TIA ponders putting polarization-maintaining optical fiber to the test

The Telecommunications Industry Association (TIA) TR-42.12 Engineering Committee on Optical Fibers and Cables has issued a call for interest for document TIA-455-192, initially titled "H-Parameter Test Method for Polarization-Maintaining Optical Fiber."

This TR-42.12 standardization project would specify a method of measuring the h-parameter of singlemode, highly linearly birefringent optical fibers – commonly called polarization-maintaining fibers.

In the case of fibers having connectors attached to one or both ends, or for two or more such fibers joined in series, the polarization crosstalk is a more meaningful measure of performance than the h-parameter. The test method for measuring polarization crosstalk is the subject of FOTP-193.

TIA is actively seeking participation in these projects from the user and general interest communities. Telecommunications companies, optical fiber manufacturers, developers and users are invited to take part.

Interested parties can contact the TIA Technology & Standards Department at 703-907-7000 or via e-mail at [email protected].

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