ESI DETERMINATION FROM PETERMANN MODE-FIELD DIAMETER MEASUREMENTS AND REFRACTIVE INDEX PROFILE MEASUREMENTS ON SINGLE-MODE FIBRES.

The two main approaches to the characterization of single-mode fibres are the Equivalent Step Index (ESI) and Mode Field Diameter (MFD) methods. In this paper we implement and critically assess our new approach using three independent measurement procedures. The ESI parameters as obtained from (i) MFD measurements, (ii) preform profile measurements and (iii) fibre profile measurements are compared for a nominally step index fibre fabricated by the MCVD process. A statistical approach is adopted in analysing the measurement data, thereby reducing the influence of measurement error and other inherent uncertainties.