Introduction: Fiber optic splitters, often referred to as couplers or beam splitters, play a pivotal role in the field of telecommunications. These devices are instrumental in splitting a single fiber optic signal into multiple signals. Fiber optic splitters are essential components in FTTH (Fiber to the Home) networks and have diverse applications in optical networks. This article delves into the functionality and types of fiber optic splitters, highlighting their significance in signal distribution.
Fiber Optic Splitter Functionality: A fiber-optic splitter is a device designed to take a single fiber optic signal and divide it into multiple signals. It achieves this by creating several beam fiber bundles, which are determined by the underlying quartz substrate integrated waveguide. Essentially, it serves as an optical power distribution device. Just as coaxial cable transmission systems require signal distribution, optical network systems necessitate the same. Therefore, fiber optic splitters are vital for branching optical signals. These passive fiber link components are especially relevant in passive optical networks (such as BPON, EPON, GPON, FTTX, FTTH, etc.) and are used to connect to the Medium-Density Fiberboard (MDF) and branch the optical signals.
Types of Fiber Optic Splitters: Fiber optic splitters come in various configurations to suit different network requirements. They can be terminated with various types of connectors, and their primary packages may be in the form of box-type enclosures or stainless tube-type enclosures. The choice of fiber optic splitter is often dictated by the cable’s outer diameter, with options for 2mm, 3mm, or 0.9mm outer diameter cables. Additionally, fiber optic splitters may be categorized based on the working wavelength as single window or dual window splitters, and based on the fiber type as single mode or multimode splitters.
Challenges in Fiber Coupling: When working with single-mode fibers within a fiber coupler, certain physical limitations come into play. For instance, combining two inputs of the same optical frequency into a single-polarization output can be challenging without incurring substantial excess losses. However, fiber optic couplers can effectively combine inputs at different wavelengths into a single output. This is commonly observed in fiber amplifiers where the signal input and the pump wave are merged.
Notably, fiber couplers encompass not only single-mode options but also multimode alternatives. Multimode couplers are fabricated from graded index fibers with core diameters of 50µm or 62.5µm. They are primarily employed for short-distance communications at wavelengths of 1310nm or 850nm. The manufacturing techniques for multimode couplers can vary, including the use of fusion techniques. Multimode couplers cater to various common multimode fibers with core diameters ranging from 50μm to 1500μm.
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