You are on page 1of 55

Fiber Optic Terms and Definitions

A
Absorption
The portion of optical attenuation in optical fiber resulting from the conversion of optical power
to heat. Caused by impurities in the fiber such as hydroxyl ions. Due to impurities inherent to the
fiber's manufacture and internal molecular structure, a small percentage of the signal strength is
absorbed and released as heat within the optical fiber. Hydroxyl ions are known as one the main
contributors of this effect.
Abrasive
course grinding material used to figure, shape, or finish optical elements. These materials can
be silicon carbide, aluminum oxide, silica, cerium oxide, emery or rouge. brasives differ from
polishing materials mainly in particle si!e and are often referred to as a measured "grit". #ee
$olishing
Active Device
device that re%uires a source of energy for its operation and has an output that is a function of
present and past input signals. &xamples include controlled power supplies, transistors, '&Ds,
amplifiers, and transmitters. Commonly used in fiber optics to refer to the transmitter(transceiver
and(or detector of the optical network, these devices can be known as either electro)optical or
opto)electrical devices and consist of laser or '&D diode transmitters, amplifiers, $D
*avalanche photodiode+ or $,- *positive intrinsic negative+ diode detectors. These devices are
responsible for converting both analog and digital signals to and from optical pulses transported
over the optical fiber network.
Acceptance Angle
The angle at which the core of an optical fiber accepts incoming light. usually measured from the
fiber axis. 'ight entering at an angle greater than the acceptance angle will be reflected away.
/elated to numerical aperture *-+.
Adapter
n adapter is a mechanical fixture designed to interlock fiber)optic connectors. The adapter
contains a split sleeve, also known as the interconnect sleeve, that holds the mated connector
ferrule endfaces together and in proper alignment. Depending upon the level of alignment
accuracy re%uired, this sleeve can be made of a polymer, phosphor bron!e, stainless steel or
ceramic materials.
Add-drop multiplexer
device that drops and(or adds one or more optical channels to a signal. dd(drop multiplexers
can be manufactured using gratings burned into the core of an optical fiber using masks and 01
light, a splitter(coupler having two types of wavelength)specific fibers twisted into them or on a
planar waveguide grating manufactured on photonic bandgap type materials.
All-Dielectric Cable
cable made entirely of non)metallic components. 2ptical cable assemblies that are considered
all)dielectric utili!e fiberglass strength members, polymer optical fiber containments, water)
blocking element*s+ *either in the form of a viscous gel or dry tape+, aramid yarn*s+, and an
environment)suitable casing.
All Silica Fiber
lso known as all)glass fiber. fiber with both a silica core and a silica cladding, regardless of
the presence of a polymer overcoat or buffer.
Analog
signal that varies continuously *e.g., sound waves+. nalog signals rely upon clarity of the
signal based upon wavelength, amplitude and fre%uency and are commonly measured in hert!.
Angle of Incidence
The angle at which a light ray either reflects or refracts at an optical surface, in reference to an
assumed perpendicular line, called the "normal", n example of this would be a light ray striking
the optical surface at 34 degrees to the "normal" would refract through the optical element.
light ray less than 34 degrees to the plane of the optic would reflect off of the optical surface.
Amplifier
device, inserted within a transmission path, that boosts the strength of an electronic or optical
signal. mplifiers may be placed 5ust after the transmitter *power booster+, at a distance between
the transmitter and the receiver *in)line amplifier+, or 5ust before the receiver *preamplifier+.
#emi)conductor optical amplifiers *#2s+, doped fiber amplifiers *D6s+ such as erbium doped
fiber amplifiers *&D6s+ or erbium doped waveguide amplifiers *&D7s+ are examples of
optical amplifiers.
Amplified Spontaneous Emission (ASE
background noise mechanism common to all types of erbium)doped fiber amplifiers *&D6s+.
,t contributes to the noise figure of the &D6 which causes loss of signal)to)noise ratio *#-/+.
Angular !isalignment
ttenuation created 'oss at a connector due to the ferrule and(or fiber end face angles being
misaligned. Can be caused by damaged alignment interconnect sleeves, contamination or mis)
polishing. #ee &xtrinsic 'oss
A"C (Angled "#$sical Contact
bbreviation for angled physical contact. style of fiber optic connector with a 48)948 angle on
the connector tip for the minimum possible backreflection.
A% Coating
ntireflection coating. thin, dielectric or metallic film applied to an optical surface to reduce
its reflectance and thereby increase its transmittance.
Armor
protective layer, usually metal, wrapped around a cable.
flexible, interlocking spiral wrap of corrosion resistant metal, used to protect the cable's
interior fiber components in harsh environmental installations. Common configurations include
aerial installations, which have the armor wrapped around the outside of the cable 5acket for
support, underground cable includes armor 5ust under the outer cable 5acket and undersea cables
where the armor is within the cable 5acket. rmored cables are generally used in direct buried
installations where sharp rocks can abrade the outer 5acket or in electrical tunnel or sewer
installations where the potential for rodent damage can occur. This type of cable is considered
conductive and must be grounded after installation per the -ational &lectrical Code *#ee -&C+
Attenuation
/eduction of signal magnitude, or loss, normally measured in decibels. 6iber attenuation is
normally measured per unit length in decibels per kilometer. The decrease in signal strength
along a fiber optic waveguide caused by absorption and scattering. ttenuation is usually
expressed in d:(km.
The reduction of the optical signal intensity over a length of optical fiber or components.
ttenuation *or "loss"+ is normally measured in two instances; 9+ 2ptical fiber distance, due to
absorption and scattering, and represented by decibels per kilometer *d:(km+ accumulative. <+
,ndividual component attenuation *in d: loss+ for splitters(couplers, 7D=s, connectors, both
mechanical and fusion splices, etc. *#ee Decibel+
Attenuation !eter
device used to measure power loss in fiber optic connectors, cables, or systems. Commonly
known as a "power meter", this device is used to measure power loss *in d:+ across fiber optic
connectors, cables or systems. *#ee Decibel+
Attenuator
passive device for reducing the amplitude *or attenuation+ of a signal without appreciably
distorting the waveform. n optical attenuator is commonly placed between two connectors or
between a transmitter or detector port and the mating connector. ttenuators can be fixed,
manually ad5ustable, or electrically ad5ustable using filters, gratings or separation of the optical
components.
Avalanc#e "#otodiode (A"D
semiconductor photodetector with integral detection and amplification stages, that exhibits
internal amplification of photocurrent through avalanche multiplication of carriers in the 5unction
region. &lectrons generated at a p(n 5unction are accelerated in a region where they free an
avalanche of other electrons. $Ds can detect faint signals but re%uire higher voltages than other
semiconductor electronics. $Ds are used as highly responsive detectors in both higher data)rate,
longer distant optical fiber networks as well as local fiber to the x *6TTx+ installations.
Average "o&er
The average level of power in a signal that varies with time. The averaged level of variance in
the power within a signal measured over time.
A'( (Arra$ed 'aveguide (rating
n array of curved planar waveguides that separates many optical channels *wavelengths+ at
once. lso called 7aveguide rray. device built with silicon planar lightwave circuits *$'C+
that allows multiple wavelengths to be combined and separated in a dense wavelength)division
multiplexing *D7D=+ system. 1arying wavelengths exit from an input fiber into the 7>
region an due to their differing angles reflect off of the grating and access optical fibers opposite
to the grating and within each fibers refractive angle of incidence.
)
)ac*scattering
#cattering of light in the direction opposite to that in which it was originally traveling. The return
of a portion of scattered light to the input end of a fiber. the scattering of light in the direction
opposite to its original propagation. lso known as "/ayleigh backscatter" are the result of
physical makeup *impurities, dopants+ and interruptions in the optical fiber including mechanical
and fusion)type splices, cleaved fiber ends, connectors, impurities included in the manufacture of
the optical fiber can all create backscatter. :ackscatter is relied upon by optical timed domain
interferometers *2TD/s+ to measure and chart)display the distance, attenuation and
backreflection of either the uninstalled optical fiber reel or installed network *and its
components+ by marking the time encountered, relating to the distance, based upon the
percentage of backscatter sensitivity inserted. The term was named after its discoverer, ?ohn
7illiam #trutt a.k.a.@rd :aron /ayleigh *or 'ord /ayleigh+. *#ee 2TD/+
)% ()ac*reflection
term applied to any physical inconsistency in the cable plant that causes a percentage of the
transmitted light to change directions in a fiber and return to the source. =easured in decibels
*d:+ as a form of attenuation, backreflection occurs most often at unterminated or cleaved fiber
ends, connectors and improperly installed mechanical splice interfaces where a glass)air
separation causes a reflection. low number in measured d:s across a reflective interface
indicates a high level of back)reflected light energy towards the source. Contrary to this, a high
measurement of backreflection d:s at a mechanical interface indicates a lower percentage of the
transmitted energy returning to the source. :ackreflection is considered damaging to laser light
sources used in single)mode fiber optic networks and some laser enhanced, high datarate
multimode networks. =ost 2TD/s now measure backreflection for individual components *i.e.
connectors and splices+ and the over)all network in optical return loss *2/'+. *#ee 2/', 2TD/+
)and&idt#
The highest fre%uency that can be transmitted by an analog system. :andwidth was commonly
used to represent highest fre%uency and information)carrying capacity over multiple wavelengths
in older analog telephone circuits. This bandwidth term transitioned when multimode optical
fiber, using '&D transmitters, began transmitting analog telephony signals over fiber. The term
"hert!" *H!+ is used as a measurement of system's bandwidth capacity and has continued its
usage in digital networks over legacy and the newer "laser)enhanced" multimode fibers *and was
discontinued for telephony when their systems began using single)mode fiber and laser
transmitters+. #ince multimode fiber has a larger optical core, this allows multiple modes to enter
and refract down the waveguide. &ach one of these multiple modes can easily be a wavelength
carrying digital *or analog+ data. measurement of both legacy and laser)enhanced multimode
optical fibers, known as &ffective =odal :andwidth *&=:+, is now performed as min&=:c
*minimum &=: calculation+ to determine their information carrying capacity limit for
dispersion over distance. This test determines the bandwidth limit for all multimode networks in
relation to distance in =H!Akm *=H! per km+. *#ee , :andwidth)limited 2peration, &=:,
Hert!, 1C#&'+ The range of fre%uencies within which a fiber optic waveguide or terminal
device can transmit data or information.
)and&idt#-limited Operation
term used to describe the data transport capacity limitations of a network. &xceeding the
bandwidth limits with increased data)rates beyond the network's capability, causes dropped bits
and over)lapping data over several pulses of the bandwidth, resulting in an increase in bit error
rate *:&/+. &xceeding the bandwidth distance limitations *in km+ can cause dispersion *pulse)
spreading+ and distortion of the optical signal transmitting over a fiber optic network, once again
causing bit error rates to rise. :andwidth)limited operation is used synonymously with
distortion)limited operation. &thernet data)rates are a good example of bandwidth)limited
operation over multimode optical networks *#ee :it)&rror /ate, Dispersion+
)aseband
method of communication in which an analog signal is transmitted at its original fre%uency
without being impressed on a carrier. &xamples of this would be a radio broadcast or cell phone
communications prior to raising their fre%uencies for transmission or in an analog to digital data
transmission, multiplexing or demultiplexing the data back to its original baseband analog signal.
The number of signal level transitions per second in digital data. ,n &thernet communications,
the term ":#&" is short for baseband and is used to indicate the level of data transport capacity
over either wire or optical fiber. 9B(9BB9BBB:#&)T and 9B>:#&)T are examples of baseband
datarates used in &thernet communications. The term is often confused with bits per second.
Telecommunications specialists prefer to use "bits)per)second" to provide an accurate
description.
)eamsplitter
n optical device that divides incident light into two separate beams. Two e%uilateral prisms,
mounted hypotenuse to hypotenuse, form a beamsplitter. ,ncident light entering one side of one
prism is first reflected through its ad5acent side and then refracted through the hypotenuse, and
out of the side of the mated prism. nother type of beamsplitter can be an optically flat glass
plate, made to minimally reflect by using a thin, semi)transparent, metallic)based film
*aluminum, silver or gold+. percentage of the incident light reflects off of the plate and a
percentage of the incident light passes through the plate. n optical device, such as a partially
reflecting mirror, that splits a beam of light into two or more beams. 0sed in fiber optics for
directional couplers.
)ending +oss
ttenuation caused by high)order modes radiating through the cladding from the outside of a
fiber optic waveguide when the minimum bend radius *in diameter+ for the optical fiber or
optical cable is exceeded. which occur when the fiber is bent around a small radius. Common
causes for this are known as macrobending and microbending. *#ee =acrobending,
=icrobending+
)end %adius
The minimum bend radius of the optical fiber(cable before excessive attenuation or fiber
breakage occurs. 0nder the set standards, fiber(cable bend radius is limited to twenty)times
*<BC+ the diameter for dynamic *installation+ and ten)times *9BC+ the diameter in static
*storage+.The smallest radius an optical fiber or fiber cable can bend before excessive attenuation
or breakage occurs.
)iconic Connector
2ne of the first optical connectors used in single)mode and later multimode markets, the biconic
was a threaded, non)keyed connector manufactured from either stainless steel or plastic. The
mating ferrule was manufactured in the shape of a truncated cone. The mating sleeve was
manufactured with opposed, corresponding cones to provide alignment of the two connectors.
ttenuation level repeatability issues and mated ferrule endface(fiber damage made this
connector obsolete. Type of fiber optic connector consisting of two cone)shaped ferrules aligned
by a mating sleeve.
)idirectional
2perating in both directions. :idirectional couplers split or combine light the same way when it
passes through them in either direction. ,n optical fiber, bidirectional transmission sends data
signals in both directions, over different wavelengths through the same fiber. 6or example, fiber
to the "x" *6TTx+ networks utili!e bi)directional data streams in the form of "upstream and
downstream" communications between the central office and the customer over different
wavelengths on the same fiber.
)irefringent
Having a refractive index that differs for light of different polari!ations The unplanned
separation of a single light path into two)separate light paths due to a transparent material's
imperfections. n example of this would be a viewing an image through a crystal of calcite. The
calcite shifts the image and creates two images, one offset slightly *birefringent+ from the other.
,n fiber optics, the fundamental mode has two orthogonal axis represented by the polari!ed
values of C and D set in a perpendicular field. Due to imperfections in the core's cylindrical
consistency *ovality, for example+ over distance, one of the transmitted signal's polari!ation axis
*C. for example+ slows down as its perpendicular axis *D+ speeds up. The C and D axis become
shifted and separate into two birefringent waves. The digital light pulsing the data becomes
distorted due to dispersion. *#ee $olari!ation =ode Dispersion+
)"O,
:roadband $assive 2ptical -etwork. common term used for all 6iber to the "C" networks
currently operating over single)mode optical fiber using a 9 by @< splitter to support @<
customers. Distances limited to <B kilometers. Data speeds limited to 9B(9BB(9BBB =:s
*=egabits per second+. #ignals multiplexed bidirectionally, utili!ing 9@9Bnm, 93EBnm and
944Bnm wavelengths for customer re%uest, video and digital returned services respectively. n
abbreviation for broadband on passive optical network.
)ragg (rating
6iber :ragg gratings *6:>s+ are a form of optical filter. :ased upon interferometric technology,
these filters are manufactured by altering the index of refraction in the form of a grating pattern
within the core of the optical fiber. This grating pattern allows certain multiplexed wavelengths
to pass through, while others will be blocked or reflected elsewhere. These grating patterns are
burned into the fiber's core with the use of high intensity 01 light through a grating mask placed
over the fiber. within the optical fiber's core. allowing some multiplexed wavelengths to pass
through, while reflecting others techni%ue for building optical filtering functions directly into a
piece of optical fiber based on interferometric techni%ues. 0sually this is accomplished by
making the fiber photosensitive and exposing the fiber to deep 01 light through a grating. This
forms regions of higher and lower refractive indices in the fiber core.
)ragg Scattering
#cattering of light caused by a change in refractive index, as used in Fiber Bragg Gratings and
Distributed Bragg Reflectors.
)rea* Out
To separate the individual fibers or buffer tubes of a fiber)optic cable for the purpose of splicing
or installing optical connectors.
)rea*out Cable
type of fiber optic cable containing several fibers, each with its own 5acket and all of them
surrounded by one common 5acket. :reakout cables are designed for convenient installation of
fiber optic connectors but tend to have high transmission losses due to bends in the fibers.
)roadband.
,n fiber optic applications, typically a range that will minimi!e loss variation over a wide range
of wavelengths.
)undle of Fibers
rigid or flexible group of fibers assembled in a unit. Coherent fiber bundles have fibers
arranged in the same way on each end and can transmit images.
)uffer
=aterial that is used to protect an optical fiber or cable from physical damage and to provide
mechanical isolation or protection. 6abrication techni%ues include both tight 5acket or loose tube
buffering, as well as multiple buffer layers.
)uffer Tubes
protective tubing used to protect exposed fiber. Commonly used in terminating multi)fiber
cable or "fan)out" situations. lso known as furcation tubing.
)urn In
The operation of a laser diode or other component prior to its use in its intended application, as a
means of testing and stabili!ing it.
)utt Splice
5oining of two fibers without optical connectors arranged end)to)end by means of a coupling.
6usion splicing is an example.
C
Cable
2ne or more optical fibers enclosed, with strength members, in a protective covering.
Cable Assembl$
cable that is connector terminated and ready for installation.
Cable "lant
The cable plant consists of all the optical elements including fiber, connectors, splices, etc.
between a transmitter and a receiver.
C-)and
7avelengths of about 94@B to 94F4 nm, where erbium)doped fiber amplifiers have their
strongest gain. -ormally erbium)fiber amplifiers operate in either C) or ')band. The wavelength
range between 94@B nm and 94F< nm used in some C7D= and D7D= applications.
Center 'avelengt#
,n a laser, the nominal value central operating wavelength. ,t is the wavelength defined by a peak
mode measurement where the effective optical power resides *see illustration+. ,n an '&D, the
average of the two wavelengths measured at the half amplitude points of the power spectrum.
Central Office
telephone company facility for switching signals among local telephone circuits. connects to
subscriber telephones. lso called a switching office.
Central !emeber
The center component of a cable that provides strength. Commonly referred to as "Central
#trength =ember."
C#annel
communications path or the signal sent over that path. Through multiplexing several channels,
voice channels can be transmitted over an optical channel.
C#annel Spacing
The amount of bandwidth allocated per channel. n example is D7D= components with
9BB>H! or <BB>H!.
C#irp
,n laser diodes, the shift of the laser's center wavelength during single pulse durations.
C#romatic Dispersion
7avelength)dependent pulse spreading in optical fibers, measured in pico seconds *of pulse
spreading+ per nanometer *of source bandwidth+ per kilometer *of fiber length+. ,t is the sum of
waveguide and material dispersion. /educed fiber bandwidth caused by different wavelengths of
light traveling at different speeds down the optical fiber. Chromatic dispersion occurs because
the speed at which an optical pulse travels depends on its wavelength, a property inherent to all
optical fiber. =ay be caused by material dispersion, waveguide dispersion, and profile
dispersion.
Circulator
$assive three)port devices that couple light from $ort 9 to < and $ort < to @ and have high
isolation in other directions.
Cladding
The layer of glass or other transparent material surrounding the light)carrying core of an optical
fiber. ,t has a lower refractive index than the core and thus confines light in the core. Coatings
may be applied over the cladding. =aterial that surrounds the core of an optical fiber. ,ts lower
index of refraction, compared to that of the core, causes the transmitted light to travel down the
core. This is glass or plastic, having a low refractive index, that surrounds the core of a fiber.
2ptical cladding promotes total internal reflection for the propagation of light in a fiber.
Cladding !ode
mode confined to the cladding. a light ray that propagates in the cladding.
Cleave
The process of separating an optical fiber by a controlled fracture of the glass, for the purpose of
obtaining a fiber end, which is flat, smooth, and perpendicular to the fiber axis.
Coarse 'avelengt#-Division !ultiplexing (C'D!
Transmitting signals at multiple wavelengths through the same fiber with wide spacing between
optical channels. Typical spacing is several nanometers or more. lso called wide wavelength
multiplexing. C7D= allows eight or fewer channels to be stacked in the 944B nm region of
optical fiber, the C):and.
Coating
n outer plastic layer applied over the cladding of a fiber for mechanical protection. The
material surrounding the cladding of a fiber. >enerally a soft plastic material that protects the
fiber from damage.
Co#erent )undle of Fibers
6ibers packaged together in a bundle so they retain a fixed arrangement at the two ends and can
transmit an image.
Co#erent Communications
,n fiber optics, a communication system where the output of local laser oscillator is mixed with
the received signal, and the difference fre%uency is detected and amplified.
Co#erence +engt#
That length over which energy in two separate waves remains constant. 7ith respect to a laser,
the greatest distance between two arms of an interferometric system for which suficient
interferometric effects can be obtained.
Collimation
9. The process of aligning the optical axes of optical systems to the reference mechanical axes or
surfaces of an instrument.
<. The ad5ustment of two or more optical axes with respect to each other.
Collimator
n optical instrument consisting of a well)corrected ob5ective lens with an illuminated slit or
reticle at its focal plane. Collimators are used in lens testing to determine focal lengths, and in
other metrological applications where a distant ob5ect at a known location is re%uired.
Composite Cable
cable containing both fiber and copper conductors. lso known as hybrid cable.
Concatenation
The process of connecting pieces of fiber together.
Connector
device mounted on the end of a fiber)optic cable, light source, receiver, or housing that mates
to a similar device to couple light into and out of optical fibers. connector 5oins two fiber ends,
or one fiber end and a light source or detector. mechanical or optical device that provides a
demountable connection between two fibers or a fiber and a source or detector.
Connector -ariation
The maximum value in d: of the difference in insertion loss between mating optical connectors
*e.g., with remating, temperature cycling, etc.+. lso called optical connector variation.
Concentricit$
The measurement of how well)centered the core is within the cladding.
Constructive Interference
ny interference that increases amplitude of the resultant signal. 6or example, when the wave
forms are in phase, they can create a resultant wave e%ual to the sum of multiple light waves.
Core
The central part of an optical fiber that carries light. The light)conducting portion of a fiber,
defined by its higher refraction index. The core is the center of a fiber, surrounded by concentric
cladding of lower refractive index.
Coupled !odes
,n fiber optics, a mode that shares energy among one or more other modes, all of which
propagate together. -ote; The distribution of energy among the coupled modes changes with
propagation distance.
Coupler
device that connectors three or more fiber ends, dividing one input between two or more
outputs or combining two or more inputs into one output.
Coupling
Transfer of light into or out of an optical fiber. *-ote that coupling does not re%uire a coupler+.
Coupling Efficienc$
The fraction of available output from a radiant source that is coupled and transmitted by an
optical fiber.
Critical Angle
The angle at which light in a high)refractive)index material undergoes total internal reflection. ,n
geometric optics, at a refractive boundary, the smallest angle of incidence at which total internal
reflection occurs.
Cross-connect
Connections between terminal blocks on the two sides of a distribution frame or between
terminals on a terminal block *also called straps+. lso called cross)connection or 5umper.
Crosstal* (.T+ ny phenomenon by which a signal transmitted on one channel of a
transmission system creates and undesired effect in another channel.
Cut-)ac* !easurements
=easurement of optical loss made by cutting a fiber to compare loss of a short segment with loss
of a longer one.
Cutbac* Tec#ni/ue
destructive techni%ue for determining certain optical fiber transmission characteristics, such as
attenuation and bandwidth, by *a+ performing the desired measurements on a long length of the
fiber under test, *b+ cutting the fiber under test at a point near the launching end, *c+ repeating the
measurements on the short length of fiber, and *d+ subtracting the results obtained on the short
length to determine the results for the residual long length.
Cutoff !ode
The highest order mode that will propagate in a given waveguide at a given fre%uency.
Cutoff 'avelengt#
The longest wavelength at which a single mode fiber can transmit two modes, or *e%uivalently+
the shortest wavelength at which a single mode fiber carries only one more.
C'
bbreviation for continuous wave. 0sually refers to the constant optical output from an optical
source when it is biased *i.e., turned on+ but not modulated with a signal.
C$cles per Second
The fre%uency of a wave, or number of oscillations it makes per seconds. 2ne cycle per second
e%uals one hert!.
D
Dar* Current
The noise current generated by a photodiode in the dark.
Dar* Fiber
2ptical fiber installed without transmitter and receiver, usually to provide expansion capacity.
#ome carries lease dark fibers to other companies that add e%uipment to transmit signals through
them.
Data %ate
The number of bits of information in a transmission system, expressed in bits per second *b(s or
bps+, and which may or may not be e%ual to the signal or baud rate.
d)m
Decibels relative to 9m7.
d)0
Decibels relative to 9 G7.
Decibel (d)
logarithmic comparison of power levels, defined as ten times the base)9B logarithm of the ratio
of the two power levels. 2ne)tenth of a bel.
Dela$ +ine
device used to delay transmission of a signal for functions such as memory loops, se%uential
processing or built)in testing. The delay can be achieved by coiling long lengths of coaxial cable
or optical fiber.
Demultiplexer
device that separates a multiplexed signal into its original components. the inverse of a
multiplexer.
Dense 'avelengt#-Division !ultiplexing (D'D!
Transmitting signals at multiple wavelengths through the same fiber with close spacing. Channel
spacing usually is <BB>H! or less in fre%uency units, corresponding to 9.Fnm in wavelength
units at 944Bnm. The transmission of many of closely spaced wavelengths in the 944B nm region
over a single optical fiber. 7avelength spacings are usually 9BB >H! or <BB >H! which
corresponds to B.H nm or 9.F nm. D7D= bands include the C):and, the #):and, and the ')
:and.
Destructive Interference
ny interference that decreases the desired signal. 6or example, two light waves that are e%ual in
amplitude and fre%uency, and out of phase by 9HB8, will negate one another.
Detector
device that generates an electrical signal when illuminated by light. The most common fiber)
optic detectors are photodiodes.
Diameter-mismatc# +oss
The loss of power at a 5oint that occurs when the transmitting fiber has a diameter greater than
the diameter of the receiving fiber. The loss occurs when coupling light from a source to fiber,
from fiber to fiber, or from fiber to detector.
Dielectric Filter
n optical fiber that selectively transmits one wavelength and reflects others based on
interference effects inside the structure. lso called interference filter.
Diffraction (rating
n array of fine, parallel, e%ually spaced reflecting or transmitting lines that mutually enhance
the effects of diffraction to concentrate the diffracted light in a few directions determined by the
spacing of the lines and by the wavelength of the light.
Diode
n electronic device that lets current flow in only one direction. #emiconductor diodes used in
fiber optics contain a 5unction between regions of different doping. They include light emitters
*'&Ds and laser diodes+ and detectors *photodiodes+.
Diode +aser
semiconductor diode that generates laser light. current flowing through the diode causes
electrons and holes to recombine at the 5unction layer between p) and n)doped regions,
producing excited states that can release energy in the form of light.
DI"
bbreviation for dual in)line package. n electronic package with a rectangular housing and a
row of pins along each of two opposite sides.
Diplexer
device that combines two or more types of signals into a single output. 0sually incorporates a
multiplexer at the transmit end and a demultiplexer at the receiver end.
Directional Coupler
coupler in which light is transmitted differently when it goes in different directions.
Dispersion
The stretching of light pulses as they travel in an optical fiber, which increases their duration.
The temporal spreading of a light signal in an optical waveguide caused by light signals traveling
at different speeds through a fiber either due to modal or chromatic effects.
Dispersion Compensation
2ffsetting the dispersion of one fiber by using different fibers or other components that have
dispersion of the opposite sign. 0sually done for chromatic dispersion. compensation for
polari!ation)mode dispersion is in development.
Dispersion-compensating Fiber (DCF
fiber that has the opposite dispersion of the fiber being used in a transmission system. ,t is
used to nullify the dispersion caused by that fiber.
Dispersion-compensating !odule (DC!
This module has the opposite dispersion of the fiber being used in a transmission system. ,t is
used to nullify the dispersion caused by that fiber. ,t can be either a spool of a special fiber or a
grating based module.
Dispersion-S#ifted Fiber (DSF
2ptical fiber with nominal wavelength of !ero chromatic dispersion shifted away from 9@9Bnm.
2ften used for !ero dispersion)shifted fiber, which has !ero chromatic dispersion at 944Bnm and
is not used in D7D= system.
Dispersion !anagement
techni%ue used in a fiber optic system design to cope with the dispersion introduced by the
optical fiber. dispersion slope compensator *illustrated+ is one dispersion management
techni%ue.
Dispersion "enalt$
The result of dispersion in which pulses and edges smear making it difficult for the receiver to
distinguish between ones and !eros. This results in a loss of receiver sensitivity compared to a
short fiber and measured in d:. The e%uations for calculating dispersion penalty are as follows;
Dispersion Slope
The change in dispersion with wavelength
Distributed )ragg %eflection
/eflection of light caused by periodic changes in refractive index in a stack of layers of different
composition or)e%uivalently)by a corrugation at the boundary between two semiconductor layers.
The period and the refractive index select one wavelength.
Distributed Feedbac* +aser (DF) +aser
diode laser with a corrugation in the electrically pumped part of the laser, which selects the
laser wavelength by reflecting that wavelength back into the active layer.
Distribution S$stem
$art of a cable system consisting of trunk and feeder cables used to carry signals from headend to
customer terminals.
Dominant !ode
The mode in an optical device spectrum with the most power.
Dopant
n impurity added to an optical medium to change its optical properties. &D6s use erbium as a
dopant for optical fiber.
Double-&indo& Fiber (Dual 'indo& Fiber
9+ =ultimode fibers optimi!ed for H4B nm and 9@BB nm operation.
<+ #ingle)mode fibers optimi!ed for 9@9B nm and 944B nm operation.
Doubl$ Clad Fiber
2ptical fiber that exhibits wide transmission bandwidth and low bending loss to reduction of
guided modes as a result of the high)refractive index external cladding and the tight confinement
within the core regions.
Dra&ing To&er
system for fabricating optical fiber, consisting of a furnace that heats the materials, a polymer
coating stage, a capstan)pulling apparatus that free)draws the preform into a fiber and a drum on
which the finished product is wound.
Drop
cable that delivers service to an individual customer.
Duplex
,n cables, one that contains two fibers. 6or connectors, one that connects two pairs of fibers. 6or
data transmission, full)duplex transmitters and receivers simultaneously send and receive signals
in both directions, but half)duplex cannot do both at the same time.
Duplex Cable
two)fiber cable suitable for duplex transmission.
Duplex Transmission
Transmission in both directions, either one direction at a time *half)duplex+ or both directions
simultaneously *full)duplex+.
E
E1222 Connector
The &<BBB('C)4 is like a 'C but with a shutter over the end of the fiber.
Edge-Emitting Diode (E+ED
n '&D that emits light from its edge, producing more directional output than '&Ds that emit
from their top surface.
Edge-Emitting +aser
semiconductor laser that emits light in the plane of its 5unction from the edge of the chip.
Effective Area
The area of a single)mode fiber that carries the light.
Ellipticit$
Describes the fact that the core or cladding may be elliptical rather than circular.
Electro-Absorption !odulator
semiconductor diode reverse)modulated so it modulates light passing through it.
Electromagnetic %adiation
7aves made up of oscillating electrical and magnetic fields perpendicular to one another and
traveling at the speed of light. Can also be viewed as photons or %uanta of energy.
&lectromagnetic radiation includes radio waves, microwaves, infrared, visible light, ultraviolet
radiation, C rays, and gamma rays.
Enclosure
cabinet used to organi!e and enclose cable terminations and splices for use within main
e%uipment rooms, entrance facilities, main or intermediate cross)connects and
telecommunications closets.
Endoscope
fiber)optic bundle used for imaging and viewing inside the human body.
End Face
Term often used to describe the end of a ferrule. The end face is finished or polished to have a
smooth end, which can minimi!e connector loss or backreflection. Typical polish types are $C,
0$C, and $C.
End finis#
The %uality of the end surface of a fiber prepared for splicing or terminated in a connector. 6or
an optical fiber, the optical %uality of the surface at the end of the fiber.
E3O
bbreviation for electrical)to)optical converter. device that converts electrical signals to
optical signals, such as a laser diode.
E/uilibrium !ode Distribution (E!D
The steady modal state of a multimode fiber in which the relative power distribution among
modes is independent of fiber length.
Erbium-Doped Fiber Amplifier (EDFA
2ptical fiber doped with the rare earth element erbium, which can amplify light at 94@B to
9F9Bnm when pumped by an external light source.
Et#ernet
local)area network standard. The original &thernet transmits 9B =bit(s. 2ther version are 6ast
&thernet at 9BB =bit(s, >igabit &thernet at 9>bit(s, and 9B >igabit &thernet. standard protocol
*,&&& HB<.@+ for a 9B)=b(s baseband local area network *'-+ bus using carrier sense multiple
access with collision detection *C#=(CD+ as the access method. &thernet is a standard for
using various transmission media, such as coaxial cables, unshielded twisted pairs, and optical
fibers.
Evanescent 'ave
>uided light waves that extend beyond the boundary of a fiber core into the cladding.
&vanescent waves can transfer energy between waveguides. 'ight guided in the inner part of an
optical fiber's cladding rather than in the core, i.e. the portion of the light wave in the core that
penetrates into the cladding.
Excess +oss
'oss of a passive coupler above that inherent in dividing light among the output ports. ,n a fiber
optic coupler, the optical loss from that portion of light that does not emerge from the nominal
operation ports of the device.
External !odulation
=odulation of output of a light source by an external device.
Extrinsic +oss
#plice losses arising from the splicing process itself.
Extinction %atio
The ratio of the low, or 266 optical power level *$'+ to the high, or 2- optical power level
*$H+.
Extinction %atio
The ratio of the power of a plane)polari!ed beam that is transmitted through a polari!er placed in
its path with its polari!ing axis parallel to the beam's plane, as compared with the transmitted
power when the polari!er's axis is perpendicular to the beam's plane.
F
Fabr$ "erot +aser
laser oscillator in which two mirrors are separated by an amplifying medium with an inverted
population, making a 6abry)$erot cavity. #tandard diode lasers are 6abry)$erot lasers.
Fall Time
lso called turn)off time. The time re%uired for the trailing edge of a pulse to fall from EBI to
9BI of its amplitude. the time re%uired for a component to produce such a result. Typically
measured between the EBI and 9BI points or alternately the HBI and <BI points.
Fast Axis
,n a birefringent material, the index of refraction varies with the direction of vibration of a
lightwave. That direction having a low refractive index is the fast axis. at right angles to it is the
slow axis, with a high index of refraction.
Farada$ Effect
phenomenon that causes some materials to rotate the polari!ation of light in the presence of a
magnetic field parallel to the direction of propagation. lso called magneto)optic effect.
Fan-Out
multi)fiber cable constructed in a tight buffered tube design. t a termination point, cable
fibers must be separated from the cable to their separate connection positions.
FC Connector
6C stands for 6ixed Connection. ,t is fixed by way of a threaded barrel housing. 6C connectors
are typical in test environments and for singlemode applications.
FC3"C
#ee 6C. threaded optical connector that uses a special curved polish on the connector for very
low backreflection. >ood for single)mode or multimode fiber.
Fre/uenc$-division !ultiplexing (FD!
method of deriving two or more simultaneous, continuous channels from a transmission
medium by assigning separate portions of the available fre%uency spectrum to each of the
individual channels.
Ferrule
tube within a connector with a central hole that contains and aligns a fiber.
Fiber Amplifier
n optical fiber doped to amplify light from an external source. The most important type is the
erbium)doped fiber amplifier.
Fiber )and&idt#
The lowest fre%uency at which the magnitude of the fiber transfer function decreases to a
specified fraction of the !ero fre%uency value. 2ften, the specified value is one)half the optical
power at !ero fre%uency.
Fiber )ragg (rating (F)(
n optical fiber in which the core refractive index varies periodically, causing :ragg scatting at
wavelengths selected by the period and refractive index. fiber :ragg grating reflects the
selected wavelength and transmits others.
Fiber Fuse
mechanism whereby the core of a single)mode fiber can be destroyed at high optical power
levels.
Fiber (rating
n optical fiber in which the refractive index of the core varies periodically along its length,
scattering light in a way similar to a diffraction grating, and transmitting or reflecting certain
wavelengths selectively.
Fiber Optic Attenuator
component installed in a fiber optic transmission system that reduces the power in the optical
signal. ,t is often used to limit the optical power received by the photodetector to within the
limits of the optical receiver.
Fiber-Optic ($roscope
coil of optical fiber that can detect rotation about its axis.
Fiber Optic Cable
cable containing one or more optical fibers.
Fiber Optic Communication S$stem
The transfer of modulated or unmodulated optical energy through optical fiber media which
terminates in the same or different media.
Fiber Optic +in*
transmitter, receiver, and cable assembly that can transmit information between two points.
Fiber Optic !odems
6iber optic modems are used in fiber optic networks for sending and receiving data.
Fiber Optic %ibbon
coherent optical fiber bundle in which the configuration is flat rather than round, giving an
output in a line.
Fiber Optic Sensor
ny device in which variations in the transmitted power or the rate of transmission of light in
optical fiber are the means of measurement or control. 6ibers can be used to measure
temperature, pressure, strain, voltage, current, li%uid level, rotation and particle velocity
Fiber Optic Span
n optical fiber(cable terminated at both ends which may include devices that add, subtract, or
attenuate optical signals.
Fiber Optic Subs$stem
functional entity with defined bounds and interfaces which is part of a system. ,t contains solid
state and(or other components and is specified as a subsystem for the purpose of trade and
commerce.
Fiberscope
n optical instrument consisting of an ob5ective lens, a coherent *usually flexible+ fiber bundle
and an eyepiece to examine the output of the fiber bundle.
Fiber to t#e Curb (FTTC
6iber optic service to a node that is connected by wires to several nearby homes, typically on a
block.
Fiber to t#e 4ome (FTT4
network in which optical fibers bring signals all the way to homes.
Fibre C#annel
standard for transmitting signals at 9BB =bit(s to 3.<4 >bit(s over fiber or *at slower speeds+
copper. n industry)standard specification that originated in >reat :ritain which details
computer channel communications over fiber optics at transmission speeds from 9@< =b(s to
9BF<.4 =b(s at distances of up to 9B kilometers.
Fiber Tracer
n instrument that couples visible light into the fiber to allow visual checking of continuity and
tracing for correct connections.
Fiber Identifier
device that clamps onto a fiber and couples light from the fiber by bending, to identify the
fiber and detect high speed traffic of an operating link or a < kH! tone in5ected by a test source.
Filter
device which transmits only part of the incident energy and may thereby change the spectral
distribution of energy.
Filled Cable
cable construction in which the cable core is filled with a gel material that will prevent
moisture from entering or passing through the cable.
FIT+
6iber in the loop. 6iber)in)the)loop *6,T'+; 6iber optic service to a node that is located in a
neighborhood.
Flooding Compound
substance surrounding the buffer tubes of a fiber)optic cable, to prevent water intrusion into
the interstices in the event of a breach of the 5acket.
Fluoride (lasses
=aterials that have the amorphous structure of glass but are made of fluoride compounds *e.g.,
!irconium fluoride + rather than oxide compounds *e.g., silica+. #uitable for very long
wavelength transmission. This material tends to be destroyed by water, limiting its use.
F! (Fre/uenc$ !odulation
method of transmission in which the carrier fre%uency varies in accordance with the signal.
FOT" (Fiber Optic Test "rocedure
#tandards developed and published by the &lectronic ,ndustries ssociation *&,+ under the
&,)/#)344 series of standards.
F'! - Four 'ave !ixing (F'!
nonlinearity common in D7D= systems where multiple wavelengths mix together to form
new wavelengths, called interfering products. ,nterfering products that fall on the original signal
wavelength become mixed with the signal, mudding the signal, and causing attenuation.
,nterfering products on either side of the original wavelength can be filtered out. 67= is most
prevalent near the !ero)dispersion wavelength and at close wavelength spacings.
F"
bbreviation for 6abry)$erot. >enerally refers to any device, such as a type of laser diode, that
uses mirrors in an internal cavity to produce multiple reflections.
Free-Space Optics
lso called free)space photonics. The transmission of modulated visible or infrared *,/+ beams
through the atmosphere via lasers, '&Ds, or ,/)emitting diodes *,/&Ds+ to obtain broadband
communications.
Fre/uenc$
The number of times an electromagnetic wave oscillates in a second, or the number of wave
peaks that pass a point in second. measured in hert!.
FD! - Fre/uenc$-Division !ultiplexing (FD!
Combining analog signals by assigning each a different carrier fre%uency and merging them in a
single signal with a broad range of fre%uencies
Fre/uenc$-s#ift 5e$ing (FS5
6re%uency modulation in which the modulating signal shifts the output fre%uency between
predetermined values. lso called fre%uency)shift modulation, fre%uency)shift signaling.
Fresnel %eflection +oss
/eflection losses at the ends of fibers caused by differences in the refractive index between glass
and air. The maximum reflection caused by a perpendicular air)glass interface is about 3I or
about )93 d:.
FTT)
6iber to the :uilding. This is in reference to fiber optic cable, carrying network data, connected
all the way from an ,nternet service provider to a customer's physical building.
FTTC
n abbreviation for fiber to the curb.
FTTD
n abbreviation for fiber to the desk.
FTT4
n abbreviation for fiber to the home.
FTT"
#tands for 6iber to the $remises.
FTTx
n abbreviation for '6iber to the x'. The 'x' is a variable which can mean fiber to the; premises,
curb, home, business, or desk, for example.
Full Duplex
,n data transmission, transmitters and receivers that simultaneously send and receive signals in
both directions.
Fundamental !ode
The lowest order mode of a waveguide. -ote; ,n optical fibers, the fundamental mode is
designated '$B9 or H&99.
Fused Fibers
bundle of fibers melted together so they maintain a fixed alignment with respect to each other
in a rigid rod.
Fused Coupler
method of making a multimode or single)mode coupler by wrapping fibers together, heating
them, and pulling them to form a central unified mass so that light on any input fiber is coupled
to all output fibers.
Fusion Splice
splice made by melting the tips of two fibers together so they form a solid 5unction.
Fusion Splicer
n instrument that permanently bonds two fibers together by heating and fusing them.
Furcation Tubing
protective tubing that protects exposed fiber. Commonly used in terminating multi)fiber cable
or "fan)out" situations. lso referred to as buffer tubing.
F6T
bbreviation for fiber under test. /efers to the fiber being measured by some type of test
e%uipment.
F'4!
bbreviation for full width half maximum. 0sed to describe the width of a spectral emission at
the 4BI amplitude points. lso known as 67H$ *full width half power+.
(
(allium Aluminum Arsenide ((aAlAs
semiconductor compound used in '&Ds, diode lasers, and certain detectors.
(allium Arsenide ((aAs
semiconductor compound used in '&Ds, diode lasers, detectors and electronic components.
(ap +oss
'oss resulting from the end separation of two axially aligned fibers.
(ap +oss Attenuator
n optical attenuator that exploits the principle of gap loss to reduce the optical power level
when inserted in)line in the fiber path. e.g., to prevent saturation of the receiver.
(aussian )eam
beam pattern used to approximate the distribution of energy in a fiber core. ,t can also be used
to describe emission patterns from surface)emitting '&Ds. =ost people would recogni!e it as the
bell curve *illustrated+.
()E
n abbreviation for >igabit &thernet. >igabit networking, or commonly called 9B)>igabit
&thernet *9B>:#&)T+, is a communications technology that offers data speeds up to 9B billion
bits per second.
(bit3s
>igabits *billion bits + per second
(e
bbreviation for germanium. >enerally used in detectors. >ood for most fiber optic wavelengths
*e.g., HBB)9FBB nm+. $erformance is inferior to ,n>as
(el
substance, resembling petroleum 5elly in viscosity, that surrounds a fiber, or multiple fibers,
enclosed in a loose buffer tube.
(47
bbreviation for gigahert!. 2ne billion Hert! *cycles per second+ or 9BE Hert!.
(raded-Index Fiber
fiber in which the refractive index changes gradually with distance from the fiber axis, rather
than abruptly at the core)cladding interface.
(raded-Index Fiber +ens
short segment of a graded)index fiber that focuses light passing through it.
(%I,
bbreviation for gradient index. >enerally refers to the #&'62C lens often used in fiber optics.
(roup Dela$
The rate of change of the total phase shift with respect to angular fre%uency, d (d , through a
device or transmission medium, where is the total phase shift, and is the angular fre%uency e%ual
to <f , where f is the fre%uency.
(roup Dela$ Time
The difference in travel time through a fiber for light of different wavelengths.
(roup Index
lso called group refractive index. ,n fiber optics, for a given mode propagating in a medium of
refractive index *n+, the group index *-+, is the velocity of light in a vacuum *c+, divided by the
group velocity of the mode.
(roup -elocit$
9+ The velocity of propagation of an envelope produced when an electromagnetic wave is
modulated by, or mixed with, other waves of different fre%uencies.
<+ 6or a particular mode, the reciprocal of the rate of change of the phase constant with respect to
angular fre%uency.
@+ The velocity of the modulated optical power.
4
4alf-Duplex
,n data transmission, a system in which transmitters and receivers cannot simultaneously send
and receive signals.
4ard-Clad Silica Fiber
fiber with a hard plastic cladding surrounding a step)index silica core. *2ther plastic)clad silica
fibers have a soft plastic cladding.+
4FC - 4$brid Fiber3Coax (4FC
The use of fiber to distribute cable)television signals to nodes, which in turn distribute them to
homes over coaxial cable.
4FC ,et&or*
telecommunication technology in which optical fiber and coaxial cable are used in different
sections of the network to carry broadband content. The network allows a CT1 company to
install fiber from the cable headend to serve nodes located close to business and homes, and then
from these fiber nodes, use coaxial cable to individual businesses and homes.
4ig# +oss Fiber
2ptical fiber in which the attenuation exceeds the normally acceptable level for long)haul or data
communications use.
4oc*e$ "uc*
polishing fixture used to facilitate the manual finishing of the endfaces of certain types of
optical fiber connectors.
4$brid Cable
9. fiber optic cable containing two or more different types of fiber, such as F<.4Gm multimode
and singlemode.
<. cable containing both optical fiber and copper wire. lso known as composite cable.
4$drogen +osses
,ncreases in fiber connector attenuation that occur when hydrogen diffuses into the glass matrix
and absorbs some light.
I
Index-!atc#ing (el (Index-!atc#ing Fluid
gel or fluid with refractive index close to glass that reduces refractive)index discontinuities
that can cause reflective losses.
Index !atc#ing !aterial
substance, usually a li%uid, cement *adhesive+, or gel, which has an index of refraction that
closely approximates that of an optical fiber, and is used to reduce 6resnel reflection at the fiber
endface.
Index of %efraction
The speed of light in a vacuum divided by the speed of light in a material, abbreviated n, which
measures how materials refract light.
Index "rofile
The refractive index of a fiber as a function of cross section.
Indium (allium Arsenide (In(aAs
semiconductor material used in lasers, '&Ds, and detectors.
Indium (allium Arsenide "#osp#ide (In(aAs"
semiconductor material used in lasers, '&Ds, and detectors.
Infrared (I%
'ight with wavelengths longer than JBBnm and shorter than about 9mm, invisible to the human
eye, which we can feel as heat. >lass optical fibers transmit infrared signals at JBB to about
9F4Bnm in the infrared.
Infrared Emitting Diodes
'&Ds that emit infrared energy *H@B nm or longer+.
Infrared Fiber
Collo%uially, optical fibers with best transmission at wavelengths of <Gm or longer, made of
materials other than silica glass.
In-line Amplifier
n &D6 or other type of amplifier placed in a transmission line to strengthen the attenuated
signal for transmission onto the next, distant site. ,n)line amplifiers are all)optical devices.
Integrated Optics
2ptical devices that perform two or more functions and are integrated on a single substrate.
analogous to integrated electronic circuits.
Intensit$
$ower per unit solid angle.
In"
,ndium $hosphide. semiconductor material used to make optical amplifiers and H:Ts.
Insertion +oss
The loss of power that results from inserting a component, such as a connector, coupler
*illustrated+, or splice, into a previously continuous path.
Inside "lant
Telecommunications facilities placed inside a building.
Integrated Detector3"reamplifier (ID"
detector package containing a $,- photodiode and transimpedance amplifier.
Intensit$
The s%uare of the electric field strength of an electromagnetic wave. ,ntensity is proportional to
irradiance and may get used in place of the term "irradiance" when only relative values are
important.
Intensit$ !odulation (I!
,n optical communications, a form of modulation in which the optical power output of a source
varies in accordance with some characteristic of the modulating signal.
Interc#annel Isolation
The ability to prevent undesired optical energy from appearing in one signal path as a result of
coupling from another signal path. lso called crosstalk.
Interference
6or light, the way that waves add together, depending on their phase. Constructive interference
occurs when the waves are in phase and their amplitudes add. Destructive interference occurs
when the waves are 9HB degree out of phase and their amplitudes cancel.
Interference Filter
n optical filter that selectively transmits one wavelength and reflects others based on
interference effects inside the structure. lso called dielectric filter.
Interferometer
n instrument that employs the interference of lightwaves to measure the accuracy of optical
surfaces. it can measure a length in terms of the length of a wave of light by using interference
phenomena based on the wave characteristics of light. ,nterferometers are used extensively for
testing optical elements during manufacture. Typical designs include the =ichelson, Twyman)
>reen and 6i!eau interferometers.
Interleaver
n optical device that separates a series of optical channels so alternating wavelengths emerge
out its two ports. The best known type is a =ach)Kehnder interferometer.
Intermodulation (!ixing
fiber nonlinearity mechanism caused by the power dependant refractive index of glass. Causes
signals to beat together and generate interfering components at different fre%uencies. 1ery
similar to four wave mixing.
International Telecommunications 6nion (IT6
civil international organi!ation, head%uartered in >eneva, #wit!erland, established to promote
standardi!ed telecommunications on a worldwide basis. The ,T0)/ and the ,T0)T are
committees under the ,T0, which is recogni!ed by the 0nited -ations as the speciali!ed agency
for telecommunications.
Intrinsic +osses
'oss due to inherent traits within the fiber. for example, absorption, scattering, and splice loss.
ISO
bbreviation for ,nternational #tandards 2rgani!ation. &stablished in 9E3J, ,#2 is a worldwide
federation of national standards committees from 93B countries. The organi!ation promotes the
development of standardi!ation throughout the world with a focus on facilitating the
international exchange of goods and services, and developing the cooperation of intellectual,
scientific, technological, and economical activities.
IS"
bbreviation for ,nternet service provider. company or organi!ation that provides ,nternet
connections to individuals or companies via dial)up, ,#D-, T9, or some other connection.
8
8ac*et
The outer, protective covering of the cable. lso called the cable sheath.
8umper Cable
short single fiber cable with connectors on both ends used for interconnecting other cables or
testing.
5
5evlar
very strong, very light, synthetic compound developed by Du$ont which is used to strengthen
optical cables.
*47
2ne thousand cycles per second.
*m
bbreviation for kilometer. 9 km L @,<HB feet or B.F< miles.
+
+ambertian Emitter
n emitter that radiates according to 'ambert's cosine law, which states that the radiance of
certain ideali!ed surfaces depends on the viewing angle of the surface. The radiant intensity of
such a surface is maximum normal to the surface and decreases in proportion to the cosine of the
angle from the normal. >iven by;
+arge-Core Fiber
0sually, a fiber with a core of <BBGm or more.
+arge Effective Area Fiber (+EAF
n optical fiber, developed by Corning, designed to have a large area in the core, which carries
the light.
+aser
6rom +ight Amplification by Stimulated Emission of %adiation, one of the wide range of
devices that generates light by that principle. 'aser light is directional, covers a narrow range of
wavelengths, and is more coherent than ordinary light. #emiconductor diode lasers are the usual
light sources in fiber optic systems.
+aser Diode (+D
semiconductor that emits coherent light when forward biased.
+ateral Displacement +oss (+ateral Offset +oss
The loss of power that results from lateral displacement of optimum alignment between two
fibers or between a fiber and an active device.
+aunc# Fiber (+aunc# cable
n optical fiber used to couple and condition light from an optical source into an optical fiber.
2ften the launch fiber is used to create an e%uilibrium mode distribution in multimode fiber. lso
called launching fiber.
+C Connector
'C stands for 'ucent Connector. The 'C is a small form)factor fiber optic connector.
+-)and
7avelengths of about 94JB to 9F<4nm where some erbium)doped fiber amplifiers operate.
#eparate from C):and.
+ea*$ !ode
,n an optical fiber, a mode having a field that decays monotonically for a finite distance in the
transverse direction but becomes oscillatory everywhere beyond that finite distance.
+-I Curve
The plot of optical output *'+ as a function of current *,+ which characteri!es an electrical)to)
optical converter. typical '), curve is shown at right.
+ig#t A%!O% Cable
fiber optic cable assembly with ruggedi!ed plastic 5acketing providing fiber protection for
semi)harsh environment, commercial, or industrial applications.
+ig#t Emitting Diode (+ED
semiconductor diode that emits incoherent light at the 5unction between p) and n)doped
materials.
+ig#tguide
n optical fiber or fiber bundle.
+ig#t&ave
n ad5ective, a synonym for optical, often *but not always+ meaning fiber)optic. The path of a
point on a wavefront. The direction of the lightwave is generally normal *perpendicular+ to the
wavefront.
+inearit$
The basic measurement of how well analog)to)digital and digital)to)analog conversions are
performed. To test for linearity, a mathematically perfect diagonal line is converted and then
compared to a copy of itself. The difference between the two lines is calculated to show linearity
of the system and is given as a percentage or range of least significant bits.
+ine&idt#
The rang of wavelengths in an optical signal, sometimes called spectral width.
+ip
defect in the cleaved end face of an optical fiber, in the form of a sharp protrusion at the edge
of the fiber.
+O!!F +aser Optimi7ed !ultimode Fiber
'2==6 is the highest capacity medium for 9B)gig optical transmission. '2==6 was
developed for use with 1C#&' lasers. 7ith laser optimi!ed multimode fiber no special
terminations or connectors are necessary.
+ong 'avelengt#
commonly used term for light in the 9@BB and 944B nm ranges.
+ongitudinal !odes
2scillation modes of a laser along the length of its cavity. &ach longitudinal mode contains only
a narrow range of wavelengths, so a laser emitting a single longitudinal mode has a narrow
bandwidth. Distinct from transverse modes.
+oose Tube
protective tube loosely surrounding a cabled fiber, often filled with gel. type of fiber optic
cable construction where the fiber is contained within a loose tube in the cable 5acket.
+oose Tube vs Tig#t )uffered
6iber optic cables are constructed in two ways; loose tube and tight buffered. :oth contain a type
of strengthening member, such as aramid yarn, stainless steel wire strands, or gel)filled sleeves.
&ach, however, is designed for very different environments.
+oss
ttenuation of optical signal, normally measured in decibels. The amount of a signal's power,
expressed in d:, that is lost in connectors, splices, or fiber defects.
+oss )udget
n accounting of overall attenuation in a system.
+S94
$rimarily used for indoor applications, 'ow #moke Kero Halogen *'#KH+ cable is designed to
reduce toxic emissions in event of fire.
!
!ac#-9e#nder Interferometer
n optical device that separates a series of optical channels so alternating wavelengths emerge
out its two ports, sometimes called an interleaver.
!acrobending
,n a fiber, all macroscopic deviations of the fiber's axis from a straight line, that will cause light
to leak out of the fiber, causing signal attenuation.
!andrel 'rapping
,n multimode fiber optics, a techni%ue used to modify the modal distribution of a propagating
optical signal.
!argin
llowance for attenuation in addition to that explicitly accounted for in a system design.
!ass Splicing
#plicing of many fibers in a cable.
!aterial Dispersion
$ulse dispersion caused by variation of a material's refractive index with wavelength.
!ec#anical Splice
splice in which fibers are 5oined mechanically *e.g., glued or crimped in place+ but not fused
together. n optical fiber splice accomplished by fixtures or materials, rather than by thermal
fusion. The capillary splice, illustrated, is one example of a mechanical splice.
!ean +aunc#ed "o&er
The average power for a continuous valid symbol se%uence coupled into a fiber.
!E!S (!icro-electro-mec#anical s$stems
Tiny moving mirrors fabricated from semiconductor materials.
!icrobending
Tiny bends in a fiber that allow light to leak out and increase loss. =echanical stress on a fiber
that introduces local discontinuities, which results in light leaking from the core to the cladding
by a process called mode coupling.
!icrometer
2ne millionth of a meter or 9B)F meters. bbreviated Gm.
!icroscope Fiber Optic Inspection
microscope used to inspect the end surface of a connector for flaws or contamination or a fiber
for cleave %uality.
!icrosecond
2ne millionth of a second or 9B)F seconds. bbreviated Gs.
!icro&att
2ne millionth of a 7att or 9B)F 7atts. bbreviated G7.
!I+-S"EC
bbreviation for military specification. $erformance specifications issued by the Department of
Defense that must be met in order to pass a =,')#TD.
!I+-STD
bbreviation for military standard. #tandards issued by the Department of Defense.
!inimum )end %adius
The smallest radius an optical fiber or fiber cable can bend before increased attenuation or
breakage occurs.
!isalignment +oss
The loss of power resulting from angular misalignment, lateral displacement, and fiber end
separation.
!odal Dispersion
Dispersion arising from differences in the times that different modes take to travel through
multimode fiber.
!odal ,oise
-oise that occurs whenever the optical power propagates through mode)selective devices. ,t is
usually only a factor with laser light sources.
!ode
n electromagnetic field distribution that satisfied theoretical re%uirements for propagation in a
waveguide or oscillation in a cavity *e.g., a laser+. 'ight has modes in a fiber or laser. single
electromagnetic wave traveling in a fiber.
!ode Coupling
The transfer of energy between modes. ,n a fiber, mode coupling occurs until e%uilibrium mode
distribution *&=D+ is reached.
!ode Evolution
The dynamic process a multilongitudinal mode laser undergoes whereby the changing
distribution of power among the modes creates a continuously changing envelope of the laser's
spectrum.
!ode-Field Diameter (!FD
The diameter of the one mode of light propagating in a single mode fiber, slightly larger than
core diameter.
!ode Filter
device that removes higher)order modes to simulate e%uilibrium mode distribution. mode
filter is most easily constructed.
!ode Scrambler
device that mixes modes to uniform power distribution.
!ode Stripper
device that removes high)order modes in a multimode fiber to give standard measurement
conditions. device that removes cladding modes.
!odulation
The process by which the characteristic of one wave *the carrier+ modifies another wave *the
signal+. &xamples include amplitude modulation *=+, fre%uency modulation *6=+, and pulse)
coded modulation *$C=+.
!odulation Index
,n an intensity)based system, the modulation index is a measure of how much the modulation
signal affects the light output.
!odulator
device that imposes a signal on a carrier.
!T Connector
=ulti)fiber connector housing up to <3 fibers in a single ferrule.
!T %8 Connector
=T)/? stands for =echanical Transfer /egistered ?ack. =T)/? is a fiber)optic cable connector
that is very popular for small form factor devices due to its small si!e. Housing two fibers and
mating together with locating pins on the plug, the =T)/? comes from the =T connector, which
can contain up to 9< fibers.
!6 Connector
=0 is a small form factor #C. ,t has the same push(pull style, but can fit < channels in the same
footprint of a single #C. =0 was developed by -TT.
!ultilongitudinal !ode (!+! +aser
n in5ection laser diode which has a number of longitudinal modes.
!ultimode (!ulti !ode
Transmits or emits multiple modes of light. n optical waveguide with a much larger core *4BGm
M+ than the singlemode waveguide core *<Gm to EGm+ and which permits approximately 9,BBB
modes to propagate through the core compared to only one mode through a singlemode fiber.
!ultimode Dispersion
Dispersion resulting from the different transit lengths of different propagating modes in a
multimode optical fiber. lso called modal dispersion.
!ultimode Fiber - !!
n optical fiber that has a core large enough to propagate more than one mode of light The
typical diameter is F<.4 micrometers or 4B micrometers.
!ultiplexer
device that combines two or more signals into a single output.
!ultiplexing
The process by which two or more signals are transmitted over a single communications channel.
&xamples include time)division multiplexing *TD=+ and wavelength)division multiplexing
*7D=+.
!9
bbreviation for =ach)Kehnder, a structure used in fiber :ragg gratings and interferometers.
-amed for the two men who developed the underlying principles of the structure.
,
,A !ismatc# +oss
The loss of power at a 5oint that occurs when the transmitting half has a numerical aperture
greater than the - of the receiving half. The loss occurs when coupling light from a source to
fiber, from fiber to fiber, or from fiber to detector.
,DSF - ,on Dispersion-S#ifted Fiber
The most popular type of single)mode fiber deployed. ,t is designed to have a !ero)dispersion
wavelength near 9@9B nm.
,E.T : %, - ,ear-end Crosstal* (,E.T: %,
The optical power reflected from one or more input ports, back to another input port. lso known
as isolation directivity.
,ear-Infrared
The part of the infrared near the visible spectrum, typically from JBB to 94BB or <BBBnm. it is not
rigidly defined.
,ear Field Scanning
techni%ue for measuring the refractive)index profile of an optical fiber by using an extended
source to illuminate an endface and measuring the point)by)point radiance at the exit face.
,et&or*
system of cables or other connections that links many terminals or devices, all of which can
communicate with each other through the system.
,eutral Densit$ Filter
lso known as a gray filter. light filter that decreases the intensity of the light without altering
the relative spectral distribution of the energy.
,ode
9+ terminal of any branch in network topology or an interconnection common to two or more
branches in a network.
<+ 2ne of the switches forming the network backbone in a switch network.
@+ point in a standing or stationary wave at which the amplitude is a minimum.
,oise
9+ n undesired disturbance within the fre%uency band of interest. the summation of unwanted or
disturbing energy introduced into a communications system from man)made and natural sources.
<+ disturbance that affects a signal and that may distort the information carried by the signal.
@+ /andom variations of one or more characteristics of any entity such as voltage, current, or
data.
,onlinearit$
The deviation from linearity in an electronic circuit, an electro)optic device or a fiber that
generates undesired components in a signal. &xamples of fiber nonlinearities include #:#, #/#,
67=, #$=, C$=, and ,ntermodulation.
,ormal (angle
$erpendicular to a surface.
,%9
bbreviation for nonreturn to !ero. common means of encoding data that has two states termed
"!ero" and "one" and no neutral or rest position.
,umerical Aperture (,A
The sine of half the angle over which a fiber can accept light. #trictly speaking, this is multiplied
by the refractive index of the medium containing the light, but for air the index is almost e%ual to
9. The light)gathering ability of a fiber. the maximum angle to the fiber axis at which light will
be accepted and propagated through the fiber. - L sin a, where a is the acceptance angle. -
also describes the angular spread of light from a central axis, as in exiting a fiber, emitting from a
source, or entering a detector.
,9-DSF - ,on7ero Dispersion-S#ifted Fiber (,9-DSF
#ingle mode fiber with the wavelength of !ero chromatic dispersion shifted to 5ust outside of the
erbium)fiber amplifier region. #ome types have !ero dispersion near 94BBnm, others near
9F<4nm. Types with !ero dispersion at 94HBnm are not usable in the ')band of erbium)doped
fiber amplifiers.
O
OAD! - Optical Add3Drop !ultiplexer
device which adds or drops individual wavelengths from a D7D= system.
OC4 - Optical C#annel
n optical wavelength band for 7D= optical communications.
OD,
bbreviation for optical distribution network. Term for optical networks being developed for
interactive video, audio, and data distribution.
O3E
bbreviation for optical)to)electrical converter. device used to convert optical signals to
electrical signals. lso known as 2&C.
OEIC
bbreviation for opto)electronic integrated circuit. n integrated circuit that includes both
optical and electrical elements.
OE!
bbreviation for original e%uipment manufacturer. The manufacturer of any device that is
designed and built to be distributed under the label of another company.
OF,(
2ptical 6iber -onconductive >eneral $urpose. Type 26-> cable must be resistant to the spread
of fire and suitable for general)purpose use, with the exception of risers and plenums.
OF,"
2ptical 6iber -onconductive $lenum. Cable installed in ducts, plenums, and other spaces used
for environmental air must be listed as having ade%uate fire)resistant and low)smoke producing
characteristics.
OF,%
2ptical 6iber -onconductive /iser. 2ptical fiber cable used in vertical shafts, or in runs between
floors, must have fire)resistant characteristics capable of preventing the spread of fire from floor)
to)floor.
O+T
bbreviation for optical line termination. 2ptical network elements that terminate a line signal.
O+TS
bbreviation for optical loss test set. source and optical power meter combined used to
measure optical loss.
O!S
bbreviation for optical multiplex section. section of a D7D= system that incorporates an
optical add(drop multiplexer.
O,I
bbreviation for optical network interface. device used in an optical distribution network to
connect two parts of that network.
O,T
bbreviation for optical network termination. 2ptical network element that terminates a line
signal in installations where the fiber extends into the customer premises.
O,6
bbreviation for optical network unit. network element that is part of a fiber)in)the)loop
system.
Open S$stems Interconnection (OSI
$ertaining to the logical structure for communications networks standardi!ed by the ,nternational
2rgani!ation for #tandardi!ation *,#2+.
Optical Amplifier
device that amplifies an input optical signal without converting it into electrical form. The best
developed are optical fibers doped with the rare)earth element erbium.
Optical )andpass
The range of optical wavelengths which can be transmitted through a component.
Optical C#annel
n optical signal transmitted at one wavelength. 7D= systems transmit multiple channels at
separate wavelengths.
Optical C#annel Spacing
The wavelength separation between ad5acent 7D= channels.
Optical C#annel 'idt#
The optical wavelength range of a channel.
Optical Continuous 'ave %eflectometer (OC'%
n instrument used to characteri!e a fiber optic link wherein an unmodulated signal is
transmitted through the link, and the resulting light scattered and reflected back to the input is
measured. 0seful in estimating component reflectance and link optical return loss.
Optical Circulator
device that transmits light only in one direction through a series of ports, so light can go from
port 9 to port < and port < to port @, but not from port < to port 9.
Optical Directional Coupler (ODC
component used to combine and separate optical power.
Optical Fall Time
The time interval for the falling edge of an optical pulse to transition from EBI to 9BI of the
pulse amplitude. lternatively, values of HBI and <BI may be used.
Optical Fiber
glass or plastic fiber that has the ability to guide light along its axis. The three parts of an
optical fiber are the core, the cladding, and the coating or buffer.
Optical Isolator
component used to block out reflected and unwanted light. lso called an isolator.
Optical +in* +oss )udget
The range of optical loss over which a fiber optic link will operate and meet all specifications.
The loss is relative to the transmitter output power and affects the re%uired receiver input power.
Optical ,et&or*ing
$rocessing and switching signals in optical form as well as transmitting them optically.
Optical ,ode
The point where signals are transferred from optical fibers to other transmission media, typically
twisted)pair wires or coaxial cable.
Optical "at# "o&er "enalt$
The additional loss budget re%uired to account for degradations due to reflections, and the
combined effects of dispersion resulting from intersymbol interference, mode)partition noise,
and laser chirp.
Optical "erformance !onitor
device installed in a 7D= system to monitor signals at the transmitted wavelengths.
Optical "o&er !eter
n instrument that measures the amount of optical power present at the end of a fiber or cable.
Optical "ump +aser
shorter wavelength laser used to pump a length of fiber with energy to provide amplification at
one or more longer wavelengths. #ee also &D6.
Optical %eturn +oss (O%+
The ratio *expressed in d:+ of optical power reflected by a component or an assembly to the
optical power incident on a component port when that component or assembly is introduced into
a link or system.
Optical %ise Time
The time interval for the rising edge of an optical pulse to transition from 9BI to EBI of the
pulse amplitude. lternatively, values of <BI and HBI may be used.
Optical Spectrum Anal$7er (OSA
n instrument that scans the spectrum to record power as a function of wavelength.
Optical Signal-to-,oise-%atio (OS,%
The optical e%uivalent of #-/.
Optical Time-Domain %eflectometer (OTD%
n instrument that measures transmission characteristics by sending a short pulse of light down a
fiber and observing back)scattered light.
Optical 'aveguide
Technically, any structure that can guide light. #ometimes used as a synonym for optical fiber, it
can also apply to planar light waveguides.
Outside "lant (OS"
,n telephony, all cables, conduits, ducts, poles, towers, repeaters, repeater huts, and other
e%uipment located between a demarcation point in a switching facility and a demarcation point in
another switching facility or customer premises.
Overfilled +aunc#
condition for launching light into the fiber where the incoming light has a spot si!e and -
larger than accepted by the fiber, filling all modes in the fiber.
O.C
bbreviation for optical cross)connect. #ee cross)connect.
"
"A,DA Fiber
$anda is a common style of $olari!ation =aintaining fiber, using round and symetrical stress
rods on either side of the core to induce polari!ation.
"arabolic "rofile
,n an optical fiber, a power)law index profile with the profile parameter, g, e%ual to. #ynonym;
%uadratic profile.
"assband
The region of usable fre%uency in electronics or wavelength in optics.
"assive )ranc#ing Device
device which divides an optical input into two or more optical outputs.
"assive Component
component that doesn't re%uire outside power.
"assive Device
ny device that does not re%uire a source of energy for its operation. &xamples include electrical
resistors or capacitors, diodes, optical fiber *photo+, cable, wires, glass, lenses, and filters.
"assive Optical ,et&or*("O,
fiber)optic distribution network with no active components between the switching point and
the customer.
"C (Fiber Connector "olis#
bbreviation for physical contact. /efers to an optical connector that allows the fiber ends to
physically touch. 0sed to minimi!e backreflection and insertion loss.
"CS Fiber - "lastic Clad Silica
lso called hard clad silica *HC#+. step)index fiber with a glass core and plastic or polymer
cladding instead of glass.
"ea* "o&er
Highest instantaneous power level in a pulse.
"ea* 'avelengt#
,n optical emitters, the spectral line having the greatest output power. lso called peak emission
wavelength.
"#ase
The position of a wave in its oscillation cycle.
"#ase Constant
The imaginary part of the axial propagation constant for a particular mode, usually expressed in
radians per unit length. #ee also attenuation.
"#ase-s#ift 5e$ing ("S5
9+ ,n digital transmission, angle modulation in which the phase of the carrier discretely varies in
relation, either to a reference phase or to the phase of the immediately preceding signal element,
in accordance with data being transmitted.
<+ ,n a communications system, the representation of characters, such as bits or %uaternary digits,
by a shift in the phase of an electromagnetic carrier wave with respect to a reference, by an
amount corresponding to the symbol being encoded. lso called biphase modulation, phase)shift
signaling.
"#otodetector
n optoelectronic transducer such as a $,- photodiode or avalanche photodiode. ,n the case of
the $,- diode, it is so named because it is constructed from materials layered by their positive,
intrinsic, and negative electron regions.
"#otodiode - "D
diode that can produce an electrical signal proportional to light falling upon it.
"#otonic
term coined for devices that work using photons or light, analogous to "electronic" for devices
working with electrons.
"#otovoltaic
$roviding an electric current under the influence of light or similar radiation.
"#otons
Nuanta of electromagnetic radiation. 'ight can be viewed as either a wave or a series of photons.
"igtail
short optical fiber permanently attached to a source, detector, or other fiber optic device at one
end and an optical connector at the other.
pin "#otodiode
semiconductor detector with an intrinsic *i+ region separating the p) and n)doped regions. ,t
has fast linear response an is used in fiber)optic receivers.
"lanar 'aveguide
flat waveguide formed on the surface of a flat material. The !one of high refractive index is
rectangular in cross)section and guides light in the same way as the core of an optical fiber.
"lastic-Clad Silica ("CS Fiber
step)index multimode fiber in which a silica core is surrounded by a lower)index plastic
cladding.
"lastic Optical Fiber ("OF
n optical fiber made entirely of plastic compounds. 2ptical fibers in which both the core and
cladding are made of plastic material. Typically their transmission is much poorer than that of
glass fibers, and their lowest losses are in the visible region.
"+C
bbreviation for planar lightwave circuit. device which incorporates a planar waveguide.
"lenum
n air)handling space such as that found above drop ceiling tiles or in raised floors. lso, a fire
code rating for indoor cable.
"lenum Cable
Cable made of fire)retardent material that meets electrical code re%uirements *0' E9B+ for low
smoke generation and installation in air spaces.
"oint-to-"oint Transmission
Carrying a signal between two points, without branching to other points.
"ol$et#$lene ("E
type of plastic material used for outside plant cable 5ackets.
"ol$vin$l-c#loride ("-C
type of plastic material used for cable 5acketing. Typically used in flame)retardant cables.
"-DF (5$nar;
bbreviation used to denote polyvinyldifluoride. type of material used for cable 5acketing.
"olari7ation
lignment of the electric and magnetic fields that make up an electromagnetic wave. normally
refers to the electric field. ,f all light waves have the same alignment, the light is polari!ed.
"olari7ation !aintaining Fiber ("! Fiber
6ibers that maintains the polari!ation of light that enters it. &xamples are $-D, :ow)Tie, and
&lliptical
"olari7ation Dependent +oss("D+
,n passive optical components, loss that varies as the polari!ation state of the propagating wave
changes. &xpressed as the difference between the maximum and minimum loss in decibels.
"olari7ation !ode Dispersion ("!D
Dispersion arising from random fluctuations in how fibers transmit light in vertical and
hori!ontal polari!ations.
"olis#ing
The optical process, following grinding, that puts a highly finished, smooth and apparently
amorphous surface on a lens or a mirror.
"olis#ing and Abrasive !aterial
ny of the numerous powders used for grinding and polishing glass, crystal or metal, the chief
material being emery and carborundum for grinding, and rouge or the oxides of tin, cerium or
other metals for polishing.
"olis#ing 8ig
,n fiber optics, a device used to polish a biconic plug to a specified length and surface finish.
lso called a polishing disc.
"O,
bbreviation for passive optical network. broadband fiber optic access network that uses a
means of sharing fiber to the home without running individual fiber optic lines from an exchange
point, telco C2, or a CT1 headend and the subscriber's home.
p-p
bbreviation for peak)to)peak. The algebraic difference between extreme values of a varying
%uantity.
"reform
cylindrical rod of specially prepared and purified glass from which an optical fiber is drawn.
"recision Sleeve Splicing
2ptical fiber splicing that uses a capillary tube, of suitable material, to align the mating fibers.

"rofile Dispersion
Dispersion attributed to the variation of refractive index contrast with wavelength.
ps
bbreviation for picosecond. 2ne trillionth of a second or 9B)9< seconds.
"ulling E$e
pulling eye is a device fastened to a fiber cable to which a hook may be attached in order to
pull the cable through a duct or small space.
"ulse
current or voltage which changes abruptly from one value to another and back to the original
value in a finite length of time. 0sed to describe one particular variation in a series of wave
motions. The parts of the pulse include the rise time, fall time, and pulse width, pulse amplitude.
The period of a pulse refers to the amount of time between pulses.
"ulse Dispersion
The #preading out of pulses as they travel along an optical fiber.
"ump +aser
The semiconductor laser that provides the light that excites atoms in a fiber amplifier, putting
them in the right state to amplify light. power source for signal amplification, typically a EHB
nm or 93HB nm laser, used in &D6 applications.
p'
bbreviation for picowatt. 2ne trillionth of a 7att or 9B)9< 7atts.
<
<uadrature "#ase-s#ift 5e$ing *N$#O+
$hase)shift keying uses four different phase angles out of phase by EB8. lso called %uadriphase
or %uaternary phase)shift keying.
<uantum Efficienc$
The fraction of photons that strike a detector that produces electron)hole paris in the output
current.
%
%adiation-#ardened Fiber
n optical fiber made with core and cladding materials that are designed to recover their intrinsic
value of attenuation coefficient, within an acceptable time period, after exposure to a radiation
pulse.
%aman Amplifier
fiber that transfers energy from a strong pump beam to amplify a weaker signal at a longer
wavelength, using stimulated /aman scattering.
%are Eart# Doped Fiber
n optical fiber in which ions of a rare)earth element, such as neodymium, erbium or holmium,
have been incorporated into the glass core matrix, yielding high absorption with low loss in the
visible and near)infrared spectral regions.
%a$leig# Scattering
The scattering of light that results from small inhomogeneities of material density or
composition.
%a$s
'ines that represent the path taken by light.
%eceiver
device that detects an optical signal and converts it into an electrical form usable by other
devices.
%eceive Cable
known good fiber optic 5umper cable attached to a power meter used as a reference cable for
loss testing. This cable must be made of fiber and connectors of a matching type to the cables to
be tested.
%eceiver Sensitivit$
The minimum acceptable value of received power needed to achieve an acceptable :&/ or
performance. ,t takes into account power penalties caused by use of a transmitter with worst)case
values of extinction ratio, 5itter, pulse rise times and fall times, optical return loss, receiver
connector degradations, and measurement tolerances. The receiver sensitivity does not include
power penalties associated with dispersion, or backreflections from the optical path. these effects
are specified separately in the allocation of maximum optical path penalty. #ensitivity usually
takes into account worst)case operating and end)of)life *&2'+ conditions.
%efraction
The bending of light as it passes between materials of different refractive index.
%efractive Index
The speed of light in a vacuum divided by the speed of light in a material, abbreviated n, which
measures how materials refract light.
%efractive-Index (radient
The change of refractive index with distance from the axis of an optical fiber. lso called
refractive index profile.
%epeater
receiver)transmitter pair that detects and amplifies a weak signal for retransmission through
another length of optical fiber.
%esponsivit$
The ratio of detector output to input, usually measured in units of amperes per watt *or
microampers per microwatt+.
%esidual +oss
The loss of the attenuator at the minimum setting of the attenuator.
%eturn +oss
#ee optical return loss.
%eturn "at#
communications connection that carries signals from the subscriber back to the operator. The
return path allows for interactive television and on)demand services, such as pay)per)view, video
on demand, and interactive games.
%F
bbreviation for radio fre%uency. ny fre%uency within the electromagnetic spectrum normally
associated with radio wave propagation.
%F Carrier
n = techni%ue wherein a carrier, with a fre%uency much higher than the encoded information,
varies according to the amplitude of the information being encoded.
%ibbon Cables
Cables in which many parallel fibers are embedded in a plastic material, forming a flat ribbon)
like structure.
%I,
bbreviation for relative intensity noise. 2ften used to %uantify the noise characteristics of a
laser.
%ing
cable that forms a closed loop connecting two or more points, so all points remain connected if
the cable breaks at one point.
%ing ,et&or*
network topology in which terminals are connected in a point)to)point serial fashion in an
unbroken circular configuration.
%ip Cord
2f an optical cable, a parallel cord of strong yarn that is situated under the 5acket*s+ of the cable
for the purpose of facilitating 5acket removal preparatory to splicing or breaking out.
%iser
pathway for indoor cables that pass between floors, normally a vertical shaft or space. lso a
fire)code rating for indoor cable.
%ise Time
The time it takes output to rise from low levels to peak value. Typically measured as the time to
rise from 9BI to EBI of maximum output.
%outer
device that directs data packets to their destinations using information in their headers to pick
the best path. Distinct from wavelength router.
%9
bbreviation for return to !ero. common means of encoding data that has two information
states called "!ero" and "one" in which the signal returns to a rest state during a portion of the bit
period.
S
S-)and
proposed designation for wavelengths of 93FB to 94@Bnm, where optical amplifiers based on
thulium)doped fibers are in development.
SC Connector
bbreviation for subscription channel connector. push)pull type of optical connector that
features high packing density, low loss, low backreflection, and low cost.
Scattering
'oss of light that is scattered off atoms in different directions, so it escapes from the fiber core.
ma5or component of fiber attenuation.
Scratc#
defect on a polished optical surface whose length is many times its width. :lock reek is a
chainlike scratch formed in polishing. runner cut is a curved scratch caused by grinding.
sleek is a hairline scratch. crush or rub is a surface scratch or scratches usually caused by
mishandling.
Self-p#ase modulation (S"!
fiber nonlinearity caused by the nonlinear index of refraction of glass. The index of refraction
varies with optical power level causing a fre%uency chirp which interacts with the fiber's
dispersion to broaden the pulse.
Semiconductor Optical Amplifier (SOA
laser diode without end mirrors coupled to the fibers on both ends. 'ight coming in either fiber
is amplified by a single pass through the laser diode. n alternative to &D6s.
SF" +oopbac*
n small form factor test fixture used loop an electrical signal from the Tx side of a port to the
/x side of a port, prior to population with an optical transceiver.
Selfoc= +ens
trade name used by -ippon #heet >lass Company *-#>+ for a graded)index fiber lens. a
segment of graded)index fibers made to serve as lens.
Semiconductor +aser
laser in which in5ection of current into a semiconductor diode produces light by recombination
of holes and electrons at the 5unction between p) and n)doped regions.
S#eat#
n outer protective layer of a fiber optic cable. lso called the cable 5acket.
S#ort 'avelengt#
commonly used term for light in the FF4, JEB, and H4B nm ranges.
Si
bbreviation for silicon. >enerally used in detectors. >ood for short wavelengths only *e.g., P
9BBB nm+.
Silica
#ilicon dioxide *#i2<+.
Signal-to-,oise %atio (S,%
The ratio of signal to noise, measured in decibels. an indication of analog signal %uality.
Simple ,et&or* !anagement "rotocol (S,!"
The ,nternet standard protocol for network management software. ,t monitors devices on the
network, and gathers device performance data for management information data bases *=,:+.
Silica (lass
>lass made mostly of silicon dioxide, #i2<, used in conventional optical fibers.
Simplex
#ingle element *e.g., a simplex connector is a single)fiber connector+.
Simplex Cable
term sometimes used for a single)fiber cable.
Single-Fre/uenc$ +aser
laser that emits a range of wavelengths small enough to be considered a single fre%uency.
Single-longitudinal !ode +aser (S+!
n in5ection laser diode which has a single dominant longitudinal mode. single)mode laser
with a side mode suppression ratio *#=#/+P <4 d:.
Single !ode
Containing only one mode. 7hen dealing with lasers, beware of ambiguities because of the
difference between transverse and longitudinal modes. laser operating in a single transverse
mode typically does not operate in a single longitudinal mode. type of low)loss optical
waveguide with a very small core *<)E microns+. ,t re%uires a laser source for input signals
because of the very small entrance aperture. The smallest of the core radius approaches the
wavelength of the source. Conse%uently, only a singlemode is propagated.
Single !ode Fiber (S!F
small)core optical fiber through which only one mode will propagate. The typical diameter is
H)E microns for 9@9B(944Bnm wavelengths
Single "olari7ation Fiber
2ptical fibers capable of carrying light in only one polari!ation.
Slab Dielectric 'aveguide
n electromagnetic waveguide *a+ that consists solely of dielectric materials, *b+ in which the
dielectric propagation medium has a rectangular cross section, *c+ that has a width, thickness,
and refractive indices that determine the operating wavelength and the modes the guide will
support beyond the e%uilibrium length, *d+ that may be cladded, protected, distributed, and
electronically controllable, and *e+ that may be used in various applications, such as in integrated
optical circuits *,2Cs+ in which their shape is geometrically more convenient than the optical
fibers that are circular in cross section, that are used in fiber optic cables for long)distance
transmission.
Slurr$
The name of the mixture of li%uid and grinding or polishing compounds used in processing
optical materials.
S!A
threaded type of optical connector. 2ne of the earliest optical connectors to be widely used.
2ffers poor repeatability and performance.
S! 9ipcord Fiber
Kipcord *or !ip)cord+ is a two fiber cable essentially with two single)fiber cables con5oined by
their 5ackets. The 5acket strip can be easily separated from one another for the installation of
optical connectors. Kip cord cables may include both loose)buffer and tight)buffer designs.
Soliton
n optical pulse that naturally retains its original shape as it travels along an optical fiber.
Source
,n fiber optics, a transmitting '&D or laser diode, or an instrument that in5ects test signals into
fibers.
Spectral Efficienc$
The number of data bits per second that can be transmitted in a one Hert! bandwidth range.
Spectral 'idt#
measure of the extent of a spectrum. 6or a source, the width of wavelengths contained in the
output at one half of the wavelength of peak power. Typical spectral widths are 4B to 9FB nm for
an '&D and less than 4 nm for a laser diode.
Spectral 'idt#: Full 'idt#: 4alf !aximum (F'4!
The absolute difference between the wavelengths at which the spectral radiant intensity is 4B
percent of the maximum power.
Splice
permanent 5unction between two fiber ends.
Splice Organi7er
,n optical communication, a device that facilitates the splicing or breaking out of fiber optic
cables.
Splice Tra$
container that prevents spliced fibers from becoming damaged or being misplaced.
Splitter
see Coupler.
Splitting %atio
The ratio of power emerging from output ports of a coupler.
ST Connector
bbreviation for straight tip connector. $opular fiber optic connector originally developed by
TQT.
Standard Single !ode Fiber
#tep)index single mode fiber with !ero dispersion at 9@9Bnm. the first type used in fiber optic
communications, still widely used.
Star Coupler
coupler with more than three or four ports.
Star ,et&or*
network in which all terminals are connected through a single point, such as a star coupler or
concentrator.
Stead$ State !odal Distribution
&%uilibrium modal distribution *&=D+ in multimode fiber, achieved some distance from the
source, where the relative power in the modes becomes stable with increasing distance.
Strain %elief
=ethod of controlling the bend of a fiber as it exits the connector. vailable in various si!ed
depending on the cable si!e. EBBum, 9.Fmm, <.Bmm, and @.Bmm, or even the Timbercon
rmadillo cable *custom integrated boot shell design+.
Strengt# !ember
The part of a fiber optic cable composed of aramid yarn, steel strands, or fiberglass filaments that
increase the tensile strength of the cable.
Step-Index
n optical fiber, either multimode or singlemode, in which the core refractive index is uniform
throughout so that a sharp step in refractive index occurs at the core)to)cladding interface. ,t
usually refers to a multimode fiber. #uch fibers have a large numerical aperture, are simple to
connect, but have lower bandwidth than other types of optical fibers.
Step-Index !ultimode Fiber
step)index fiber with a core large enough to carry light in multiple modes.
Step-Index Single-!ode Fiber
step)index fiber with a small core capable of carrying light in only one mode. this type has
!ero dispersion at 9@9Bnm.
Stimulated %aman Scattering
,nteractions between light and atoms in a transparent material that convert energy from one
wavelength to another.
Submarine Cable
cable designed to be laid underwater.
Surface-Emitting Diode (S+ED
n '&D that emits light from its flat surface rather than its side. #imple and inexpensive, with
emission spread of a wide angle.
Surface-Emitting +aser
semiconductor laser that emits light from the wafer surface.
S&itc#
device that directs light along different fiber paths
S$nc#ronous
data signal that is sent along with a clock signal. system in which events, such as signals,
occur at evenly spaced time durations. 2pposite of asynchronous.
T
Tal*set (fiber optic
communication device that allows conversation over unused fibers.
Tap +oss
,n a fiber optic coupler, the ratio of power at the tap port to the power at the input port.
Tap "ort
,n a coupler where the splitting ratio between output ports is not e%ual, the output port containing
the lesser power.
Tbit3s
Terabits *trillion, or 9B9< bits+ per second.
T Coupler
coupler with three ports.
TEC (TE Cooler
bbreviation for thermoelectric cooler. device used to dissipate heat in electronic assemblies.
Termination
$reparation of the end of a fiber to allow connection to another fiber or an active device,
sometimes also called "connectori!ation".
Termination and Splicing
Termination and splicing e%uipment for fiber optics include tools or kits for cutting, finishing,
positioning, aligning and 5oining fiber optic cables.
Terminating
Terminating a fiber is accomplished through preparing the fiber for connection to another fiber or
device such as a connector. The goal when terminating is to produce a perfect end to the fiber.
The end should be cleanly cut, clear and physically connected to the receiving optical device.
This can be accomplished through two means. permanently 5oining the fibers by welding or
gluing the ends of the fiber together, or mechanically aligning the fibers and 5oining them with
transparent gel.
Test Cable
short single fiber 5umper cable with connectors on both ends used for testing. This cable must
be made of fiber and connectors of a matching type to the cables to be tested.
Test 5it
kit of fiber optic instruments, typically including a power meter, source and test accessories
used for measuring loss and power.
Test Source
laser diode or '&D used to in5ect an optical signal into fiber for testing loss of the fiber or
other components.
T#ermo-Optic S&itc#es
2ptical switches controlled by temperature)induced changes in refractive index.
T#res#old Current
The minimum current needed to sustain laser action in a diode laser.
T#roug#put +oss
,n a fiber optic coupler, the ratio of power at the throughput port to the power at the input port.
T#roug#put "ort
,n a coupler where the splitting ratio between output ports is not e%ual, the output port containing
the greater power.
Tig#t )uffer
material tightly surrounding a fiber in a cable, holding it rigidly in place.
Tig#t )uffered Cable
protective coating extruded tightly over fiber for mechanical and environmental protection.
The coating material is either nylon or $1C. This buffering offers excellent physical and flexing
properties, but higher micro)bending sensitivity.
Total Internal %eflection
Total reflection of light back into a material when it strikes the interface with a material having a
lower refractive index at an angle below a critical value.
Transceiver
combination of transmitter and receiver providing both output and input interfaces with a
device.
Transverse !odes
=odes across the width of a waveguide, fiber or laser. Distinct from longitudinal modes, which
are along he length of a laser.
Transducer
device that converts energy from one form to another, such as optical energy to electrical
energy.
Transmitter
device that includes a source and driving electronics. ,t functions as an electrical)to)optical
converter.
Traveling 'ave
wave that *a+ propagates in a transmission medium, *b+ has a velocity determined by the
launching conditions and the physical properties of the medium, and *c+ may be a longitudinal or
transverse wave.
Tra$
unit or assembly of units or sections, and associated fittings, made of metal or other
noncombustible materials forming a rigid structural system used to support cables. ,ncludes
ladders, troughs, channels, solid bottom trays, and similar structures.
Tree
network architecture in which transmission routes branch out from a central point.
6+
bbreviation for 0nderwriter's 'aboratory. n organi!ation that tests product safety for a wide
variety of products. 0' approved products carry 0' symbol.
6ltraviolet (6-
&lectromagnetic waves invisible to the human eye, with wavelengths about 9B to 3BBnm, shorter
than visible light.
6nidirectional
2perating in one direction only.
6"C (6ltra "#$sical Contact
#pecific to singlemode applications, referring to the endface geometry of a connector ferrule as
well as performance characteristics *)44d: /eturn 'oss+.
-
-CSE+ (-ertical Cavit$ Surface Emitting +aser
semiconductor laser in which light oscillate vertically *perpendicular to the 5unction plane+ and
light emerges from the surface of the waver rather than from the edge of the chip.
-isible +ig#t
&lectromagnetic radiation visible to the human eye at wavelengths of 3BB to JBBnm.
-isual Fault +ocator
device that couples visible light into the fiber to allow visual tracing and testing of continuity.
#ome are bright enough to allow finding breaks in fiber through the cable 5acket.
-OA (-ariable Optical Attenuator
n attenuator in which the attenuation can be varied.
'
'A,
7ide area network. wide area network *7-+ is a geographically dispersed
telecommunications network. The term distinguishes a broader telecommunication structure
from a local area network *'-+. wide area network may be privately owned or rented, but the
term usually connotes the inclusion of public *shared user+ networks. n intermediate form of
network in terms of geography is a metropolitan area network *=-+.
'aveguide
structure that guides electromagnetic waves along its length. n optical fiber is an optical
waveguide.
'aveguide Arra$
n array of curved planar waveguides that separates many optical channels at once. lso called
rray 7aveguide *7>+.
'aveguide Coupler
coupler in which light gets transferred between planar waveguides.
'aveguide Dispersion
The part of chromatic dispersion arising from the different speeds light travels in the core and
cladding of a single mode fiber *i.e., from the fiber's waveguide structure+.
'avelengt#
The distance an electromagnetic wave travels in the time it takes to oscillate through a complete
cycle. 7avelengths of light are measured in nanometers *9B)E m+ or micrometers *9B)Fm+.
'avelengt# Division !ultiplexing('D!
=ultiplexing of signals by transmitting them at different wavelengths through the same fiber.
'avelengt# Adapter
device which receives one wavelength and outputs a second wavelength, usually to take a
standard signal and convert it to an ,T0 wavelength.
'avelengt# Isolation
7D='s isolation of a light signal in the desired optical channel from the unwanted optical
channels. lso called far)end crosstalk.
'avelengt# %outer
n optical device that directs input signals according to their wavelength.
'avelengt# %outing S&itc# ('%S
switch, used in optical networks, that routes wavelengths as re%uired to specific terminals in
the network.
'avelengt# Selective Coupler
device which couples the pump laser wavelength to the optical fiber while filtering out all
other unwanted wavelengths. 0sed in erbium)doped fiber amplifiers.
'ideband
$ossessing large bandwidth.
'indo&
wavelength region where fibers have low attenuation, used for transmitting signals.
>
> Coupler
variation on the tee coupler in which input light is split between two channels *typically planar
waveguide+ that branch out like a D from the input.
9
9ero Dispersion-S#ifted Fiber
6iber with !ero chromatic dispersion shifted to 944Bnm, used before the advent of D7D=.
9ero-Dispersion 'avelengt#
7avelength at which net chromatic dispersion of an optical fiber is nominally !ero. rises where
waveguide dispersion cancels out material dispersion.
9ipcord (9ip Cord
two)fiber cable consisting of two single fiber cables having con5oined 5ackets. !ipcord cable
can be easily divided by slitting and pulling the con5oined 5ackets apart.
9ip Cord Fiber
Two)fiber cable with two single fiber cables having con5oined 5ackets. The !ipcord cable can be
easily divided by slitting and pulling the con5oined 5ackets apart. Kip cord cables include both
loose)buffer and tight)buffer designs.

You might also like