Fiber-optic reflection measurements using OCWR and OTDR techniques

A method for determining the backscatter and reflection responses of an optical fiber and reflector to an arbitrary input is developed. Two cases are specifically considered: a continuous-wave input and a rectangular pulse input. From the rectangular pulse input response, the equation is derived for computing the reflectance of a discrete component from an optical time-domain reflectometer (OTDR) measurement. Precautions are given for accurately performing reflectance measurements using an OTDR. Two methods are presented for determining the backscatter level of the fiber type under test, and its importance in reflection measurements is shown