What does "1310Nm" or "1550Nm" in common light test instruments mean?

In fiber optic testing, 1310nm and 1550nm are two of the most commonly used wavelengths for light sources and power meters. These wavelengths are used in various fiber optic applications, including transmission, testing, and maintenance. In this article, we will discuss what 1310nm and 1550nm mean and their significance in fiber optic testing.

What are nm and Wavelengths in fiber optic testing?

In fiber optic testing, the term "nm" refers to nanometers, which is a unit of length commonly used to measure the wavelength of light. The wavelength is the distance between two adjacent peaks or troughs of a light wave. The wavelength of light is inversely proportional to its frequency, and it determines the color of the light. For example, light with a wavelength of 700nm appears red, while light with a wavelength of 400nm appears blue.

In fiber optic testing, different wavelengths of light are used for various purposes. The choice of wavelength depends on the specific application and the characteristics of the fiber being tested. The most commonly used wavelengths in fiber optic testing are 1310nm and 1550nm.

1310nm Wavelength

1310nm is a wavelength of light commonly used in single-mode fiber optic transmission. Single-mode fibers are fibers with a small core diameter that allow only one mode of light propagation. These fibers are commonly used in long-haul transmission, such as in telecommunications networks.

The 1310nm wavelength is used in single-mode fibers because it has low attenuation and dispersion characteristics. Attenuation is the reduction in signal power as the signal travels through the fiber, and dispersion is the spreading of the signal over time. The 1310nm wavelength has lower attenuation and dispersion compared to other wavelengths, making it ideal for long-haul transmission.

In fiber optic testing, 1310nm wavelength is used in light sources and power meters for testing single-mode fibers. The 1310nm light source emits light at this wavelength, which is then transmitted through the fiber being tested. The power meter is then used to measure the power of the light at the other end of the fiber. This measurement is used to calculate the loss and attenuation of the fiber.

1550nm Wavelength

1550nm is another commonly used wavelength in fiber optic testing. It is used in both single-mode and multimode fibers. Multimode fibers are fibers with a larger core diameter that allow multiple modes of light propagation. These fibers are commonly used in short-distance transmission, such as in data centers.

The 1550nm wavelength is used in fiber optic transmission because it has low attenuation and dispersion characteristics in both single-mode and multimode fibers. Additionally, the 1550nm wavelength has a high tolerance for fiber defects, making it ideal for testing and maintenance applications.

In fiber optic testing, the 1550nm wavelength is used in light sources and power meters for testing both single-mode and multimode fibers. The 1550nm light source emits light at this wavelength, which is then transmitted through the fiber being tested. The power meter is then used to measure the power of the light at the other end of the fiber. This measurement is used to calculate the loss and attenuation of the fiber.

Conclusion

In summary, 1310nm and 1550nm are two of the most commonly used wavelengths in fiber optic testing. The choice of wavelength depends on the specific application and the characteristics of the fiber being tested. The 1310nm wavelength is commonly used in single-mode fiber optic transmission, while the 1550nm wavelength is used in both single-mode and multimode fibers. The use of these wavelengths in light sources and power meters allows for accurate measurement of fiber loss and attenuation, which is essential in fiber optic testing and maintenance.