Automated fiber optic cable endface field inspection technology

Abstract

The rapid deployment of fiber optic technology in military, avionic, and consumer platforms is driving the need for improvement in fiber optic cable field maintenance, specifically a reduction in operator inspection complexity and ambiguity. Current inspection technology depends on operator experience with various inspection standards and is further complicated in military field deployments where bench top capable inspection equipment does not lend itself to field installations. Military fiber endface inspection is currently very expertise driven and time consuming for avionic environments. Thus there is a need for automated, portable fiber optic inspection technology that is suitable for all skill levels, and is capable of field deployment and maintenance. This paper explores the issue of current fiber optic field inspection technology and present an automated test inspection set to address these problems.