Fiber misalignment measurement method using one—directionally observed image

This paper investigates the measurement method of optical fiber offset in two directions by one-directionally observed image. This method employs the transmitted illumination and the bright lines of the intensity distribution due to the lens effect of the fiber are used to observe the position. The method is advantageous because of a simple mechanism for its realization. The observation principle of fiber position is investigated based on computer simulation and experimental results to clarify characteristics of the method. The real measurement of the fiber offset and its precision is investigated for fusion mass-splicing, to which the present method is very suitable. Employing this method, the standard deviation of 1.3 μm is achieved in precision of the measurements of the fiber offset. The screening characteristics for a given offset are also evaluated.