title: Evaluation of some GRIN fiber parameters and the associated fraction mode loss due to mechanically induced optical anisotropy.
abstract: Some of the optical parameters of the bent multimode graded-index (GRIN) optical fiber in terms of indices of refraction, where the bending stresses broke the radial symmetry, are evaluated by use of multiple-beam Fizeau fringes. The variation of the index difference between the cladding index and core index in both the compression and tensile fiber regions is measured. The accuracy of measuring the index is +/- 1 x 10(-4). The spatial resolution of the method is 1.39 microm. Evaluation of the acceptance angle, the numerical aperture, and the V number profiles of the bent fiber from the interference pattern at both sides of the bent fiber are presented. The fraction of the mode number lost has been evaluated. The method was used to study the influence of compression on diminishing the index difference that leads to a dissipation of energy and a considerable mode loss. It is obvious from the experimental data that the change of the index difference due to bending strongly affects the fraction of propagating mode number, especially at the small radii of curvature. Ignoring the variation of the index difference we evaluating the number of propagated modes number leads to an insufficient determination of the mode loss. It subsequently leads to an incorrect determination of the mode dispersion and the interface loss in bent GRIN fibers. The study confirms that the deviation of the guide axis from straightness with the radius of curvature of less than 1 cm could lead to a significant fraction mode loss.