Böjningsförluster

Böjningsförluster, or bending losses, refer to the reduction in signal strength in optical fibers due to physical bending. When an optical fiber is bent, the light propagating within it is subjected to changes in its path. If the bend is too sharp, some of the light rays may strike the fiber cladding at an angle less than the critical angle for total internal reflection. This causes a portion of the light to escape the core and leak into the cladding, resulting in signal attenuation.

There are two main types of bending losses: macrobending losses and microbending losses. Macrobending losses occur due to large-radius bends, typically caused by improper installation or handling of the fiber optic cable. Microbending losses are caused by small, localized distortions in the fiber's shape, often introduced during the manufacturing or jacketing process. These tiny imperfections can also cause light to escape the core.

The susceptibility of an optical fiber to bending losses is influenced by several factors, including the fiber's design (e.g., core diameter and refractive index profile), the bending radius, and the wavelength of the light being transmitted. Longer wavelengths are generally more prone to bending losses than shorter wavelengths. To mitigate bending losses, fibers are designed with certain characteristics, and installation practices emphasize avoiding sharp bends. Bend-insensitive fibers have been developed to better withstand bending without significant signal degradation, making them suitable for applications where tight bends are unavoidable, such as in patch panels or dense cabling environments.