Abstract

Ranging from inexpensive, easy-to-handle fibers with modest loss and dispersion for on-premise connections to sophisticated low-loss , high-capacity fibers for intercity routes, the optical engineer has many possible choices to satisfy system's requirements. We examine those choices by reviewing first, the influence that the distribution of refractive index in a fiber has on guidance, and then by summarizing the state of the art on loss and dispersion.

© 1975 Optical Society of America