A comparison of far-field methods for determining mode field diameter of single-mode fibers using both Gaussian and Petermann definitions

An interlaboratory comparison is presented of far-field measurement methods for determining mode field diameter of single-mode fibers. The comparison was conducted by member of the Electronic Industries Association. Measurements were made on dispersion-unshifted and dispersion-shifted fibers at 1300 and 1550 nm. Results were calculated using both Petermann and Gaussian definitions. The Petermann definition gave better agreement than the Gaussian in all cases. A systematic offset of 0.52 mu m was observed between methods when applied to dispersion-shifted fibers. Such an offset may be caused by limited angular collection.<
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