Properties of multiple clad fibers: experiments and numerical predictions

Experimental results for the dispersion and bending losses of quadruple clad fibers are compared to numerical calculations. The non-Gaussian shape of the fundamental mode of these fibers was measured. Sellmeier coefficients determining the refractive indices of the doped glass from which the fibers are made appear to be important for predicting the dispersion compensation effect. Bending losses were computed, and comparisons with experiments show that the qualitative behavior of quadruple clad fibers at small bending radii can be predicted.