What device is commonly used to measure fiber optic losses?

An Optical Time-Domain Reflectometer (OTDR) is a device specifically designed to measure fiber optic losses by sending pulses of light through the fiber and analyzing the reflected light that comes back. This reflection can provide information about the length of the fiber, the location of splices, and any loss points along the fiber due to bends, breaks, or connectors. The OTDR captures the backscatter light and plots it as a function of distance, allowing technicians to pinpoint where losses occur.

In addition to measuring losses, the OTDR is also valuable for troubleshooting and analyzing the integrity of fiber optic installations, making it a critical tool in the maintenance of fiber networks. Its ability to measure loss at various points along a fiber optic cable makes it far superior for this specific application than the other devices listed.