Abstract

Light scattering from optical fibers at 90° to the fiber axis provides useful Information about the refractive index distribution, the fiber diameter and its uniformity.^1,2 in order to be able to understand the scattering patterns we have developed a theory that compares very favorably with experiments. It is hoped that this work will contribute to the theoretical understanding of light scattering from circularly symmetric cylindrical dielectric materials of arbitrary radial index distribution. It is also expected that the observation of scattering patterns during the fiber drawing process will aid in achieving greater uniformity and serve as an aid in quality control.

© 1975 Optical Society of America