Fiber end-face defects (scratches, pits, cracks) and particle contamination have a direct impact on the performance of the connector, which contributes to poor IL/RL. Any irregularity that impedes light transmission from one fiber to the other will negatively affect IL and RL. If the fiber, anywhere within the assembly, is bent or pinched beyond its “minimum bend radius,” significant increase in IL will result.

Many of our customers report that contamination on the end-face is the #1 end-user complaint. Thankfully, contamination can be identified and controlled in the production environment. You may want to investigate the process your technicians follow to ensure end-faces are clean, and then shore up training as necessary.

READ THE FULL BLOG ARTICLE HERE: What Causes Poor IL/RL?

Answered by Fiber Optic Center Technical Team