They usually achieve very low insertion loss, typically between 0. 5 dB, making them ideal for long-distance sensing systems where signal attenuation is critical. Technologies such as electro-optic, thermo-optic, and MEMS switches rely on refractive index modulation to steer. To be able to judge whether a fiber optic cable plant is good, one does a insertion loss test with a light source and power meter and compares that to an estimate of what is a reasonable loss for that cable plant., fiber optic loss) occurs within the fiber due to light absorption and scattering, affecting the reliability of optical transmission networks. You can either compare this loss value to the application requirement or calculate the expected loss based on how many connectors and splices are in the link along with the length of.
[PDF Version]