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CHAPTER - 2

CLASSIFICATION OF OPTICAL FIBRES


In This Chapter types of Fibres Multimode, Single mode Step index, Graded index 2. 1. There are three types of fibres available in the market: 1. 2. 3. 2.2. MULTIMODE STEP INDEX FIBRE.(MMSI) MULTIMODE GRADED INDEX FIBRE (GRIN) SINGLE MODE FIBRE ( SMSI )

MULTI MODE STEP INDEX FLBRE

This is the simplest type and also the poorest of the three types in performance. Basically, it consists of a core material uniformly made of one index of refraction and the cladding made up of slightly lower uniform index of refraction. If we draw its profile of index of refraction it abruptly changes at the core-cladding surface creating a STEP. This is the reason why it is called STEP INDEX. The profile-of refractive index is as shown in fig 2.2.a.

Fig.2.2a Profile Of Refractive Index In Multimode Step Index Cables The manufacture is such that its core radius is large enough to accommodate many different rays of light or MODES each entering the core at different angles. The fibre propagates a number of modes. The path lengths of different modes are different as different rays take shorter or longer time to travel the length of the fibre, depending upon the angle the ray makes with the FIBRE guide axis. The ray that travels straight down the centre of the core without reflection arrives at the end first and the other rays arrive later. Thus though all the rays enter the FIBRE at the same time but they all arrive at the distant end at different times, i.e, full energy is not received at the same time at the distant end.(Ref fig 2.21) This results into spreading of light or simply pulse spreading. This spreading of light is called MODAL DISPERSION

Fig. 2.2. b. Multimode Step Index Fibre. Typical values are 15 to 30 ns/km. ) core dia 50 -200 um ) cladding dia 125 -400 um ) 2.3. (Please refer Page No. For Details.)

MULTI MODE GRADED INDEX FIBRE

The second type of fibre is called graded index fibre. In this type of cable the refractive index reduces gradually from the axis to the cladding and this is the reason why this fibre is called graded index fibre. The graded index (GRIN) fibre has a core material whose refractive index varies with distance from the fibre axis gradually and this is the reason why it is called GRADED INDEX FIBRE (Ref fig 2.3a). Since light travels faster in a medium with lower refractive index, the light ray which is farther from the fibre axis travels faster than the ray which is nearer to the axis As the refractive index is continuously changing across the axis the light ray is bent continuously towards the fibre axis in almost sinusoidal fashion as shown in figure(Ref. Fig 2.3. b).

Fig. 2.3 Multi Mode Graded Index Fibre

Fig.2.3(a) Profile Of Refractive Index In Graded Index Fibre

Fig. 2.3 (b) Propogation Of Light In Graded Index Fibre Typical values of modal dispersion for GRIN fibre is 1ns/km or less. Typical sizes of multimode GRIN fibres are 50/125", 62.5/125 85/125. B.W. Limit is 1 GHz.km. This type is useful in moderate distance and moderate applications. For example, a 10 Mbit/s Computer data link going 3 km will probably use this type of fibre. Advantage of this type over single mode or monomode fibre is ease of splicing (jointing) and connectorisation of fibres. As per CCITT recommendation G.651 the cladding dia is 125 um and the core dia is 50 um. It is very difficult to manufacture optical fibre cables with this ideal profile and the value mainly depends on the material used for the fibre. 2.4. SINGLE MODE FIBRE (MONOMODE) Suppose we make the core of the fibre very small say, 8urn then we have created a situation in which only one ray of light can enter the core and get guided by the total internal reflection. This will be the sole ray of light or mode that could enter the core at such a shallow angle. Major advantage of single mode fibre is that modal dispersion is totally eliminated. Recall that the cause of modal dispersion is the. path length difference between different modes in a fibre. Core dia =4 to 10 um. Cladding dia = 125 um CCITT Recommendation - G.652 As per field theory V = 2 a v = V number a = radius of core (n12-n22) = Wave length of the source

n1 = core refractive index n2 = Cladding refractive index For single mode operation V =2.405 (First zero of Bessel function) so V=2a (n12-n22) for single mode > cut off

cut off = 2 a 2.405 cut off = 2 a (n 1 2 - n 2 2) 2.405 Different fibre designs have a specific wave length called the cut off wave length, above which it carries only one side. A fibre designed for single mode operation at 1300 um will have a cut off wavelength around 1.220 um. For example, if 2a= 5um i.e., a = 2.5 um and n1 = 1.47, n2 = 1.458 then, so = 2 a (1.47)2-(1.458)2 2.405 2 x 3.14 x 2.5 2.1609-2.1258 2.405 = = 1220 nm or 1.220 um. Therefore at 1300 nm it will be momomode operation. Single mode fibres are used in high capacity, long distance applications. Its bandwidth is several GHz km This mode is most widely used in India. if 2a = Sum & (n12-n22) (NA) = 0. 1

then C= 2 a x 0. 1= 652nm 2.405 In this case = 850mn (first window) can be used as single mode in single mode fibre the optical energy is not confined to core alone. Some of optical energy travels in the cladding also. The diameter of light appearing at the end of the fibre is larger than the core dia. This dia is known as Mode field diameter. (MFD) (Ref fig 2.4a)

Fig. W.4 Single Mode Step Index Fibre

Fig. 2.4 (a) Mode Field Dia. is More Than The Actual Dia. of the Cable M. F. D. is wavelength dependent. Typical M.F. D is 10% variation of core dia. i.e., for a 10 um of core it is 11um. In Single Mode as cladding also carries optical energy and so attenuation of optical energy should be much less as compared to multi mode fibres where flow of energy through cladding is undesirable. 2.5 MODES As per field theory light travels in limited number of modes which depends on diameter of the core, index of refraction, index profile and wavelength of light source, N (No of modes) _2 (1+2) a2 (n12 - n2 2)

where

= parameter describing the reftactive index profile variation.

For Multimode fibres: = Earlier we have seen, V = 2 a (n12-n22) so N = For GRIN Fibres = parobolic profile 2 (1+2)

V2 =2 V2 4 4 2

N= (1+2) From above we can see that,

V2 = V2 4 4 2

Number of modes in GRIN fibres

1/2 MM step index fibre for the same core dia, n1, n2 a

REVIEW QUESTIONS: 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. What are the various types of optical fibre cables available in the market? How dispersion is reduced in graded index fibre? How monomode fibre is advantageous for communication net work ? Mode field diameter is always __________________________ than the core diameter. In graded index fibre the variation in refractive index of fibre follows _______profile

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