This course describes how optical power is transferred from one fiber optic component to another. It describes how an optical source launches optical power into a fiber as well as how one optical fiber couples light into another fiber. In fiber-optic system design, this launching or coupling of optical power from one component to the next is important. Fiber optic connections permit the transfer of optical power from one component to another. Fiber optic connections also permit fiber optic systems to be more than just point-to-point data communication links. In fact, fiber optic data links are often of a more complex design than point-to-point data links. This course is the 3rd of 7 courses offered in a comprehensive series, (by the US Navy's NAVEDTRA) which provides an overview of cabling and fiber types used in fiber optics technology.

Topics: Types of Fiber optic splices, connectors, and couplers Types of connections formed in a system Types of extrinsic and intrinsic coupling losses Fiber alignment and fiber mismatch problems and system loss Score-and-break cleaving process for fiber-end preparation Types of fiber optic mechanical and fusion splices. Basic splicing techniques for each type of fiber optic splice Types of fiber optic connectors Procedures for installing a fiber optic connector on an optical fiber Types of fiber optic passive couplers. 

Intended Audience: This course is intended primarily for Telecom, Systems, Electrical, Mechanical, Civil, and other engineers whose job description requires a comprehensive knowledge of fiber optics infrastructure. 

Publication Source: US Navy (NAVEDTRA) Pub# 14196A, Module 24 - Fiber Optics, Chapter 4, June 2014