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Optical Communication Unit - III

UNIT 3
1. Write notes on broadening of pulse in the fiber dispersion?

Ans: The dispersion of the transmitted optical signal causes distortion for both digital and analog
transmission along optical fibers. If we consider the major implementation of optical fiber
transmission which involves some form of digital modulation, then the dispersion technique
within the fiber causes broadening of the transmitted light pulses as they travel along the
channel. This phenomenon is depicted in figure (a), where it may be observed that each pulse
broadens and coincides with its neighbors, eventually becoming indistinguishable at the receiver
input

The effect of overlapping of pulses shown in figure (a)' is called Inter Symbol Interference
(ISI). Thus, ISI becomes more pronounced when increasing numbers of errors are encountered
on the digital optical channel

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For no overlapping of pulses down on an optical fiber link, the digital bit rate BT must be
less than the reciprocal of the broadened pulse duration through dispersion (2τ) and hence,

BT ≤ 1/2τ…………….. (1)

Equation (1) assumes that the pulse broadening due to dispersion on the channel is T which
follows the input pulse duration which is also τ.

Another more accurate estimate of the maximum bit rate for an optical channel with
dispersion may be obtained by considering the light pulses at the output to have a Gaussian shape
with an r.m.s. width of τ.
 
2. Explain group delay or time delay in fiber optics?

Ans:  Modulating signal of an optical source enhances all the modes of fiber equally. This results
in carrying of equal amount of energy by each and every mode of fiber. Since each mode
contains all the spectral components in the wavelength band over which the source emits, hence
the modulating signal modulates every spectral component equally. The signals propagating
through these spectral components experience a time delay or group delay per unit length in the
direction of propagation and it is given as,

D V C ПC

Here D = Distance travelled by the pulse

β = Propagation constant along fiber axis

k = 2П/λ

V = Velocity with which the energy in a pulse travels along a fiber

V =C =

From equation (2) we can say that group delay is a function of wavelength 'λ', therefore each
spectral component of any particular mode takes different time to travel a particular distance.

This causes difference in time delays and spreading of pulse with time as it travels along the
fiber.

The variations in group delay causes pulse spreading. If the spectral width of the optical source is
quite wide, then the delay difference per unit wavelength over the propagation path is given as

The total delay 8x over a distance 'D' for the spectral components which are δλ apart and
δλ/2 above and below a central wavelength 'λc’ is,

D
δτ = dλ = 2λ λ δλ
ПC

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3. Explain about fiber optic connectors and types of connectors in detail?

Ans: Fiber Optic Connectors:

Connectors are mechanisms or techniques used to join an optical fiber to another fiber or to a
fiber optic component.
Different connectors with different characteristics, advantages and disadvantages and
performance parameters are available. Suitable connector is chosen as per the requirement and
cost.
Various fiber optic connectors from different manufacturers are available SMA 906, ST,
Biconic, FC, D4, HMS-10, SC, FDDI, ESCON, EC/RACE,
Principles of good connector design
1. Low coupling loss. 5. Low cost.
2. Inter-changeability. 6. Reliable operation.
3. Ease of assembly. 7. Ease of connection.
4. Low environmental sensitivity.

Connector Types Connectors use variety of techniques for coupling such as screw on, bayonet-
mount, push-pull configurations, butt joint and expanded beam fiber connectors.

Butt Joint Connectors

Fiber is epoxies into precision hole and ferrules arc used for each fiber. The fibers are secured in
a precision alignment sleeve. Butt joints are used for single mode as well as for multimode fiber
systems. Two commonly used butt-joint alignment designs are:
1. Straight-Sleeve. 2. Tapered-Sleeve/Bi conical.

In straight sleeve mechanism, the length of the sleeve and guided ferrules determines the end
separation of two fibers. Below Fig. shows straight sleeve alignment mechanism of fiber optic
connectors

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Optical Communication Unit - III

In tapered sleeve or bi conical connector mechanism, a tapered sleeve is used to accommodate

tapered ferrules. The fiber end separations are determined by sleeve length and guide rings.
The below figure shows tapered sleeve fiber connectors

4. A multi mode graded index fiber exhibits the pulse broadening of 0.2μs
over a distance of 15Km.Estimate,
(i) Optimum bandwidth of the fiber
(ii) Dispersion per unit length
(iii)Band width length product
Ans:
Given that,
For a multimode graded index fiber,
Total pulse boarding, τ = 0.2μs
Distance, L =15km
(i) The maximum possible optical bandwidth is equivalent to the maximum possible bit rate
assuming no inter symbol interference (ISI) and is given by
Bopt =BT= 1/2τ
= 1/ (2*0.2*10-6)
= 2.5 MHz
Therefore Bopt = 2.5MHz

(ii) The dispersion per unit length may be acquired by dividing the total dispersion by total
length of the fiber i.e,
Dispersion per unit length = Total dispersion / Total length of fiber

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= τ/L
= (0.2*10-6)/15
=13.33ns Km-1
Therefore Dispersion per unit length =13.33ns Km-1
(iii) The band width length product may be obtained by simple multiplying the maximum band
width for the link by its length as,
Bopt .L= 2.5 *106 *15
= 37.5 MHz Km
Alternately, the band width product may be obtained from the dispersion per unit length as,
Bopt .L = 1/ (2*Dispersion per unit length
= 1/ (2*1.33*10-9)
= 37.5MHz.Km

5. Compare the optical parameters of free space with dispersive and non
dispersive mediums?
Ans: The basic optical properties of light are,
(i) Propagation: Light travels along a straight line in a uniform median.
(ii) Reflection: It occurs at the surface or boundary of a medium.
(iii) Refraction (or bending): It may occur where a change of speed is experienced.
(iv) Interference: It is found where two waves are superposed.
(v) Diffraction: It happens around a corner when a wave passes the edge of one obstacle.
Dispersive Medium

Glass is an example of dispersive medium. Non uniform bending of different wavelength of light
when it travels along the medium is called dispersion. And the medium in which dispersion takes
place is called dispersive medium.
For a uniform dispersive medium the light wave travels along a straight line. If the medium is
non-uniform and if its density increases as the light wave travels, then the light waves tends to
bend itself towards the normal and vice-versa. Hence, refraction of light waves takes place in
dispersive non uniform medium. Also, in dispersive medium the group velocity and phase
velocity is not constant as a result of interference of different wave fronts travelling at an angle
to each other. Hence refraction takes place. If a plane wave hits an obstacle placed perpendicular
to the direction of its propagation with a pin hole in the centre then the plane wave front is
changed into spherical wave front due to diffractions of light wave through the pin hole
Non-dispersive Medium
Vacuum is an example of non-dispersive medium. In vacuum the light wave travels in straight
line. The group velocity as well as phase velocity of the light wave ii constant. Hence no
refraction takes place in phase vacuum. As the waves travel in straight lines and are parallel to
each other no interference takes place vacuum is free of obstacles. Hence, no diffraction of light
wave takes place.

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6. Derive the expression for the phase velocity, group velocity using electric
field distribution along the fiber?
Ans:
P h a s e v e l o c i t y : All electromagnetic waves which travel along a waveguide have points of
constant phase. As a monochromatic light wave propagates along a waveguide in z-direction,
this point of constant phase travel at particular velocity termed as phase velocity. It is denoted by

Therefore

Where ω = angular frequency of the wave and

β = Phase propagation constant
Group Velocity:
Group of waves with closely similar frequencies propagate along the waveguide so that there
exists a resultant in the form of packet of waves. This wave packet moves at a velocity termed as
group velocity

The formation of wave packets from combination of waves of nearly equal frequencies is,
Propagation constant can be given as,

β = n1 (2П/λ) = (n1 ω)/c

where n1= Refractive index of medium

Phase velocity can be given as

8. Write a short notes on dispersion shifted fiber and dispersion compensating

fiber?
Ans: Dispersion Shifted Fiber
Single mode fibers which are designed to offer simultaneously zero dispersion and minimum
attenuation at λ = 1.55μm is called dispersion shifted fibers. The dispersion classifications of
various fibers are shown in figure 8.1, which depicts the shifting of zero dispersion wavelength
from λ = 1.33 um to λ= 155 mm. This can be achieved by changing the fiber parameters, namely,
the refractive index dispersion shifted fiber.

For example, by reducing the fiber core diameter from 8-10μm to 4.5μm and increasing the
refractive index difference between core and cladding from 0.003 to greater than 0.01 yields zero
dispersion wavelength shifted from 1.33μm to 1.55μm. This may lead to substantial excess loss.
Triangular core profile also yields dispersion shifted fibers and moreover it solves the above
excess loss problem. So, for better results we have to modify the triangular profile. These
Profiles are shown in below figure

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The above figure shows that the convex index profile also gives the dispersion shifted fiber.
Dispersion shifted fibers have the advantage of increased guiding strength, increase in the cut-off
wavelength of second order mode and better resistance to bending losses.

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Such dispersion shifted fibers have been produced by BTRL and others and are now
commercially available from any glass company.
Table (1) compares the characteristics of triangular refractive index profile dispersion shifted
fiber with that of simple step index fiber.

Step-index Fiber Dispersion shifted fiber(Triangle RI)

Attenuation 0.200-0.22 (dB/Km)
Dispersion 17 -180.1 ps(km-nm)
Table (1): Fiber parameters at 1.55 mm

Dispersion Compensating Fiber

The process of dispersion compensation and the fiber loop is referred as dispersion compensating
fiber. A large base of dispersion shifted fiber has been installed throughout the world for use in
the single wavelength transmission systems. For these kinds of links the complexity arises from
Four Wave Mixing (FWM), when one attempt to upgrade them with high speed dense WDM
technology in which the channel spacing is less than 100 GHz and the bit rates are in excess of
2.5 Gb/s. By using the passive dispersion compensation technique we can reduce the effect of
FWM (four wave mixing). This consists of inserting into the link a loop of fiber having a
dispersion characteristic that negates the accumulated dispersion of the transmission fiber. This
process is known as dispersion compensation. If the transmission fiber has a low positive
dispersion, the dispersion compensating fiber will have a large negative dispersion. By using this
technique, the total accumulated dispersion will become zero after some distance, but the
absolute dispersion per length is non-zero at all points along the fiber.
Figure depicts the Dispersion Compensating Fiber (DCF) which can be inserted at either the
starting (or) the end of an installed fiber span between two optical amplifiers. A third option is to
have DCF (Dispersion Compensating Fiber) at both ends.

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In pre-compensation schemes, the DCF is located just after the optical amplifier and just before
the transmission fiber. Where as in post compensation schemes, the DCF is located just after the
transmission fiber and just before the optical amplifier. Above Figure also depicts the plots of
accumulated dispersion and optical power level as functions of distance along the fiber. This
figure is known as dispersion and power maps respectively.  

9. How to connect two fibers in a low manner? Explain?

Ans: Interconnection of Two Fibers in a Low Loss Manner
The major factor in any fiber optic system is the requirement to interconnect fibers in a low loss
manner. These interconnections occur in three stages namely.
1. At the optical source
2. At the photo detector
3. At intermediate points.

1. Optical Sources
The optical sources such as Light Emitting Diodes (LEDs), Solid state lasers and semiconductor
injection lasers are used because of their efficiency, low cost, longer life, sufficient power output,
compatibility and ability to give desired modulations.
2. Photo Detectors
Photo detectors such as semiconductor photodiodes are used because of their high quantum
efficiency, adequate frequency response, low dark current and low signal impedance.
3. Intermediate Points
The two fibers are joined at intermediate points with two cables within a cable.
The two major methods for the interconnection of fibers in a low loss manner are as follows,
(i) Fiber Splices
(ii) Simple Connectors.

(i) Fiber splices

In this, the fiber splices are the semi permanent (or) permanent joints which are mostly used for
interconnection in optic-telecommunication system.
(ii) Simple Connectors
Simple connectors are the removable joints which allow easy, fast manual coupling of fibers.
We can say that losses in interconnection of two fibers depend on factors like
input power distribution to joints, length of fiber between optical source and joint, wave
characteristics of two fibers at joint and fiber end face qualities.
If these factors are satisfied low-loss in the interconnection of two fibers is achieved.

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10. Explain about losses in end separation, connecting different fibers when
joining two fibers?
Ans: When an optical fiber communication link is established, interconnections occur at
the optical source, at the photo detector, at intermediate points within a cable where two fibers
are joined and at intermediate points in a link where two cables are connected. If the
interconnection is permanent bound then it is generally referred to as splicing whereas a
demountable joint is known as connector. At every joint optical power loss takes place
depending on input power distribution to the joint, the length of the fiber between the optical
source and the joint, the geometrical and waveguide characteristics of the two fiber ends at the
joint and the fiber end face qualities. These losses are classified into (i) Intrinsic losses (ii)
Extrinsic losses and (iii) Reflection loss.
(i) Intrinsic Losses
Intrinsic losses occur when a mismatch occurs between two connecting fibers.
Mismatch occurs when fiber's mechanical dimensions are out of tolerance limit. The
mismatch can occur due to the following.
(a) Core-Diameter Mismatch
If the core of two joining, fibers has different diameter then core-diameter
mismatch occurs. The loss will be more if the light is travelling from larger core into a
smaller core than if it is in reverse direction.

For a gradient multi mode fiber the loss due to core-diameter mismatch is given by,

LOSS (core) =-10log [ ]

(b) Numerical Aperture Mismatch

The light beam from emitting fiber fills the entire exit aperture of the emitting fiber.
The receiving fiber has to accept all the optical power emitted by the first fiber. If there is a
mismatch in waveguide characteristics of the two fibers resulting in smaller NA per second
fiber, then it results in optical power loss. This loss is called numerical aperture mismatch
loss given by,

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(c) Mode-Field-Diameter (MFD) Mismatch or Refractive Index Profile (α) Mismatch:

This loss takes place only in graded-index fiber where the index profile emitting fiber is
different from the index profile of receiving fiber.

A
LOSSNA = -10log [ ]
A

The loss due to MFD is given by

  LOSSMFD = ‐10log  
Where α = index profile of fiber 1
α = index profile of fiber 2

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(ii) Extrinsic Losses

Extrinsic losses occur due to mechanical misalignment at point of joints. They are,

(a) Lateral Misalignment

This misalignment occurs when the, fibers are displaced along the face of fiber and hence
the core overlapping area is reduced from circular to elliptical form hence power loss from
emitting fiber to the receiving is given below,

MMGI Fiber SM Fiber

Losslat = -10log 1 Losslat = -10log

П

b) Angular Misalignment
For a perfectly matched fiber, if point of joint at which core axis of fiber 1 is at an angle with
the core axis of fiber 2 then angular misalignment occurs and the result is same as due to
numerical aperture mismatch.

For MMG1 Fiber,

LOSSang = -10log 1
П

LOSSang = -log Where t = nПα0SM(θ)/λ

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(c)End separation Misalignment

When two fibers are separated longitudinally by a gap of ‘S’ between them ,then longitudinal
end separation misalignment occurs.

The loss for MGG1 is given by,

S A
Loss(end) = -log 1

And for SM fiber is, Loss(end) = - 10log[ ] Where S =

П

(iii) Reflection Loss

At the surface of contact some light will be reflected back. This is called Fresnel reflection.
This reflection changes the amount of power transmitted towards a receiver. The loss caused by
reflection is called Fresnel loss. If the transmitted power is Ptran and input power at the source is
Pin and reflected power is Pref then they are related by,
Hence reflection loss is given by,
Ptrans =Pin –Pref
Hence reflection loss is given by,

LOSS(Fresnel) = ‐10log   

or for 2 interface reflections,  LOSS(Fresnel) = -10log(1-R)

Where R = R l + R 2 - 2 R R cos(4П/λ) S = The separation between two fiber. R = Total

reflection. R1 and R2 are reflections at two interfaces

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