Quality Control

Comprehensive Fiber Optic Reliability Testing

Overview of Rayoptic fiber optic testing laboratory with inspection workstations and environmental test chamber

Rayoptic’s in-house laboratory can perform the complete Telcordia GR-326-Core test program for applicable fiber optic connector platforms.

Our testing capability includes ferrule endface geometry inspection, thermal aging, thermal cycling, humidity aging, humidity/condensation cycling, dry-out and post-condensation thermal cycling, vibration, flex, twist, proof testing, transmission with applied load, impact, durability, connector installation, and end-of-test optical and mechanical evaluation.

We can also perform selected test requirements aligned with Telcordia GR-3120-Core and GR-771-Core, including proof testing, water immersion testing, temperature cycling, humidity aging, and 85°C/85% RH environmental testing.

These tests help verify optical performance, mechanical reliability, sealing performance, and long-term environmental durability before shipment.

1. 353ND Epoxy Fill Inspection for Fiber Optic Ferrules

After the 353ND epoxy has cured, Rayoptic inspects 10% of production samples to verify epoxy fill quality in the ferrule.

Each sample is checked to confirm that the ferrule is fully filled, the optical fiber is securely embedded in the epoxy, and no voids or air bubbles are present.

epoxy 353nd filled ferrule

2. 100% Optical Performance Testing: Insertion Loss and Return Loss

All single-mode and multimode fiber optic connectors manufactured by Rayoptic undergo 100% insertion loss (IL) and return loss (RL) testing.

Measurements are verified against the applicable product specifications and the acceptance criteria shown in the table below.

IL AND RL TEST RAYOPTIC
Ferrule PolishSinglemodeMultimodeStandard
APCUPCPC
Insertion Loss (dB)TypicalMax.TypicalMax.0.2IEC 61300-3-4 method B
0.20.30.150.3
0.150.20.150.2NAGR-326-Core Issue 4
Return Loss (dB)>60>50NAIEC 61300-3-6 method 1
>65>55NAGR-326-Core Issue 4

3. 100% Ferrule Endface Inspection and Cleaning

All single-mode and multimode fiber optic connectors manufactured by Rayoptic undergo 100% inspection and cleaning of the polished ferrule endface before shipment.

Inspection is performed at 200× and 400× magnification to verify that each endface meets the applicable cleanliness, scratch, defect, and acceptance criteria shown in the table below.

Ferrule endface check
Zone

Regions(µm)

Singlemode

Regions(µm)

Multimode

ScratchesDefectsStandard
A:Core0-250-65NoneNoneIEC 61300-3-35
B:Cladding25-12065-120NoneNone
C:Adhesive120-130120-130NoneNone
D:Contact130-250130-250NoneNone
      

4. Ferrule Endface Geometry Inspection

Rayoptic provides single-mode fiber optic connectors with a standard 3D endface geometry pass rate of ≥85%.

For applications with more demanding performance requirements, higher pass-rate options of 90% or 100% are available upon request. Ferrule endface geometry is evaluated in accordance with the applicable IEC 61755 and Telcordia GR-326-Core requirements shown in the table below.

3D test rayoptic
Parameters

APC

IEC61755-3-2 GR-326-Core

UPC

IEC61755-3-1 GR-326-Core

Radius of Curvature(mm)5 to 1210 to 25
Fiber Undercut and Protrusion(nm)-100 to +100-100 to +100
Apex Offset(µm)0 to 500 to 50
Angle Error(°)8±0.3/
Key Error(°)Min -0.5 Max. +0.5/

5.Mechanical Performance: Proof Test

Rayoptic engineers perform straight-pull and 90° side-pull tests on optical fiber connectors in accordance with ANSI/ASQ Z1.4, General Inspection Level I. A zero-acceptance sampling plan is applied: Ac = 0 and Re = 1. These tests help ensure that the connectors deliver reliable mechanical performance and maintain their functionality during installation.

Rayoptic technician performing proof and tensile-strength tests on OptiTap flat drop cable and Fast-Connect (bayonet SC/APC) using a tensile tester alongside an insertion/return-loss meter.
ParametersReinforced Connector  ConditionsStandardRequirement
Straight Pull

SC FC LC ST MPO etc. (Mounted 1.6-2.0-3.0mm cable)

Magnitude of the force: 68N  

Speed: 5N/S

Point of application : 0.5m of connector end

Duration: 300s

IEC 61300-2-6

GR-326-Core Issue 4 4.4.3.4

IL<0.3dB

RL>50dB(UPC) ,>60dB (APC),

90° Side Pull

Magnitude of the force: 34N  

Speed: 5N/S

Point of application : 0.5m of connector end

Duration: 300s

IEC 61300-2-42

GR-326-Core Issue 4 4.4.3.4

ParametersReinforced Connector  ConditionsStandardRequirement
Straight Pull

Hardened Connector  serviced OSP

Magnitude of the force: 450N  

Speed: 5N/S

Point of application : 0.5m of connector end

Duration: 300s

IEC 61300-2-6

GR-3120-Core 

IL<0.3dB

RL>50dB(UPC) ,>60dB (APC),

90° Side Pull

Magnitude of the force: 67N  

Speed: 5N/S

Point of application : 0.5m of connector end

Duration: 300s

IEC 61300-2-42

GR-3120-Core 

6. Thermal Performance

In accordance with our control plan, thermal aging and thermal cycling tests are conducted quarterly. These tests evaluate the reliability of connector assemblies and simulate the thermal stresses they may encounter during transportation and in-service operation.

thermal age and cycle test rayoptic
TestConditionsStandardRequirement
Thermal Age Test

Temperature: 85℃ (185°F)

Humidity: 85% RH

Duration: 168 hours (7 days)

GR-326-Core Issue 4 4.4.2.1

IL<0.3dB

RL>50dB(UPC) ,>60dB (APC),

Thermal Cycle Test

Temperature: Cycle -40℃ to +75℃

Humidity: Uncontrolled

Duration: 21 Cycles, 168 hours (7 days)

IEC 61300-2-22

GR-326-Core Issue 4 4.4.2.2

7.Ingress Protection: IP68 Air-Tightness Test

For fiber-optic connectivity products used in outside plant (OSP) and other harsh environments, including hardened connectors, optical H connectors, MSTs, NAP boxes, CTO boxes, and fiber access terminals (FATs), Rayoptic performs 100% air-tightness testing in accordance with IEC 61300-2-38.
Our products are designed to meet the appropriate ingress-protection requirements for their intended installation environment, including IP67 or IP68 ratings for aerial, pole-mounted, wall-mounted, pedestal, and handhole applications.

ip67 ip68 waterproof test rayoptic

8. Water Resistance

Pre-connectorized MSTs and OptiTap flat drop cables are often installed in manholes, handholes, and vaults during FTTH deployments. To verify their sealing performance, Rayoptic conducts water-immersion testing that simulates prolonged submersion in these demanding field environments.
Our pre-terminated terminals and drop cable assemblies are evaluated against applicable water-resistance requirements in Telcordia GR-771 and GR-3120. Only products that pass our verification process are approved for shipment.

Rayoptic technician measuring insertion and return loss on a pre-connectorized MST and OptiTap flat drop cable after a 7-day, 1.5 m-deep water-immersion test in a cylindrical tank.

Quality Management
System Certification

Rayoptic ISO 9001:2015 Quality Management System Certificate
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