IEC 60793-2-70:2017

Overview

IEC 60793-2-70:2017 is the IEC sectional product specification for polarization‑maintaining fibres (PM fibres). It applies to glass core/glass clad PM fibre categories D1, D2 and D3, optimized respectively for operation around 980 nm (D1), 1310 nm (D2) and 1550 nm (D3). The standard defines how PM fibres used in information transmission equipment and optical fibre cable - and intended for optical transport networks - should be specified, tested and documented.

Key topics and technical requirements

The standard groups requirements into three levels:

• General requirements (referenced from IEC 60793-2) that apply to optical‑fibre product specifications.
• Category D common requirements (Clause 4) that set dimensional, mechanical, transmission and environmental expectations for PM fibres.
• Type‑specific requirements (Annexes A–C) that detail additional attributes for D1, D2 and D3 families.

Important technical topics covered:

• Dimensional attributes and measurement methods: cladding diameter, cladding non‑circularity, core‑cladding concentricity, primary coating diameter and concentricity, fibre length (measured per IEC 60793‑1‑20 / 1‑21 / 1‑22).
• Mechanical requirements and tests: proof testing and handling robustness.
• Transmission characteristics and tests: attenuation, mode field diameter (MFD) (Annex D), cut‑off wavelength (Annex E), beat length, and polarization crosstalk measurement procedures.
• Environmental requirements: temperature cycling and other exposures relevant to product qualification.
• Measurement references: the standard directly references IEC measurement methods (IEC 60793‑1‑20, ‑1‑44, ‑1‑45, ‑1‑60, ‑1‑61, etc.).

Applications

IEC 60793‑2‑70:2017 is focused on PM fibres for:

• Erbium‑doped fibre amplifier (EDFA) pumping and components (D1 optimized near 980 nm).
• Optical transport networks and telecommunication links operating around 1310 nm (D2) and 1550 nm (D3) where polarization stability and reliable connector/connection properties are required.
• Product specification and quality control for PM fibre production and fibre‑based subsystems.

Who uses this standard

• Fibre manufacturers specifying PM fibre product families (D1/D2/D3).
• Cable and component suppliers that incorporate PM fibre into assemblies.
• Test laboratories and quality engineers performing dimensional, mechanical, transmission and environmental testing.
• Procurement and compliance teams ensuring products meet IEC product‑specification requirements.

Related standards

Key referenced test and measurement standards:

• IEC 60793‑2 (Product specifications - general)
• IEC 60793‑1‑20, ‑1‑21, ‑1‑22, ‑1‑30, ‑1‑44, ‑1‑45, ‑1‑46, ‑1‑52, ‑1‑60, ‑1‑61

This standard is essential when defining, testing or procuring polarization‑maintaining fibres for telecom and amplifier applications, ensuring consistent polarization‑maintaining, dimensional and environmental performance.