Low-cost microinterferometric tomography system for 3D refraction index distribution measurements in the optical fiber splices

摘要

Nowadays development of optical networks causes significant grow of interest in reliable fiber connections. Although fiber splicing techniques are well known, the assessment of a joint quality still bases on the simple image processing estimation. In advanced applications such solution is not sufficient and more trustworthy method is needed. One of the promising techniques of reliable measurements is microinterferometric tomography which allows determination of three-dimensional refractive index distributions in phase isotropic microelements. Measurement bases on interferometric scan of the tested element. Contrary to the classical testing methods based on attenuation tests microinterferometric tomography analyses an inspected fiber with the beam passing perpendicularly to the fiber axis. Tomographic scans taken for numerous, well defined angular positions and further calculations result 3D map of the area with clearly seen splice zone.