What is the primary purpose of an Optical Power Meter?

The primary purpose of an Optical Power Meter is to measure optical signals in a fiber optic cable. This instrument quantifies the power level of the light transmitted through the fiber, which is essential for assessing the performance and integrity of the fiber optic system.

By measuring the optical power, technicians can determine if the signals are within the expected range for proper functioning. Accurate measurements help in identifying issues such as excessive loss due to bends, splices, or connectors that may degrade signal quality. This capability is critical for ensuring that the fiber optic network operates optimally and meets required specifications.

The other options describe tasks that are important in fiber optic work but do not reflect the primary function of an Optical Power Meter. For example, visually inspecting fiber connections is part of the maintenance process, calibrating laser sources relates to preparing the transmitters, and lowering fiber splice losses concerns the physical installation or techniques used to improve termination. However, these actions do not directly involve measuring the power of the optical signals transmitted through the fiber.