Table of Contents
Advertisement
Cleaning Information
Why is it important to clean optical devices?
Why is it important to clean optical
devices?
C A U T I O N
Optical power levels above 100 mW applied to single mode connectors can easily damage
the connector if it is not perfectly clean. Also, scratched or poorly cleaned connectors can
destroy optical connectors mechanically. Always make sure that your optical connectors are
properly cleaned and unscratched before connection. However, Agilent Technologies
Deutschland GmbH assumes no responsibility in case of an operation that is not compliace
with the safety instructions as stated above.
In transmission links optical fiber cores are about 9 mm (0.00035") in diameter. Dust and
other particles, however, can range from tenths to hundredths of microns in diameter. Their
comparative size means that they can cover a part of the end of a fiber core, and thus
degrade the transmission quality. This will reduce the performance of your system.
Furthermore, the power density may burn dust into the fiber and cause additional damage
(for example, 0 dBm optical power in a single mode fiber causes a power density of
2
). If this happens, measurements become inaccurate and
approximately 16 million W/m
non-repeatable.
Cleaning is, therefore, an essential yet difficult task. Unfortunately, when comparing most
published cleaning recommendations, you will discover that they contain several
inconsistencies. In this chapter, we want to suggest ways to help you clean your various
optical devices, and thus significantly improve the accuracy and repeatability of your
lightwave measurements.
What materials do I need for proper
cleaning?
Some Standard Cleaning Equipment is necessary for cleaning your instrument. For certain
cleaning procedures, you may also require certain Additional Cleaning Equipment.
Standard Cleaning Equipment
Before you can start your cleaning procedure you need the following standard equipment:
• Dust and shutter caps
80
Agilent 81570A, 71A, 76A, 77A & 78A Variable Optical Attenuators, Eigth Edition
Advertisement
Table of Contents
