Measurement considerations for characterizing mid-infrared fibers for telecommunication applications

Recent advances in mid-IR (2–12 μm) optical fibers require that attention be given to the development of measurement techniques and the design of equipment to characterize these fibers. In this paper, a discussion of the measurement considerations for characterizing mid-IR (MIR) fibers for telecommunication applications is presented. A description of the sources and detectors suitable for use in the measurements is given. Currently employed measurements and measuring systems for infrared fibers are reviewed.