In the research and production environments there exists a range of test methods for characterizing the geometry of optical fibres. Furthermore, each test method may determine one or more of the many parameters required for complete geometrical characterization. This International Standard describes the calibration of test sets which perform end-face image analysis, also known as near-field or grey-scale analysis. The principles, however, may be applied to test sets of a different type.
This standard addresses the calibration of measurements made on single-mode fibres only; however, this type of test set may also be used to measure the geometrical parameters of the cores of multimode fibres, but the evaluation of uncertainties associated with these measurements is beyond the scope of this standard.
The procedures outlined are to be performed by calibration laboratories and by the manufacturers or users of geometry test sets, for the purpose of calibrating geometry test sets and for evaluating the uncertainties in measurements made on calibrated test sets. The calibration of fibre coating or cable measurement test sets is not covered by this standard. The object of this standard is to define a standard procedure for the calibration of test sets for measuring the glass geometry of optical fibres.