Comparative measurement of Rayleigh scattering in single-mode optical fibers based on an OTDR technique

摘要

A new technique for comparing the Rayleigh scattering coefficients of single-mode step index fibers is described and its theoretical limitations are discussed. The validity of the technique is proven using telecommunications-grade fibers. Of particular interest is the variation of scatter found with increasing core index. In addition, the influence of small ( <0.1 percent) quantities of rare-earth dopant ions on the fiber scatter losses is analyzed for the first time.