Experiment Study and characterization of a gradient-index optical fiber

A study of the characteristics of fibers allowing for training in their handling and discovering original measurement techniques.

Topics covered:
- Adjustment and optimization of injection, loss measurement
- Determination of numerical aperture, sheath index calculation
- Experimental determination of the core index profile, parabolic profile of a gradient index fiber
- Measurement of core diameter, calculation of normalized frequency, number of modes in the fiber, cutoff wavelength
- Observation of behavior in polarized light, depolarization by a fiber

Principles and objectives:
The purpose of the proposed practical work is to study various characteristics of an optical fiber without the need for high-performance and expensive instruments (such as a spectrum analyzer or reflectometer).
This practical work is particularly well-suited for initiating a training program and introducing students to handling and precautions to be taken during measurements on an optical fiber.
In addition to the "classic" techniques used on fibers, this practical work also proposes two original methods for measuring the index profile and core diameter of the fiber.

This product was developed in collaboration with LPro Telecom and the XLIM Institute in Limoges

Composition:
▪ 1 prismatic bench of 2m with adjustable feet set (ref.202233)
▪ 3 standard prismatic riders (ref. 202234)
▪ 1 prismatic rider with longitudinal and vertical adjustment (ref.202512)
▪ 1 prismatic rider with precision transversal adjustment and micrometric vernier (ref.203470)
▪ 1 prismatic rider with transversal and vertical adjustment (ref.202511)
▪ 1 prismatic rider with longitudinal adjustment (ref.202509)
▪ 1 source 12V/75W with condenser and power supply (ref.201051+202909)
▪ 1 white and gridded metal screen 200x200 mm (ref.202368)
▪ 1 green laser diode 532nm - 3mW with power supply (ref.205166)
▪ 2 polarizers in graduated mount (ref.202374)
▪ 1 2-axis object micrometer (ref.202988) with associated mount
▪ 3 precision microscope objectives (1 X10 and 2 X20) with objective holder on rod (ref.571430+202598)
▪ 1 multimode graded-index optical fiber (ref.204802) with adapted mount
▪ 1 rod offset (ref.202458)
▪ 1 Laser power meter with rod support (ref.295969+204612)
▪ 2 laser safety glasses (ref.202630)
▪ 1 set of experiment instructions