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PUBLICATIONS

Characterization of an Optical Time Domain Reflectometer Calibrator

Published

Author(s)

Donald R. Larson, Nicholas Paulter, Kenneth C. Blaney

Abstract

We report the results of an investigation into the signal characteristics and behavior of an instrument used by the US Air Force Metrology and Calibration Program to calibrate optical time domain reflectometers. The instrument is calibrated using NIST calibrated optical fiber spools of approximately 1, 2, and 4 km lengths. Calibration results performed at various US Air Force Precision Measurement Equipment Laboratories have indicated some anomalous distances or pulse delays, and NIST efforts were focused on identifying the cause and suggesting a correction for this anomalous behavior.
Citation
Technical Note (NIST TN) - 1475
Report Number
1475
NIST Pub Series
Technical Note (NIST TN)
Pub Type
NIST Pubs

Download Paper

https://doi.org/10.6028/nist.tn.1475
Local Download

Keywords

calibration, delay, optical fiber, optical time domain reflectometer, uncertainty

Citation

Larson, D. , Paulter, N. and Blaney, K. (2006), Characterization of an Optical Time Domain Reflectometer Calibrator, Technical Note (NIST TN), National Institute of Standards and Technology, Gaithersburg, MD, [online], https://doi.org/10.6028/nist.tn.1475, https://tsapps.nist.gov/publication/get_pdf.cfm?pub_id=32277 (Accessed October 18, 2025)

Issues

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Created March 31, 2006, Updated October 12, 2021
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