Abstract: An interferometer for inspecting and evaluating the end surface of an optical cable with an optical fiber includes a reader, a chuck and a reference connector. The chuck is adapted to be removably received by the interferometer. The chuck removably receives the cable. The chuck includes a chuck tag in operative proximity to the reader. The reference connector is removably received by the chuck. A cable aperture in the reference connector is for receiving the cable. The reference connector includes a reference connector tag in operative proximity to the reader. The reader is adapted to read information on the chuck tag and reference connector tag in a single operation and automatically transfer all of the read information to perform apex offset calibration in the interferometer during a single measurement. The invention also includes a method of calibrating the apex offset on a fiberoptic connector measuring interferometer.

Abstract: An apparatus inserts a reference guide pin having a reference end surface into a guide pin receiving hole in an endface of a fiberoptic connector to prepare the fiberoptic connector for interferometric profiling of the endface. The reference guide pin has an end portion on which the reference end surface is located. A connector support mechanism supports the fiberoptic connector. A reference guide pin support mechanism receives the end portion to hold the reference guide pin in axial alignment with the guide pin receiving hole as one of the connector support mechanism and the reference guide pin support mechanism is moved toward the other to insert the reference guide pin into the guide pin receiving hole.

Abstract: An apparatus inserts a reference guide pin having a reference end surface into a guide pin receiving hole in an endface of a fiberoptic connector to prepare the fiberoptic connector for interferometric profiling of the endface. The reference guide pin has an end portion on which the reference end surface is located. A connector support mechanism supports the fiberoptic connector. A reference guide pin support mechanism receives the end portion to hold the reference guide pin in axial alignment with the guide pin receiving hole as one of the connector support mechanism and the reference guide pin support mechanism is moved toward the other to insert the reference guide pin into the guide pin receiving hole.

Abstract: A system for evaluating a connector end surface of a multi-fiber fiberoptic connector having a precision guide pin hole for receiving a guide pin to precisely mate the connector with a like connector includes a reference guide pin having a polished flat reference surface oriented at a predetermined angle relative to a longitudinal axis of the reference guide pin. The reference guide pin is inserted into the guide pin hole. In one embodiment, an interferometer is first focused onto the connector end surface. The connector end surface is tipped and tilted to minimize or establish a viable fringe density on the connector end surface. The interferometer then acquires the interferogram data and produces an uncalibrated profile of the connector end surface. The interferometer then is focused on the reference surface and acquires its interferogram data, and then computes a profile of the reference surface.

Abstract: An inspection and measurement device including an interferometer with a parfocal, parcentral zoom lens is adapted to inspect and measure an end surface of an optical fiber or connector. With the optical fiber or connector supported on an xyz stage, the interferometer is set to a "microscope" mode. Controls of the xyz stage are adjusted to bring the end surface into focus and alignment with the optical axis of the interferometer. The interferometer is set to operate in an interference mode, causing display of a fringe pattern resulting from interference of a test beam with a reference beam. The z control is adjusted slightly, if required, to optimize the contrast of the displayed fringe pattern. The zoom lens then is operated to change magnification of the fringe pattern so as to obtain an optimum number of available fringes across a selected portion of the end surface without refocusing or realigning the end surface with the focal point of the zoom lens.