Multimode Optical Coupler Characterization

James W. Suggs; James E. Matthews III; Michael J. Hackert

doi:10.1117/12.963286

5 February 1990 Multimode Optical Coupler Characterization

James W. Suggs, James E. Matthews III, Michael J. Hackert

Proceedings Volume 1176, Components for Fiber Optic Applications IV; (1990) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.963286
Event: OE/FIBERS '89, 1989, Boston, United States

Abstract

Many assumptions have been made over the years about the correct launch conditions for measuring multimode components. These conditions are usually associated with the type of source used in an optical link, such as an LED or laser. Conventional thinking has been to assume that an LED would angularly and spatially overfill a fiber with light, and by inference, those were the appropriate launch conditions. Similarly, when using a laser source, a more restrictive launch condition has been advocated. Experimental data, investigated during the development of the FDDI standard, has already been reported showing that significant errors can result from these assumptions. The effects of launch conditions on system power budgeting for short optical links with switches, connectors and fiber cables were analyzed. Recent work at Corning has demonstrated that this same situation exists for passive optical fiber couplers. The data below show that errors in link power budgeting can occur when overfilled launch conditions are used to measure optical coupler insertion loss. As was shown previously for other types of passive devices, restricted launch conditions should be utilized with optical couplers to better represent the performance of a device in a real system. Additionally, depending upon the degree of modal restriction in a system, coupler testing shows significant modal sensitivity in parameters such as splitting ratio for optical devices fabricated by some processes and less for other processes. This study examines the behavior of two types of optical coupling devices: fused-biconic taper couplers and ion exchange planar couplers.

Citation Download Citation

James W. Suggs, James E. Matthews III, and Michael J. Hackert "Multimode Optical Coupler Characterization", Proc. SPIE 1176, Components for Fiber Optic Applications IV, (5 February 1990); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.963286

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