Abstract

The optimum refractive-index distribution of the high-bandwidth graded-index polymer optical fiber (POF) was clarified for the first time by consideration of both modal and material dispersions. The ultimate bandwidth achieved by the POF is investigated by a quantitative estimation of the material dispersion as well as the modal dispersion. The results indicate that even if the refractive-index distribution is tightly controlled, the bandwidth of the graded-index POF is dominated by the material dispersion when the required bit rate becomes larger than a few gigabits per second. It is also confirmed that the material dispersion strongly depends on the matrix polymer and that the use of a fluorinated polymer whose material dispersion [−0.078 ns/(nm km)] is lower than that of poly(methyl methacrylate) [−0.305 ns/(nm km)] allows for a 10-Gb/s signal transmission.

© 1996 Optical Society of America

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