Fiber Optic Test and Measurement

This is the most authoritative, complete source of test and measurement information for engineers who design and maintain fiber optic networks.This book presents measurement principles for characterizing all three basic components of a fiber optic communication system: the optical transmitter, fiber medium and optical receiver. It also covers system level measurements, and discusses the principles and limitations of current fiber optic testing equipment. It discusses testing to SONET/SDH international standards, and helps engineers choose the best approach to testing today's new erbium doped fiber amplifiers. The book provides detailed recommendations for understanding polarization states, and presents new methods for accurately characterizing the behavior of Wavelength Division Multiplexing (WDM) fiber systems. It includes detailed coverage of testing fiber in the local loop, using optical power meters and optical time domain reflectometers. It also reviews the latest state-of-the-art 10 Gb/s systems, and even faster systems on the horizon. The coverage is practical, helping professionals accurately measure and test fiber optic systems without becoming experts in theory. 53433-9 The complete, practical guide to testing fiber optic communication components and systems. Fiber optic networks are evolving rapidly-and so is the technology used to design, measure, and test them. Fiber Optic Test and Measurement is the first authoritative, complete guide to measuring both current optical networks and those on the horizon. It reflects the collective experience of Hewlett-Packard's world-class lightwave test and measurement organization, and presents extensive information that has had limited circulation to date. Learn how to characterize all three basic components of a fiber optic communication system: the optical transmitter, fiber medium, and optical receiver. Review each fundamental area of fiber optic measurement, including: Optical power measurements using several types of photodetectors Spectral measurements using diffraction gratings, Michelson interferometers and both heterodyne and homodyne spectrum analysis Polarization measurements-increasingly important in high data rate networks that utilize optical amplifiers Modulation measurements via frequency and time domain analyses The book's unprecedented coverage of advanced fiber technology will be invaluable to professionals implementing or maintaining new optical networks. Learn how to: Test digital fiber systems to SONET/SDH international standards Accurately characterize the behavior of Wavelength Division Multiplexing (WDM) fiber systems Test two-port optical devices for insertion loss, reflectivity of components, chromatic and polarization mode dispersion, and the behavior of Erbium-doped fiber amplifiers (EDFAs). This practical guide will help technicians, engineers, and scientists accurately measure and test fiber optic systems, without becoming experts in fiber optic theory. It will be equally useful for experienced fiber optic professionals and those new to the field.