Localization and quantification of reflective events along an optical fiber using a bi-directional TRA technique

We report on the theory and the implementation of a novel approach for the detection and localization of a reflective event along a fiber link. By launching a continuous-wave signal into both fiber ends and by analyzing the transmitted and reflected/backscattered optical powers, it is possible to localize an optical event and to quantify the induced insertion and return losses simultaneously. The novel idea of utilizing bi-directional measurement allows the localization of both reflective and non-reflective events. Theoretical and experimental studies show that for a 10 km-long single mode fiber, the localization accuracy can be in the range of 5.0 m.