Evaluation of techniques to model bend loss in multimode fibers for endoscopic application
Document Type
Article
Publication Title
Applied Optics
Publication Date
4-20-2010
Abstract
Bend loss from optical fibers can have positive applications, which need to be characterized and related to fiber curvature in a systematic approach to be useful. One potential application for optical fibers is a shape sensor for tracking flexible bodies in remote access environments, such as in endoscopy or boroscopy. We conducted a review of bend-loss characterization and evaluated several methods for characterizing bend loss in multimode optical fibers for an endoscopic shape-tracking application. Specifically, closed-form equation-based methods and numerical simulations were examined. Beam propagation method (BPM) simulations were determined to be the most applicable characterization tool. Results from simulations using BPM software were compared to experimentally obtained data. BPM simulation was sufficiently accurate for modeling 50 μm fibers but impractical for larger, multimode fibers. © 2010 Optical Society of America.
Volume
49
Issue
12
First Page
2220
Last Page
2231
DOI
10.1364/AO.49.002220
Recommended Citation
Eisenstein, J., Wong, P., & Cao, C. (2010). Evaluation of techniques to model bend loss in multimode fibers for endoscopic application. Applied Optics, 49 (12), 2220-2231. https://doi.org/10.1364/AO.49.002220
ISSN
1559128X
E-ISSN
15394522