Attenuation measurement of infrared optical fibers by use of a hollow-taper-based coupling method.

An alternative method for attenuation measurement of infrared (IR) fibers is described. The method includes a simple technique for direct laser-to-fiber coupling with an uncoated glass hollow taper. The operating principle of the hollow taper is based on the grazing-incidence effect of light reflection. The hollow taper forms a smooth Gaussian-shaped profile of the output laser emission and provides the proper conditions for equilibrium-mode distribution of optical power within the test IR fibers. The experimental hollow-taper-based coupling method is used for measurement of attenuation and bending losses of various kinds of IR fiber, including solid-core (fluoride, chalcogenide, and germanium-doped) and hollow fibers.