IEC 60793-49:2018 applies only to multimode, graded-index glass-core (category A1) fibres. The test method is commonly used in production and research facilities, but is not easily accomplished in the field. This document describes a method for characterizing the modal structure of a graded-index multimode fibre. This information is useful for assessing the bandwidth performance of a fibre especially when the fibre is intended to support a range of launch conditions, for example, those produced by standardized laser transmitters. This third edition cancels and replaces the second edition published in 2006. This edition constitutes a technical revision. This edition includes the following significant technical changes with respect to the previous edition:
a) better alignment with original intent by filling some omissions and therefore improving measurement rigor;
b) the measurement of fibres with smaller differential mode delay (and higher modal bandwidth) such as type A1a.3 fibres of IEC 60793-2-10 that are used in constructing OM4 performance category cables; new requirements on specifying detector amplitude and temporal response, specimen deployment conditions, four-quadrant scanning, and uniformity of radial locations for calculating bandwidth.
Keywords: modal structure of a graded-index multimode fibre, bandwidth performance