Abstract

Macrobending-loss measurements are usually made by determining the optical loss while the fiber is wrapped around mandrels of various sizes. This technique is labor intensive and time consuming. This paper describes use of the two-point-bending technique to deform the fiber while loss measurements are made. This technique, already widely used for measuring static¹ and dynamic² strength, involves constraining a loop of fiber between two faceplates, as shown in Fig. 1. The fiber is located in grooves in the faceplates. The faceplates are brought together under computer control so that automated loss measurements can be made as a function of the faceplate separation. The technique therefore allows one to obtain large quantities of data rapidly.

© 1993 Optical Society of America