Multimode fiber bandwidth prediction based on preform profile

A new technique is suggested for multimode fiber bandwidth prediction based on a preform profile. It allows one to calculate the output pulse distortion and allows the bandwidth of a fiber to be drawn dependent on the excitation conditions under which it will operate. It is shown that the accuracy of the bandwidth prediction for 1.5- to 2.5-km fibers is about 10%, the bandwidth being 1–1.5 GHz/km. To achieve this accuracy it is necessary that the excitation conditions and differential mode attenuation be exactly reproduced in the calculation. The profile variations along the length should not be considerable. The prediction technique was adapted to the P101 Preform Analyser (York Technology) and can replace alpha-approximation curve-fitting during routine manufacture of multimode preforms.