A method for non-destructive testing of the strength of a silica optical fiber

Abstract

The paper proposes a method for non-destructive testing of the strength of an optical fiber based on estimates of the energy of nonlinear acoustic emission, based on the use of the tested optical fiber as an acoustic sensor. Models of the processes on which the method is based are presented. Results of experimental studies are presented. Data obtained from testing samples of the optical cables and optical fibers by the proposed method are compared with measurement results for the same samples obtained by the known 2-point method. The error in the estimates of the relative strength of the tested samples of optical fibers is found not to exceed 3.0 %. The results obtained allow us to suggest that the models used are correct and the proposed method shows promise for non-destructive testing of the strength of optical fibers, with the further development of the considered approach showing prospects for the application for non-destructive testing of the strength of optical fibers in a cable, including in-service cables.

Keywords

• fiber optics
• strength
• microcrack
• acoustic impact
• nonlinear acoustic emission
• fiber-optic acoustic sensor