Two methods for measuring optical return loss of optical devices in laser propagation system

Qiang Sun; Ji-song Yan; Zhi-hui Zhang

doi:10.1117/12.2033060

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21 August 2013 Two methods for measuring optical return loss of optical devices in laser propagation system

Qiang Sun, Ji-song Yan, Zhi-hui Zhang

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Proceedings Volume 8906, International Symposium on Photoelectronic Detection and Imaging 2013: Laser Communication Technologies and Systems; 890611 (2013) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.2033060
Event: ISPDI 2013 - Fifth International Symposium on Photoelectronic Detection and Imaging, 2013, Beijing, China

Abstract

In order to ensure the reliable performance of a high-speed optical fiber communication system, it is vital that all optical components are characterized, such as connectors, couplers, switches and detectors. Among the component characteristics, backreflection in the laser propagation system will cause high bit error rate resulting from multipath interference, degrade optical signal-to-noise ratio (OSNR) and induce transmitter instability. The measurement of optical return loss (ORL), which quantifies this backreflection characteristic, is necessary. Optical continuous wave reflectometer (OCWR) and optical reflection discrimination (ORD) are widely used to measure ORL of optical devices in laser propagation system. These two techniques have different application effect, so to select suited technique to measure ORL is very important. This paper will describe their measurement principle and application issue of these two techniques. By comparison, it can be found that OCWR technique has the advantage of measurement accuracy, but ORD technique has the advantage of simplicity of implementation due to no mandrel wrap and increased dynamic range. As for the laser propagation system, ORL of entire optical link should be measured using OCWR technique to ensure good status; otherwise, ORL of individual optical device should be measured quickly using ORD technique. Conclusions of this paper can be guidance for selecting proper optical return loss meter in the laser propagation system.

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Qiang Sun, Ji-song Yan, and Zhi-hui Zhang "Two methods for measuring optical return loss of optical devices in laser propagation system", Proc. SPIE 8906, International Symposium on Photoelectronic Detection and Imaging 2013: Laser Communication Technologies and Systems, 890611 (21 August 2013); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.2033060

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