Certified Fiber Optics Practice Exam

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An OTDR relies on which phenomena of light in an optical fiber?

Reflection
Refraction
Backscatter
Dispersal

The correct answer is: Backscatter

An OTDR, or Optical Time-Domain Reflectometer, relies on the phenomenon of backscatter to perform its measurements. When a pulse of light is launched into an optical fiber, a small portion of that light is scattered back towards the source due to imperfections or inhomogeneities in the fiber material. This scattering is known as Rayleigh backscatter. By analyzing the time it takes for the scattered light to return and the intensity of this backscatter, the OTDR can determine the length of the fiber, detect faults, and identify splice points or connectors along the fiber. While reflection is also a process that occurs when light encounters a boundary, such as the end of a fiber, the primary function of an OTDR is to utilize the backscatter effect rather than just reflections. Refraction refers to the bending of light as it passes through different mediums, which is important in the basic functioning of fibers but not specifically in the operation of an OTDR. Dispersal, or chromatic dispersion, describes the spreading of light pulses as they travel through the fiber, which is not relevant to the direct measurements conducted by an OTDR. Thus, backscatter is the critical phenomenon leveraged by OTDR technology for evaluating fiber optic systems.