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Specifications
Definition of Terms
C.1 Definition of Terms
Attenuation accuracy
The difference between the displayed loss and →excess loss.
Conditions: Attenuation adjustment prior to measureme nt. That is,
adjustment of the measured attenuation at the highest setting so that
it equals the attenuation setting, for example by adjusting the
wavelength setting .
Measurement: with laser source or LED and optical power meter.
Att e nu ation r an g e
The range of displayed attenuations.
Excess loss
The difference between actual loss (at an arbitrary attenuation
setting) and [rig htarrow]insertion loss (at 0 dB setting).
Insertion los s
The change of power levels after inserting the attenuator between
two connectorized patchcords, with the attenuation set to 0 dB.
Conditions: Arbitrary wavelength setting, temperature within
operating temperature range, jumper cables with high quality
connectors.
Measurement: with laser source or LED and optical power.
Polarization dependent loss
The dependence of the attenuation on the input polarization state,
expressed as the difference between the highest and the lowest
displayed attenuation, in dB.
Conditions: Fabry-Perot type las e r sour ce with variable
polarization state and polarizat ion- independent power, generation
of all polarization states (covering the entire Poincar sphere),
jumper cables with high-qua lity connectors.