Abstract

Spectral loss measurement by a cut-back technique and optical time-domain reflectometry (OTDR) are the most commonly used characterization techniques of optical fibers. The spectral loss is suitable for analyzing the loss mechanism of a fiber and often used to find a cutoff wavelength for single-mode fiber. The OTDR technique is featured by its handy operation at the near-end of the fiber and location of the fiber nonuniformity. If the two functions are combined as variable wavelength (VW)-OTDR, a wide range of analysis of the fiber becomes possible in a field such as measuring an installed fiber cable. This paper reports newly developed VW-OTDR using a combination of a compact laser diode-pumped solid- state laser and a single-mode fiber for the stimulated Raman effects of a single-mode fiber.

© 1992 Optical Society of America