Optical reflectometer based on the method of spectral interferometry

The paper presents the development stage of the optical low-coherent reflectometer based on spectral interferometry with a heterodyne frequency transfer into the radio frequency band that allows to measure distances of tens of kilometers. The reflectometer layout for micro-distances based on the fiber-optic Fabry-Perot interferometer and broadband infrared source is designed, manufactured and tested. Based on these investigations the feasibility and advisability of using the low-coherence spectral interferometry method for reflectometry measurements of distances for optical fiber communication lines is demonstrated. © 2016 by Begell House, Inc.