Influence of the angle-dependence of mode coupling on optical power distribution in step-index plastic optical fibers

Determination of the power distribution in step index plastic optical fibers by the power flow equation has been reported in the literature both with and without the simplifying assumption of constant coupling that is independent of the angle of light propagation. The need for this assumption is evaluated in this paper. Results with the angle-dependent coupling coefficient are compared to those derived under the simplifying assumption of constant coupling. Benchmarked to values measured experimentally, this comparison covered the coupling lengths L_c (denoting where the equilibrium mode distribution is achieved in the fiber) and lengths z_s (for achieving the steady-state distribution). Results differ slightly but only for longer fiber lengths, thus largely vindicating the simplifying assumption of constant coupling.