A THEORETICAL AND EXPERIMENTAL STUDY OF OPTICAL FIBERS
A geometrical treatment was used to outline the theoretical properties of optical fibers which are imperfect as well as geometrically and optically perfect. Experiments were Performed to measure some of the optical properties of individual fibers and fiber bundles. Equations which describe the total flux transmitted and the angular distribution of the emergent light from straight cylindrical fibers of circular cross section were derived and numerically evaluated. The effects of skew rays on these and other interesting geometrical properties were studied. Also some of the equations which describe the performance of conical and polygonal fibers were formulated. The effects of light scattering, variation in index of refraction, bending, and absorbing coatings on the performance of fibers were considered. Measurements of the attenuation and angular distribution of the emitted light from plastic scintillating fibers were made. Using the theoretical equations, it was deduced that these fibers are characterized by an internal reflectivity of 0.993 plus or minus 0.002 and an absorption coefficient of 0.015 plus or minus 0.003 cm/sup - 1/. Measurements of the total light transmitted by clad glass fibers indicate that these fibers are characterized by an internal reflectivity of 0.9993 plus or minus 0.0002 and an absorption coefficient of the order of 10/sup -4/ cm/sup - 1/. Further it was found that presently available fibers cause a decollimation of light which is essentially independent of the fiber dimensions and the angle of incidence. This effect is probably due to a combination of refractive index variation as well as scattering of light within the fibers. Some experimental data on glass fiber bundles are also included. (auth)
- Research Organization:
- Rochester, N.Y. Univ. Inst. of Optics
- DOE Contract Number:
- AT(30-1)-875; AF33(616)-6171
- NSA Number:
- NSA-14-017083
- OSTI ID:
- 4162741
- Report Number(s):
- NYO-9033
- Resource Relation:
- Other Information: Orig. Receipt Date: 31-DEC-60
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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