Theoretical and experimental investigation of the steady-state power distribution in multimode step-index plastic optical fibers

Abstract

In this work we have examined theoretically and experimentally the influence of mode coupling on steady-state distribution (SSD) in step-index plastic optical fiber (SI POF). Numerical and analytical solution of the PFE under steady-state conditions are compared to our experimental results. A numerical solution of the power flow equation (PFE) has been obtained by the explicit finite difference method (EFDM). We demonstrated that SSD in the SI POF is achieved at length of 140 m, which is much shorter length compared to the case with silica fibers. The reported results appear to be particularly important since none of the main optical properties of an optical fiber (attenuation, bandwidth) can be accurately determined until the transmitted optical power reaches its SSD, due to strong influence of mode coupling phenomena that occur during the transmission process. These results are important for employment of the SI POFs as a part of communication or sensory systems.