Automated Multi-Diode Laser System for WDM Couplers Insertion Loss Measurements

Insertion loss is an important parameter used to characterize passive fiber-optic components, such as WDM couplers and variable optical attenuators. This article describes an automated insertion loss measurement system which incorporates 980 nm, 1310 nm, 1529 nm and 1561 nm DFB lasers and two internal fiber optic standards. Insertion loss measurements collected with the system for WDM couplers and internal standards are presented. The system repeatability was validated by measuring the insertion loss for a WDM coupler six times at 980 nm, 1310 nm, 1529 nm and 1561 nm over 3 days period. The standard deviation calculated for the insertion loss measurements is less than 0.11 dB and the %CV is less than 1%.