Abstract: A passive optical element defining an optical propagation path is tested by coupling a buffer fiber between an input of the propagation path and an optical time domain reflectometer. The OTDR launches optical radiation into the buffer fiber via one end thereof, measures power level of return light received at the OTDR via the buffer fiber, and creates an OTDR signature representing power level of return light as a function of distance from the end of the buffer fiber. The OTDR selects a first marker point by applying data reduction to a portion of a segment of the OTDR signature corresponding to the buffer fiber, selects a second marker point downstream of the input of the optical propagation path, and calculates a first power difference value as difference between a power level at the first marker point and a power level at the second marker point.

Abstract: A passive optical element defining an optical propagation path is tested by coupling a first end of a first buffer fiber to an input of the optical propagation path and coupling a second end of the buffer fiber to an optical time domain reflectometer (OTDR). The OTDR launches optical radiation into the first buffer fiber via the second end thereof, measures power level of return light received at the OTDR via the second end of the first buffer fiber, and creates a first OTDR signature representing power level of return light as a function of distance from the second end of the first buffer fiber. The OTDR selects a first marker point by applying data reduction to at least a portion of a segment of the first OTDR signature corresponding to the first buffer fiber, selects a second marker point downstream of the input of the optical propagation path, and calculates a first power difference value as difference between a power level at the first marker point and a power level at the second marker point.

Abstract: A method of preparing a coated optical fiber for coupling to a face of an optical device includes placing the coated fiber so that it extends through a stripping station, a cleaning station and a cleaving station. A stripper at the stripping station is brought into engagement with the fiber and relative motion between the fiber and the stripping station, the cleaning station and the cleaving station is effected lengthwise of the fiber, whereby the coating is stripped from a medial length segment of the fiber as the cleaning device at the cleaning station is activated for cleaning fragments of coating material from the medial length segment of the fiber as the medial length segment passes through the cleaning station and the cleaning device is deactivated and stripping is discontinued.

Abstract: A method of preparing a coated optical fiber for coupling to a face of an optical device includes placing the coated fiber so that it extends through a stripping station, a cleaning station and a cleaving station. A stripper at the stripping station is brought into engagement with the fiber and relative motion between the fiber and the stripping station, the cleaning station and the cleaving station is effected lengthwise of the fiber, whereby the coating is stripped from a medial length segment of the fiber as the cleaning device at the cleaning station is activated for cleaning fragments of coating material from the medial length segment of the fiber as the medial length segment passes through the cleaning station and the cleaning device is deactivated and stripping is discontinued.

Abstract: A holder for receiving and holding a plurality of loose optical fibers which are of substantially equal thickness, comprises a base plate having a top surface on which the fibers can rest in side by side relationship, and an abutment projecting above the top surface of the base plate and defining a shoulder against which one of the fibers resting on the top surface can engage. A keeper extends over the top surface of the base plate in spaced relationship therewith for restraining the fibers against movement away from the top surface, and a lid is pivotable relative to the base plate between a closed position, in which it engages the fibers, and an open position. The base plate includes a permanent magnet and the lid includes magnetic material, whereby when the lid is in the closed position, it is retained in that position by magnetic attraction.