Agilent Technologies 86038B User Manual page 37

Agilent 86038B Photonic Dispersion and Loss Analyzer, Second Edition
5 Now leaving the reference patch-cord attached, reposition
the loops of the patch-cord without making any sharp bends
(to change the polarization), and again make sure the fiber
position is stable. The stability can be checked by observing
the Real-Time Port Monitor signal. Allow the fiber to settle
for 1 minute. Then press the button Begin Measurement. This
will produce a "zero-loss" and "zero-dispersion"
measurement for evaluation.
a First check the measured Gain/Loss curve. (For guidance
in using the graphical user interface, please refer to
"Defining Traces" on page
and measurement are made with the same connection, the
ideal displayed loss should be 0 dB and a measurement
curve should look similar to Fig. 3. The variation from 0
dB is a measure of the noise and repeatability of the loss
measurement and should be within a tolerance of about
±0.1 dB (with option 400, \0.02 dB).
Figure 3 Sample Gain / Loss trace
b Check the PDL curve. Since the normalization and
measurement are made with the same connection and the
patch-cord itself has little PDL, the ideal should be near 0
dB and a measurement curve should look similar to Fig. 4.
The variation from 0 dB is a measure of the noise and
intrinsic PDL of the measurement and should be within a
tolerance of about \0.15 dB (with option 400, \0.05 dB.
45.) Since the normalization
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