INTRODUCTION

Intent

The intent of this document is to provide a standard means for evaluation of systems designed to remove contamination from fiber optic connector endfaces. This procedure is applicable to all single and multi-fiber connector types populated with any fiber type.

Contamination trapped between mating optical connector endfaces can result in the following failure modes:

•Increase in attenuation

•Increase in return loss

•Permanent polished endface damage due to abrasion

•Permanent polished endface damage due to contamination response during higher power throughput applications

It is beyond the scope of this document to define or specify cleaning systems. This document is applicable to both In-situ (bulkhead) and free connector cleaning systems.

Forms of Contamination

This document addresses some of the most common forms of contamination observed in indoor and outdoor optical data transmission systems.

Oil

Oil which typically is a result of direct contact with human skin is simulated by an all purpose vegetable oil extracted from corn, soybeans, peanuts, cottonseeds, safflower seeds, rape seeds and sunflower seeds.

Solvent Residue

Isopropyl alcohol is a commonly used cleaning fluid for optical connectors cleaning and is used to generate solvent residue on the connector endface.

Mineral Deposits

A saturated solution of water and sodium chloride is used to generate a mineral deposit residue on the connector endface.

Dust

Airborne particulate matter simulated by ISO Fine Test Dust 12103-1 A2 (Test dust for filter evaluation; Arizona Road Dust). Cleaning performance on particulate matter is evaluated with and without the connector specimens having been mated.