Representation of Intermodal Dispersion in Multimode Fiber Links

This paper analyzes statistical aspects of intermodal dispersion in multimode fiber links using a linear systems model. It is shown that the dependence of the response of a fiber section on the power distribution in the input modes leads to uncertainties in the characterization of the rms time dispersion of the section when it forms a part of a fiber link. Analytical expressions for the link dispersion in terms of three section parameters are derived, and a recursive method for computing link dispersions when these parameters are known for each section of the link is outlined. Calculations indicating the applicability of the method are also presented.