Generalized Plots of Mode Patterns in a Cylindrical Dielectric Waveguide Applied to Retinal Cones

Generalized curves are presented which describe the characteristics of the 12 lowest cutoff-frequency modes of an electromagnetic wave propagating down an infinite lossless dielectric rod, surrounded by an infinite Iossless medium of lower dielectric constant. These curves were developed by a computer study particularly to analyze the optical mode patterns generated within the photosensitive portions of the cones of the retina. However, they should also be particularly useful in the study of fiber optics and dielectric microwave antennas.