Developments in lightwave S-parameter measurement techniques

The state-of-the-art in lightwave network analysis is reviewed. Existing commercial instruments use simple architectures which limit the type of calibrations that are available for lightwave S-parameter measurements. However, recent research at The University of Leeds has demonstrated the feasibility of using reversible test sets and modular approaches, which offer the option of full two-post self-calibration routines for the first time. Experimental results for the error-corrected S-parameter measurement of optical, optoelectronic and electro-optic two-ports are presented.