How to Choose Fiber Optic Power Meters

Optical power is usually measured in dBm, or decibels referenced to 1mW. These devices measure the average optical power, not the peak power, so they are sensitive to the duty cycle of the data transmitted.Their wavelength and power range have to be appropriately matched to the system being measured. Most power meters used to test communication networks are designed to work at 850nm, 1300nm and 1500nm wavelength ranges and in the power range of -15 to -35dBm for multimode links, or 0-40dBm for single mode links.What types of power meters are available?Fiber optic power meters, like DMMs, come in a variety of types. The measurement uncertainty of practically all fiber optic power meters is the same, limited by the physical constrains of transferring standards with optical connections.