Abstract

In the past the MAC value, which is the quotient of the mode-field diameter (MFD) and the cutoff wavelength, has been used for the characterization of the macrobending sensitivity of single-mode fibers.¹ A rigorous application of Petermann’s coupled-mode theory² showed that even microbending sensitivity can be characterized by the MAC value.³ As for macrobends, the microbending loss increases with increasing MAC value. Experimentally, the microbending sensitivity of fibers can be tested by the wire-mesh test. The test apparatus consists of two metal blocks. The bottom block is covered by a vulcanized rubber, and the wire mesh is fixed by an adhesive to the top block. The fiber is arranged in a circle between the two blocks. Spectral scan measurements are made as the weight on the top block is varied.

© 1994 Optical Society of America