Study on measurement of refractive index profile of GI-POF by light scattering

This paper is devoted to the study on measurement of refractive index profile of graded-index polymer optical fiber (GI-POF) by light scattering. Using Generalized Airy theory and Debye series of an inhomogeneous cylinder, the scattering intensity distributions are obtained of Airy structure of rainbows for different refractive index profile. The results show that positions of Airy peaks depend closely on refractive index profile of GI-POF. Since each order of rainbow penetrates it to different depths, such methods could be used to provide information of the refractive index profile of GI-POF. For GI-POF with given diameter, positions of Airy peaks of rainbows are simulated as a function of refractive index profile, which can be used to inverse unknown parameters of refractive index profile. The least square method is used in inversion of refractive index profile with the given refractive index of the cladding. The results obtained agree with theoretical values with high precision. The method has the advantages of non-instructive and on-line measurement, and can be used for the measurement of other inhomogeneous droplets.