scope:

Scope and object

This technical report describes four techniques for the measurement of microbending sensitivity of optical fibre.

Methods A and B may also be used to measure the microbending sensitivity of optical fibre ribbons.

Methods A, B, C and D are distinguished by the equipment used for measurements and their applications:

• method A uses an expandable drum and applies to class B fibres;

• method B uses a fixed diameter drum and applies to category A1 and class B fibres;

• method C uses a wire mesh and applied loads and applies to category A1 and class B fibres;

• method D uses a "basketweave" wrap on a fixed diameter drum, and applies to class B fibres.

Methods A and C offer the capability to measure the microbending sensitivity over a wide range of applied linear pressure or loads. Method B may be used to determine the microbending sensitivity for a fixed linear pressure.

The results from the four methods can only be compared qualitatively.

These methods do not constitute a routine test used in the general evaluation of optical fibre. This parameter is not generally specified within a detail specification.