Evaluating the reliability of optical connectors

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Evaluating the reliability of optical connectors 2 The Telcordia standards that require simultaneously measuring optical characteristics of multiple specimens are mainly concerned with passive optical components. In this report the term "passive optical components" refers to such items as fiber, connectors, switches, couplers, attenuators, and all types of filters. Table 1 shows reliability tests for typical optical components. 3 Test standards for passive optical components Table 1 Telcordia test standards Standard Title GR-326-CORE Generic Requirements for Single-Mode Optical Connectors and Jumper Assemblies GR-1209-CORE Generic Requirements for Passive Optical Components GR-1221-CORE Generic Reliability Assurance Requirements for Passive Optical Components Structure of optical connectors and factors affecting their reliability Optical connectors are used to connect optical fiber. Photo 1 shows some typical connectors. Fig.2 shows the composition of the optical connectors used in these tests. The fiber is inserted into the housing, which is called a zirconia ferrule, and the fiber is held in place with a hardening epoxy adhesive. The adhesive used for the connectors is Epo-Tek353ND (Epoxy Technology, Inc.). The degradation of this adhesive is a crucial element leading to the loss of the reliability of the optical connectors. A major factor producing degradation is the absorption of humidity, which causes degradation to occur over time. 1~5) Photo 1 Optical connectors The High Temperature Storage Test (Damp Heat) is used to evaluate humidity-induced degradation. As Fig.2 shows, adhesive degradation resulted in pistoning changes to the ferrule tip on the end of the optical connectors. A significant amount of pistoning causes such problems as an increase in air layers and an increase in leakage of insertion light. These problems result in an increase in optical loss. The Temperature Cycling Test was also run to evaluate the progression of cracking caused by micro-cracks in the fiber. - 2 - Espec Technology Report No20
Evaluating the reliability of optical connectors Fig.2 Structure of optical connectors and factors affecting their reliability 4 Environmental test system for optical components An environmental test system for optical components was developed to be used in this research for testing the reliability of passive optical components. Photo 2 shows the system, and Fig.3 shows a block diagram of the system. This measurement system selects the light source wavelength using an optical switch selector, and is capable of measuring a maximum of 170 channels simultaneously for multiple specimens during environmental testing. This capability puts the system in conformance to the requirements of the Telcordia standards. The system is capable of measuring insertion loss, *4 return loss, *5 and PDL (Polarization Dependent Loss). *6 Photo 2 Environmental Test System - 3 - Espec Technology Report No20
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Evaluating the reliability of optical connectors

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