Fiber Optic System Reflection Noise

Joyce Kilmer; B. A. Mortimer

doi:10.1117/12.963451

23 January 1990 Fiber Optic System Reflection Noise

Joyce Kilmer, B. A. Mortimer

Proceedings Volume 1180, Tests, Measurements, and Characterization of Electro-Optic Devices and Systems; (1990) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.963451
Event: OE/FIBERS '89, 1989, Boston, United States

Abstract

As fiber optic transmission technology matures, its development interestingly tracks that of the millimeter and microwave technology of 30 to 40 years ago. Since return loss and multipath interference were found to be of concern in those systems, it is not surprising to learn that reflections present in fiber optic spans can cause similar problems in the single-mode fiber optic transmission systems of today. Analogous to the return loss issue, a single reflection point can reflect light back into the transmitter and disrupt the laser source's spectrum. Multiple reflection points meanwhile, can cause delayed signals that interfere with the transmitted signal, much like the interference caused by multiple signal paths. This interference appears as noise at the receiver, and we will refer to it as multiple-reflection noise (MRN). Several systems have been investigated for sensitivities to reflection induced noise. The results of these system measurements are summarized and the various system dependencies are categorized. By placing reflectance requirements on the individual components placed in the fiber optic transmission span and requiring system performance to have a tolerance to specified reflectance levels, the effects of reflection noise on fiber optic transmission systems can be minimized.

Citation Download Citation

Joyce Kilmer and B. A. Mortimer "Fiber Optic System Reflection Noise", Proc. SPIE 1180, Tests, Measurements, and Characterization of Electro-Optic Devices and Systems, (23 January 1990); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.963451

ACCESS THE FULL ARTICLE

INSTITUTIONAL
Select your institution to access the SPIE Digital Library.

SELECT YOUR INSTITUTION

PERSONAL
Sign in with your SPIE account to access your personal subscriptions or to use specific features such as save to my library, sign up for alerts, save searches, etc.

PERSONAL SIGN IN

No SPIE Account? Create one

PURCHASE THIS CONTENT

SUBSCRIBE TO DIGITAL LIBRARY

50 downloads per 1-year subscription

Members: $195

Non-members: $335 ADD TO CART

25 downloads per 1 - year subscription

Members: $145

Non-members: $250 ADD TO CART

PURCHASE SINGLE ARTICLE

Includes PDF, HTML & Video, when available