Defects in an Optical Fiber
Defects in an Optical Fiber
Light can propagate in an optical fiber by total internal reflection (TIR) when the outside medium has a lower refractive index than the core. However, light can still be refracted through the boundary if the angle between the light and boundary is greater than the critical angle. Optical fibers are usually cladded with another material to increase the critical angle and to protect the core. This Demonstration shows the effect of a triangular defect in the core. The origins of two light rays can be set with locators.