Index of refraction of an optical fiber

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SUMMARY

The index of refraction for the glass core of an optical fiber is 1.62, while the cladding has an index of 1.47. To determine the maximum angle a light ray can make with the wall of the core, the equation theta = sin-1(n2/n1) is used, yielding a critical angle of 65 degrees. However, since the question specifies the angle with the wall of the core, the correct angle is calculated as 90 - 65.15, resulting in a maximum angle of 24.85 degrees.

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  • Understanding of optical fiber principles
  • Knowledge of Snell's Law
  • Familiarity with the concept of critical angle
  • Basic trigonometry
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Homework Statement


The glass core of an optical fiber has an index of refraction 1.62. The index of refraction of the cladding is 1.47.
What is the maximum angle a light ray can make with the wall of the core if it is to remain inside the fiber?


Homework Equations



theta = sin ^-1 (n2/n1)

The Attempt at a Solution


i used the equation and got angel 65.15 which was wrong
 
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The critical angle is 65 all right, but that is the angle of incidence - measured from a line perpendicular to the surface. The question asks for the angle "with the wall of the core". So you want 90-65.15.
 

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