A precise technique for measurement of optical-fiber hole concentricity in the ferrule of an optical connector
A precise optical method was developed for measuring the concentricity of a longitudinal hole in a cylinder relative to the outer cylindrical surface. The work was done to provide improved accuracy over existing methods for measuring the concentricity ofan optical fiber relative to the outer ferrule diameter in an optical connector. Fiber concentricity is very important for reliable coupling of high optical power densities from one connectorized fiber cable to another. The technique involves the use of a laser interferometer to measure the passage of the ferrule into and out of a light beam whose attenuated energy is measured simultaneously to high precision. Combined measurements of the passage of a precisely fit pin or fiber in the ferrule hole through the light beam allow the concentricity of the fiber hole to be measured relative to the outer ferrule diameter. Repeatability measurements were made under different experimental arrangements, with both a collimated light beam and a slightly convergent light beam. Depending on the particular arrangement, the standard deviation for concentricity measurement in a given plane of the ferrule ranged from 2.37 microinches to 4.19 microinches.
- Research Organization:
- Allied Signal, Inc., Kansas City, MO (United States). Federal Mfg. and Technologies
- Sponsoring Organization:
- USDOE, Washington, DC (United States)
- DOE Contract Number:
- AC04-76DP00613
- OSTI ID:
- 435302
- Report Number(s):
- KCP-613-5710; ON: DE97051082
- Resource Relation:
- Other Information: PBD: Dec 1996
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
Similar Records
Optical fiber connector ferrule assembly having dual reflective surfaces for beam expansion and expanded beam connector incorporating same
Fabrication and analysis of a special optical connector containing a 1/4-inch-long optical fiber for DOI tests