Technical data
1-5
General Information
Cleaning Optical Connectors
Inspecting Fiber-Optic Cables
Consistent measurements with your lightwave equipment are a good indication that you have
good connections. However, you may wish to know the insertion loss and/or return loss of your
lightwave cables or accessories. If you test your cables and accessories for insertion loss and
return loss upon receipt, and retain the measured data for comparison, you will be able to tell in
the future if any degradation has occurred.
Connector (or insertion) loss is one important performance characteristic of a lightwave connec-
tor. Typical values are less than 0.5 dB of loss, and sometimes as little as 0.1 dB of loss with high
performance connectors. Return loss is another important factor. It is a measure of reflection: the
less reflection the better (the larger the return loss, the smaller the reflection). The best physically
contacting connectors have return losses better than 50 dB, although 30 to 40 dB is more com-
mon.
Table 1-2. Cleaning Accessories
Item Agilent Part Number
Pure isopropyl alcohol —
Cotton swabs 8520-0023
Small foam swabs 9300-1223
Compressed dust remover (non-residue) 8500-5262
Table 1-3. Dust Caps Provided with Lightwave Instruments
Item Agilent Part Number
Laser shutter cap 08145-64521
FC/PC dust cap 08154-44102
Biconic dust cap 08154-44105
DIN dust cap 5040-9364
HMS10/HP dust cap 5040-9361
ST dust cap 5040-9366
Visual inspection of fiber ends
Although it is not necessary, visual inspection of fiber ends can be helpful. Con-
tamination or imperfections on the cable end face can be detected as well as
cracks or chips in the fiber itself. Use a microscope (100X to 200X magnifica-
tion) to inspect the entire end face for contamination, raised metal, or dents in
the metal as well as any other imperfections. Inspect the fiber for cracks and
chips. Visible imperfections not touching the fiber core may not affect perfor-
mance (unless the imperfections keep the fibers from contacting).