The characterization of step index single mode silica fiber for long haul signal communication

The optical properties of single mode fibers, which are drawn from the silica preform made by MCVD technique, have been studied. The properties such as cutoff wavelength, chromatic dispersion, and polarization mode dispersion (PMD) were studied for 2.3 km length of single mode fiber (SMF). The cutoff wavelength was measured by fiber optic test procedure (FOTP)-80 which was found to be 1179 nm. The chromatic dispersion was measured by FOTP-169 at various wavelengths, the zero dispersion being observed at 1503 nm. The PMD was measured by interferometric method, and exhibited the magnitude of 0.07 ps at 1550 nm. The results are discussed to assess the suitability of these fibers for long haul communication systems