End face nonperpendicularity analysis in fiber connectors

High quality fiber optic connectors are a critical element of any fiber optic network. Trapping the bare fiber within a cylindrical ferrule and polishing the end of the fiber-ferrule combination terminate most connectors. The performance of the connectors is determined by a combination of the factors including the fiber size and core centration, the ferrule size, centration and axiality, and the methods used in polishing the fiber during termination. Polishing process forms the end face angle. It is well known, that the polishing technology has influence on return loss. Back reflection or return loss is the amount of light reflected back towards the source relation to the forward signal. Reflection back into a laser cavity can cause result in output fluctuations, mode hopping and a damaged laser. This effect is especially detrimental in high speed and analog applications.