Which instrument is used to visually inspect the endface of fiber optic connectors for defects?

Which instrument is used to visually inspect the endface of fiber optic connectors for defects?

• A. Inspection scope
• B. OTDR
• C. BFL
• D. Power meter

Answer: (A)

A fiber optic inspection scope is used to visually examine the endface of connectors. It provides high magnification and bright, even illumination so you can see dust, oil, scratches, chips, cracks, or any polish defects on the endface. Catching these issues is essential because they directly affect how well the fibers couple, influencing insertion loss and potential back reflections. The other tools test different things: an OTDR looks along the fiber for faults rather than inspecting the connector surface; a broadband light source and a power meter are used to generate and measure light signals, not to magnify and inspect the endface.

A fiber optic inspection scope is used to visually examine the endface of connectors. It provides high magnification and bright, even illumination so you can see dust, oil, scratches, chips, cracks, or any polish defects on the endface. Catching these issues is essential because they directly affect how well the fibers couple, influencing insertion loss and potential back reflections. The other tools test different things: an OTDR looks along the fiber for faults rather than inspecting the connector surface; a broadband light source and a power meter are used to generate and measure light signals, not to magnify and inspect the endface.