EIA/TIA-455-192:1999 (R2013)

Introduction Intent This Standard specifies a method of measuring the h-parameter of single mode, highly linearly birefringent optical fiber (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. In theory, if perfectly linearly polarized light is launched into a high birefringence fiber with its plane of polarization exactly aligned to either of the fiber's principal axes, then the light radiated at the distal end will also be perfectly polarized. In practice, some light gradually couples to the not-launched polarization, and at the distal end of the fiber a small, unintended, component is present. This Standard describes a test method for measuring this imperfection. The coupling between polarization states is due to both fiber characteristics and environmental influences. To differentiate these effects and allow for comparative evaluations of fibers, this procedure suggests standard configurations for the test specimen (See section 4).