6
User ManUal
effeCt on sIGnal PerforManCe
Dirt is everywhere,
and a typical dust particle (2–15 μm in diameter) can significantly affect signal performance
and cause permanent damage to the fiber end face. Most field test failures can be attributed to dirty connectors,
and most of them are not inspected until the problem is detected,
after
permanent damage has already occurred.
When dirt particles get on the core surface, light becomes blocked, creating unacceptable
insertion loss
and
back-reflection
. Furthermore, these contamination particles can permanently damage the glass interface by
digging into the glass and leaving pits when mated, causing further signal loss. Damage also occurs when large
particles of dirt on the cladding layer and/or the ferrule cause barriers that prevent physical contact, creating air
gaps between the fiber connection. These large particles are also known to break apart and migrate across the
fiber surface when mated.
Light Transmitted
Insertion Loss
DIRTY CONNECTION
Core
Cladding
Back Reflection
Dirty Connection and
Its Effect on Signal
Performance
