Abstract

Angled physical contact (APC) fiber optic connectors with zirconia ferrules have become the de facto standard in PON networks currently being deployed for FTTH initiatives. The angle on the fiber in APC connectors produces low back reflections when the connector is not mated to another connector: Reflected light is directed into the fiber cladding because the endface angle is greater than the acceptance angle of the fiber. The low reflection of an unmated APC connector provides an advantage for PON networks: A connector in the PON will usually remain unmated until service is required from that circuit. This results in unused connectors emitting their signal into air, which can produce Frensel reflections as high as -14dB for connectors without an angle on the endface. Service providers need to minimize system reflections so it won't interfere with OLT card operation. One solution is to use non-angled connectors and mate all unused connectors to a terminator. This solution adds cost because terminators are an additional component. Using APC connectors provides a cost-effective method to greatly reduce reflection issues caused by unmated connectors in the PON. Using APC connectors eliminates the need for terminators because the reflectance of unmated APC connectors is less than -50dB.

© 2005 Optical Society of America