Smallest curvature radius in gradient index optics

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Sunfire
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Hello,

would someone know what is the smallest radius of curvature achievable with current gradient index optics (GRIN) technology?
I mean, how much could one "curve" a ray of light?

Many thanks! :smile:
 

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That would be proportional to the smallest radius turn that a graded index fibre can still work at - and manufacturers tend to publish that figure.
I'm seeing figures of order 5mm.

You could figure out what the grading needs to be to support a particular mean bend radius and compare the maximum refractive index with transparent materials.