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Direct deflection method for determining refractive-index profiles of polymer optical fiber preforms
Brian K Canfield1, Christopher S Kwiatkowski, Mark G Kuzyk
1Washington State University, Department of Physics, Pullman 99164-2814, USA. bcanfie@mail.wsu.edu
Applied Optics
|June 21, 2002
Summary
A new direct-deflection method accurately measures the refractive-index profile of polymer optical fiber preforms. This simple, compact technique provides high resolution for graded and step-index fiber analysis.
Area of Science:
- Materials Science
- Optics
- Polymer Science
Background:
- Accurate characterization of polymer optical fiber (POF) preforms is crucial for performance.
- Existing methods for refractive-index profiling can be complex or lack resolution.
Purpose of the Study:
- To introduce a novel, direct-deflection measurement technique for determining the refractive-index profile of POF preforms.
- To demonstrate the method's simplicity, compactness, and high resolution.
Main Methods:
- Direct-deflection measurement of the preform.
- Numerical integration of the differential-ray equation for radial refractive-index gradients.
- Incorporation of corrections for topographical deviations.
Main Results:
- Successful determination of refractive-index profiles for both graded-index and step-index polymer optical fibers.
- Validation of the method's simplicity, compactness, and good resolution.
- Demonstration of the ability to correct for topographical variations.
Conclusions:
- The direct-deflection method offers an effective and practical approach for POF preform characterization.
- This technique can be applied to various POF types, enhancing fabrication and quality control.
- The method's advantages make it suitable for both research and industrial applications.