Joining Optical Fibres

Question 1

What are the two methods for joining optical fibre cables?

Answer 1

Mechanically Spliced

Fusion Spliced

Question 2

Which method would be classed as not permanent?

Answer 2

Mechanically Spliced

Question 3

State five possible causes of loss when joining optical fibre cabling?

Answer 3

• Core Diameter Mismatch
• Angular Mismatch
• Lateral Misalignment
• End Face Separation
• Numerical Aperture Mismatch
• Concentricity or Ellipticity Issues
• Dirty End Face Criteria
• Incorrect Coupler

Question 4

Is it possible for multimode and single connectors to use the same type of coupler when joining fibres?

Answer 4

No

It is ok to use single mode adapters to connect multimode cables, but you should not use multimode adapters to connect single mode cables. This can cause misalignment of the small single mode fibres and loss of signal strength (attenuation).

Question 5

Define the term “Return loss”?

Answer 5

Return loss is the amount of light reflected from a single discontinuity in an optical fibre link such as a connector pair.

Question 6

What is the maximum attenuation limit for a Splice?

Answer 6

0.3dB