loss and the elapsed time from its manufacturing are known, the angle of micro crack of the optical fiber and presence or absence of the gap between the fracture endfaces can be estimated.