Patent ID: 8958060
Filing Date: 2015-02-17
Classification: G01M,G01N

Abstract:
1. A method comprising: transmitting an optical signal, via a test system, toward an optical fiber under test that has a tight bend; setting a state of polarization of the optical signal before the optical signal reaches the optical fiber under test; generating a first splitting of a reflected portion of the optical signal, which is caused by the tight bend, into two legs; setting a state of polarization of the reflected portion of the optical signal that propagated through the optical fiber under test, wherein setting the state of the polarization of the reflected portion comprises setting the state of polarization of one of the two legs of the reflected portion of the optical signal to an orthogonal state or an aligned state relative to the other leg of the reflected portion of the optical signal; measuring instances of power of the reflected portion of the optical signal; calculating interference values of the reflected portion of the optical signal caused by the tight bend based on the measured instances of power; storing interference values mapped to at least one of bend radii values, lifetime values, or failure rate values pertaining to optical fibers; selecting a match between at least one of the calculated interference values and one of the stored interference values; and outputting a result that includes at least one of a bend radius value, a lifetime value, or a failure rate that applies to the optical fiber under test.