Field-tracing modeling of the ultra-small gradient-index fiber probe

• Published in: Optik (Stuttgart) Vol. 124; no. 23; pp. 6437 - 6443
• Main Authors: Wang, Chi, Bi, Shubo, Xia, Xueqin, Wang, Li, Li, Xingfei, Yu, Yingjie
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Elsevier GmbH 01.12.2013
• Subjects: Field tracing; Gradient-index lens; Optical coherence tomography (OCT); Ultra-small optical probe; Gradient-index lens; Ultra-small optical probe; Field tracing; Optical coherence tomography (OCT)
• ISSN: 0030-4026; 1618-1336
• DOI: 10.1016/j.ijleo.2013.05.033

Field-tracing approach was proposed to model an ultra-small gradient-index (GRIN) fiber probe. Firstly, the optical model of the GRIN fiber probe was described that consists of a single-mode fiber (SMF), a no-core fiber (NCF), and a gradient-index fiber lens. Then, the term of the field-tracing was presented along with its application in the numerical modeling of the GRIN fiber probe. Finally, the commercial optical software, VirtualLab, was used to simulate the field-tracing model of the GRIN fiber probe, where the comparison analysis between the simulation results and published experimental data was performed. The simulation results show that with respect to the different lengths of NCF and GRIN fiber lens, the simulated working distances and focus spot sizes in VirtualLab all agree with the experimental data closely. Therefore, the proposed field-tracing approach is an effective tool for further optimal design of the GRIN fiber probe by using the software VirtualLab.