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Insertion Loss and Return loss: Relative Measurements using the CTP10 Platform

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Insertion Loss and Return loss: Relative Measurements using the CTP10 Platform

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This application note explains the signification of the term “relative” when insertion loss (IL) and return loss (RL) are said to be relative measurements. In the context of optical testing, a measurement is said to be relative when the result obtained does not depend on the absolute power accuracy of the optical detectors used. Relative measurements rely on the fact that when a proper referencing procedure is followed, the power uncertainty of the detectors can be compensated, greatly improving the measurement uncertainty. The application note describes further below how this compensation can be achieved in the case of IL and RL measurements.

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