Vision-based automatic endface inspection of single-fibre optical connectors

Abstract

Fibre optic connectors are an important factor in the performance of fibre optical systems. In order to ensure good fibre-to-fibre contact, the endface geometry of fibre connectors needs to be measured quantitatively. In this paper, we present a vision-based automatic measurement system for the measurement of the endface geometry of a single-fibre connector. The optical set-up of the system developed is based on a Mirau objective interferometer, and a 3D profile of the connector endface is obtained by using phase-shifting techniques. Image-processing techniques are applied to automatically find the fibre centre and retrieve the geometric parameters of the connector endface, such as radius of curvature, apex offset and protrusion or undercut. Experimental results have demonstrated the feasibility of the proposed system.

Application of an optical interferometer for measuring the surface contour of micro-components

“…of the fibre above the ferrule can be readily determined in the range of submicrometres. The average radius (R) of the profile can be determined using several points by a spherical fit [16]. It should be noted that different materials with different phase changes on reflection affect the surface-height measurement when interferometric techniques are employed for testing objects constructed from different materials that are adjacent to one another [17], for example, the single fibre-end surface consisting of a glass fibre and a ceramic ferrule.…”

Optical Interferometric Inspection of Surface Contour of MEMS-Components

“…The protrusion of the fiber above the ferrule can be readily determined in sub-microns range. The average radius of the profile can be determined using several points and applying a spherical fit [6].…”