Frequency response and bandwidth in low-numerical-aperture step-index plastic optical fibers

By experimental measurement and from a numerical solution to the time-dependent power flow equation, the frequency response, bandwidth, mode coupling, and mode-dependent attenuation are determined for a low-numerical-aperture (NA) plastic optical fiber. Frequency response and bandwidth are specified as a function of fiber length. Numerical results are verified against experimental measurements. Mode coupling and modal attenuation are found to differ substantially between two fiber varieties of the same type (both low-NA, step-index, and plastic), implying their preferential suitability that is application-specific.