Optical Time domain Reflectometry

Abstract

<p>This report is a theoretical and experimental study of optical time domain reflectometry techniques as applied to fiber optic systems. It predicts system performance for measurements of fiber breaks and discontinuities, fiber attenuation, and fiber dispersion. Two systems are shown to be needed for the two common types of future fiber systems. For single mode fibers at 1300 nm, an ultra short (<100 psec) light pulse is needed for a system which could check for breaks and measure dispersion. For graded index fibers at 900 nm, a sensitive system using a 1 nsec pulse and amplifiers could be built to measure fiber attenuation properties using Rayleigh backscattering as well as for break detection and dispersion measurements. An ultra fast light source was constructed and used in an experimental optical time domain reflectometer system which is described. Recommendation as to components to use in the system are given.</p>