Azimuthal far-field analysis for the measurement of the effective cutoff wavelength in single-mode fibers-effects of curvature, length, and index profile

The spectral analysis of the optical power transmitted through a bow tie slit rotating in the far-field pattern of a single-mode fiber provides an easy and accurate mean of determining the effective cutoff wavelength of the fiber. The principle of this technique is described. Theoretical considerations show that the ratio between the optical powers carried by the LP₁₁ mode and the fundamental mode, respectively, is directly related to the amplitude of two particular lines in the spectrum. The degree of coherence of the analyzed field is shown to be related to the amplitude of a third line. Owing to the sensitivity of the method, the detectable amount of the total power which is contained in the LP₁₁ mode is as small as 0.5%. The effects of length and curvature on the effective cutoff wavelength are measured over wide ranges for different kinds of single-mode fibers. The behavior of a quadruple-clad flattened dispersion fiber is shown to be somewhat different from that of a typical depressed cladding fiber