Fiber Optics Part I Optical Properties of Certain Dielectric Cylinders*

Abstract

Various novel applications of transparent fibers call for their high light conductivity and appropriate radiation properties. Different factors affecting the optical properties of dielectric cylinders are discussed and methods for making precise measurements on them have been devised. The geometrical optical properties of cylindrical and conical channels are dealt with. Microinterferometric technique is employed for the continuous testing of cylindricity and variation in diameter of long lengths of fibers. The surface structure of drawn glass fiber is studied using electron microscopy. Absolute refractive index and any inhomogeneities in fibers are measured using multiple beam interference and the fringes of equal chromatic order. It is seen that there exists a difference in refractive index of the glass fiber and the bulk material. The birefringence in various fibers is also measured on a polarizing microscope. Light transmission of certain glass fibers is measured and the optical properties of bent fibers are studied. The modification of radiation patterns of fibers curved on circular arcs is investigated and photometric measurements on them are made.