The state, throughput, and identification of an optical fiber can be easily checked with fiber testers by coupling highly visible laser light into the optical fiber.
The red light of a laser is coupled into the core of an optical fiber in a targeted manner (an LED is usually too weak a source to be used instead). This coupling screens the fiber and allows it to be clearly identified; by lighting up the fiber at the break, fiber breaks and damaged connectors can be spotted. If the guided light hits a damaged spot, it is to a large extent scattered out of the fiber. By lighting the fiber up with red light, it is easier to see a fiber break from the outside, for example (i.e., insofar as the buffer material allows this).
To carry out tests on fibers easily and comfortably, LASER COMPONENTS offers the FIBERCHECK fiber tester. The design is similar to a pointer, and the tester can be connected to the fiber to be tested using an adapter. The red light emitted by the fiber tester has a wavelength of approx. 655 nm and is easily visible to the human eye. Thus, scattered light escaping the fiber is clearly visible. The FIBERCHECK is classified in laser class 2. The coupled power is typically at 350 µW in SM fibers and 600 µW in 50 µm MM fibers. This source can be pulse or cw operated.
The FIBERLIGHT model is the top-selling model of all fiber red light sources. It has a robust metal pen design and can typically couple 700 µW into an SM fiber and 800 µW into a 50 µm multi-mode fiber. At a typical wavelength of 635 nm, this power level is the right choice for most installation applications.
If the highest possible coupled power of the red light source is required in the fiber, then the 170 XL model is the right choice. With a special optical coupler at an operating wavelength of typically 650 nm, it is possible to achieve a high coupling efficiency into the fiber (typically 1 mW in SMF). In our experience, this type achieves the longest distance in SM fibers (it is well known that visible light is strongly attenuated here).
These models are available in an alternative design. The VFI2 model is available in a style that is similar to a handheld device; the HiLite model is available in the form of a key chain. Both models have a coupled power of <1 mW at a wavelength of 650 nm in a single-mode fiber. There are versions available for 2.5 mm and 1.25 mm ferrules.
The MT tracer is an indispensable tool for all applications involving ribbon fibers such as, for example, in data centers. Here it is possible to verify the MPO/MTP cable types (A, B, and C) and to test the throughput/polarity of the cables from one end to the other (a maximum of 12 fiber ribbons).
With the universal 2.5 mm adapter, all optical fiber connectors with a 2.5 mm ferrule diameter can be connected to the FIBERCHECK. An additional adapter is available on an optional basis for connectors with ferrule diameters of 1.25 mm (e.g., LC, MU, F3000) and 3.17 mm (SMA).
