Optical Fiber Power Meter Comparison Between NIST and NIM
I Vayshenker1, D J Livigni1, X Li1
1Optoelectronics Division, National Institute of Standards and Technology, Boulder, CO 80305, USA.
Summary
This study compared optical power measurement standards between NIST-USA and NIM-China. Results showed excellent agreement, with differences well within the combined standard uncertainty for both laboratories.
Area of Science:
- Metrology
- Optical Engineering
- Standards Development
Background:
- Accurate optical power measurements are critical for telecommunications and photonics.
- International metrology institutes maintain primary reference standards for calibration.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare the national optical power measurement standards of NIST-USA and NIM-China.
- To validate the consistency of optical power calibrations between the two institutes.
Main Methods:
- Optical fiber power measurements were performed at 1310 nm and 1550 nm.
- A commercial optical power meter was used to compare the reference standards.
- Inter-laboratory comparison methodology was employed.
Main Results:
- The largest difference in measurement results was less than 2.6 parts in 10^3.
- This difference was within the combined standard uncertainty (k=1) of the reference standards.
- High agreement between NIST and NIM standards was demonstrated.
Conclusions:
- The reference standards for optical power measurements at NIST-USA and NIM-China are in excellent agreement.
- This comparison validates the reliability and consistency of optical power metrology between the two leading institutes.
- The findings support the global traceability of optical power measurements.
