Equilibrium mode distribution and steady state distribution in step-index glass optical fibers

Abstract

Using the power flow equation, we have examined mode coupling in a step-index multimode glass optical fiber. As a result, the coupling length at which the equilibrium mode distribution is achieved and the length of fiber required for achieving the steady-state mode distribution are obtained. These lengths are much longer for glass fiber than they are for plastic optical fibers. Our results are in good agreement with experimental results reported earlier.