Dielectric-fibre surface waveguides for optical frequencies
K.C. Kao and G.A. Hockham
Abstract: A dielectric fibre with a refractive index higher than its surrounding region is a form of dielectric
waveguide which represents a possible medium for the guided transmission of energy at optical frequencies. The particular type of dielectric-fibre waveguide discussed is one with a circular cross-section. The choice of themode of propagation for a fibre waveguide used for communication purposes is governed by consideration of
loss characteristics and information capacity. Dielectric loss, bending loss and radiation loss are discussed, and mode stability, dispersion and power handling are examined with respect to information capacity. Physicalrealisation aspects are also discussed. Experimental investigations at both optical and microwave wavelengthsare included.