How is light loss in fiber optics primarily measured?

Light loss in fiber optics is primarily measured in decibels per kilometer (dB/km). This unit of measurement allows technicians to quantify the amount of signal loss that occurs as light travels through a fiber optic cable over a distance of one kilometer. Decibels represent a logarithmic ratio of power levels, which is particularly useful in the context of optical signals because they can vary significantly over distances due to attenuation, bending, and other factors impacting the signal strength.

Using decibels makes it easier for professionals to assess the quality and efficiency of the fiber optic link. It provides a standardized way to express losses, which is essential for design, installation, and troubleshooting in fiber optics networks. By understanding how much signal is lost per kilometer, technicians can make more informed decisions to ensure optimal performance of the fiber optic systems they work with.

Other options do not relate to measuring optical signal loss effectively: voltage levels and wattage pertain more to electrical measurements rather than light transmission in fiber optics, and meters provide a linear measurement of distance but do not account for signal attenuation characteristics.