Results of experimental research of connector ferrule end-face contamination impact on degradation of fiber optic connection parameters

摘要

This work presents research results of fiber optic connector ferrule end-face contamination impact on degradation of key parameters - insertion loss and reflection. We tested four sets of couples of fiber optic connections performed for FC/PC connectors of the same type optical fibers - singlemode (SM-SM) and multimode (MM-MM) - as well as for differing optical fiber types - SM-MM and MM-SM. Contamination assessment degree over the connector ferrule end-face was estimated by using video probe kit containing video microscope and software which provides ferrule end-face quality inspection "PASS/FAIL" according to ratified standard IEC 61300-3-35. The IEC 61300-3-35 standard is a global common set of quality requirements for the surface of ferrule fiber optic connectors. This standard defines 3 zones of ferrule end-face: "A" - core zone; "B" - cladding zone; "C" - ferrule zone. Results of direct research of fiber optic connector ferrule end face contamination impact on the insertion loss and reflection are represented.