Waveguide Loss Measurements

Because optical waveguides naturally have loss, methods to measure loss have been developed. The idea behind this research is to analyze methods of measuring the loss of light that is traveling through a waveguide. The setup will take two fibers and insert a waveguide between them, allowing light to pass from one fiber to the other through the waveguide. Higher loss waveguides will be tested on a basic standard as a highly sensitive setup is not necessary, for precision. For low loss waveguides, on the other hand, a higher sensitivity will be necessary, and using a mirror or couplers for example, could help in this process. Techniques will be examined and improvements attempted by adjusting multiple variables in our setup. Variables include the length of the waveguide, the wavelength of the light, the reflectivity of the mirrors and possibly use of prisms. A method must also be realized to minimize loss from factors outside of the waveguide to ensure accurate measurement.unpublishednot peer reviewedU of I OnlyUndergraduate senior thesis not recommended for open acces