Abstract

To utilize fully the capabilities of single-mode waveguides, it is necessary to optimize total system loss. In addition to intrinsic fiber loss (Rayleigh scattering and absorption loss), the two main loss components in single-mode waveguide systems are splice and microbend loss. An understanding of the loss dependence upon variations of fiber design is essential for single-mode fiber optimization tor various applications. With this goal in mind, a systematic experimental study of these loss components has been performed over a wide range of key step-index design parameters: core diameter and fractional index difference. This has led to a rational telecommunication design which takes into account not only the effect of external perturbations but also fiber manufacturing variations.

© 1982 Optical Society of America