Which scenario could lead to an increase in splice loss during optical fiber testing?

In the context of optical fiber testing, improper fiber cleaving is a critical factor that can lead to an increase in splice loss. This is because cleaving is the process of precisely cutting the fiber at the correct angle to facilitate a strong and low-loss connection between two fiber ends. When cleaving is not done correctly, the ends of the fibers may not align properly, or they may have an uneven surface. This misalignment or surface irregularity can cause scattering and reflection of the light passing through the splice, resulting in higher splice loss.

Maintaining high-quality cleaving techniques is essential for minimizing splice losses, as even a small defect can significantly impact the performance of the optical fiber system. Successful cleaving ensures that the light transmission is as efficient as possible, thereby providing optimal performance in fiber optic networks.