Determination of GR-IN optical fibre parameters from transverse interferograms considering the refraction of the incident ray by the fibre

The core-cladding refractive index difference Deltan and the index gradient profile parameter a of the graded index (GRIN) optical fibre has been determined. The curve representing the real path, in the core region, due to refraction of the beam and the change in the exit wavefront are considered. Multiple-beam Fizeau fringes and two-beam interference Pluta polarizing microscope, are used for this investigation. A new method, based on a derived mathematical expression, is used with a prepared computer program to estimate the fringe shift inside GR-IN of the fibre core. The estimated and experimental values of the fringe shift, along the core radius, are used to obtain the refractive index profile of the optical fibre. A comparison between the new method and a previous model considering the refraction has been shown. Microinterferograms are given for illustrations. (C) 2001 Published by Elsevier Science B.V.