Optical fibre geometry measurement services

Accurate and traceable measurements

Cladding mean diameter and non-circularity

NPL calibrates the cladding diameter of optical fibres in the range 123 µm to 127 µm. We use a non-contact measurement method and can measure customer supplied fibres or supply a calibrated reference fibre mounted in a retractable fibre holder which is used to protect the calibrated cleaved fibre end.

We follow the IEC reference test method based on: Fibre geometry IEC 60793-1-20 Cladding Mean Diameter Reference Fibre – Video Grey Scale Technique – Annex B.

• Best measurement capability: cladding mean diameter ± 0.05 µm (non-circularity: ± 0.05%)

Outer coating mean diameter

NPL calibrates the outer coating diameter of optical fibres in the range 230 µm to 260 µm. We use a non-contact measurement method and can measure customer supplied fibres or can supply a calibrated reference fibre, which is usually about 150 mm long. Measurements are typically made 10 mm from one end of the fibre.

We follow the IEC reference test method based: Fibre geometry IEC 60793-1-20 – Coating Diameter – Outer Coating Diameter Reference Fibre – Side View Light Distribution – Method A.

• Best Measurement Capability: ± 0.15 µm

Multi-step index reference fibre

NPL can supply a length of specially designed optical fibre with multi-step refractive index profile. This fibre can be used to calibrate the refractive index difference scale of a customer's profiler. In addition, the intermediate steps can be used to assess non-linearity.

• Best measurement capability: Refractive index difference: 1.5% (or 0.0001 if greater).

Don’t see what you are looking for? Our diverse skill set enables us to provide bespoke solutions. Please contact us to discuss your requirements.

Contact us