Agilent Technologies Infinium DCA 86100A Service Manual page 11

Table 1-2. Cleaning Accessories
Item
Pure isopropyl alcohol
Cotton swabs
Small foam swabs
Compressed dust remover (non-residue)
Table 1-3. Dust Caps Provided with Lightwave Instruments
Item
Laser shutter cap
FC/PC dust cap
Biconic dust cap
DIN dust cap
HMS10/dust cap
ST dust cap
Inspecting Fiber-Optic Cables
Consistent measurements with your lightwave equipment are a good indication that you have
good connections. However, you may wish to know the insertion loss and/or return loss of your
lightwave cables or accessories. If you test your cables and accessories for insertion loss and
return loss upon receipt, and retain the measured data for comparison, you will be able to tell in
the future if any degradation has occurred.
Connector (or insertion) loss is one important performance characteristic of a lightwave connec-
tor. Typical values are less than 0.5 dB of loss, and sometimes as little as 0.1 dB of loss with high
performance connectors. Return loss is another important factor. It is a measure of reflection: the
less reflection the better (the larger the return loss, the smaller the reflection). The best physically
contacting connectors have return losses better than 50 dB, although 30 to 40 dB is more com-
mon.
Although it is not necessary, visual inspection of fiber ends can be helpful. Contamination or
imperfections on the cable end face can be detected as well as cracks or chips in the fiber itself.
Use a microscope (100X to 200X magnification) to inspect the entire end face for contamination,
raised metal, or dents in the metal as well as any other imperfections. Inspect the fiber for cracks
and chips. Visible imperfections not touching the fiber core may not affect performance (unless
the imperfections keep the fibers from contacting).
Agilent Part Number
—
8520-0023
9300-1223
8500-5262
Agilent Part Number
08145-64521
08154-44102
08154-44105
5040-9364
5040-9361
5040-9366
General Information
Cleaning Optical Connectors
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