STATISTICAL-ANALYSIS ON CONNECTION CHARACTERISTICS OF OPTICAL-FIBER CONNECTORS

The statistical properties of insertion losses and return losses for o ptical connectors are investigated theoretically using the probability theory and the Monte Carlo simulation. Our investigation is focused o n an orientation method for reducing insertion loss by which a fiber-c ore center is adjusted in a region of within a certain angle to the po sitioning key direction. It is demonstrated that the method can signif icantly improve insertion losses, and that an adjusting operation angl e of 90 degrees is sufficient to realize an insertion loss of less tha n 0.5 dB with 99% cumulative probability. Good agreement was obtained between the theoretical distribution and the experimental results for single-mode fiber connection. Consequently, it is indicated that the s tatistical distributions of insertion losses and return losses of opti cal connectors in the field can be predicted theoretically from the va lues measured in the factory by connection to a master connector.