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If numerical aperture and fractional refractive index of an optical fibre are 0.22 and 0.012, respectively. The refractive index of core (µ1) and cladding (µ2) will be

This question was previously asked in
UGC NET 2023 Electronic Science Question Paper (13-Dec-2023) (Shift 1)
The correct answer is

\(\mu_1 = 1.42,\ \mu_2 = 1.40\)

The two defining relations for a step-index fibre.

Numerical aperture (light-gathering ability, related to the acceptance angle):

\(NA = \sqrt{\mu_1^{2}-\mu_2^{2}} = \mu_1\sqrt{2\Delta}\)

Fractional refractive-index change:

\(\Delta = \dfrac{\mu_1-\mu_2}{\mu_1}\)

The second form of NA follows from the first because \(\mu_1^{2}-\mu_2^{2}=(\mu_1+\mu_2)(\mu_1-\mu_2)\approx 2\mu_1(\mu_1-\mu_2)\) when the two indices are close, which is always the case in practical fibres.

Step 1 — find the core index.

\(\mu_1 = \dfrac{NA}{\sqrt{2\Delta}} = \dfrac{0.22}{\sqrt{2\times0.012}} = \dfrac{0.22}{\sqrt{0.024}}\)

\(\sqrt{0.024}=0.1549 \Rightarrow \mu_1 = \dfrac{0.22}{0.1549} = 1.42\)

Step 2 — find the cladding index.

\(\mu_2 = \mu_1(1-\Delta) = 1.42\times(1-0.012) = 1.42\times0.988 = 1.40\)

Step 3 — check against NA.

\(\sqrt{1.42^{2}-1.40^{2}} = \sqrt{2.0164-1.96} = \sqrt{0.0564} = 0.238 \approx 0.22\) ✓ (small rounding).

Eliminating the wrong options by inspection. Options 1 and 4 give indices of about 9.16 — physically impossible for glass, whose refractive index is around 1.44–1.48 (an index that high is not found in any optical material). Option 3 has \(\mu_1 \lt \mu_2\), i.e. the cladding denser than the core; total internal reflection would then be impossible and the fibre could not guide light at all. Only option 2 is both numerically and physically consistent.

Related idea. The acceptance angle follows from the same NA: \(\theta_{max}=\sin^{-1}(NA)=\sin^{-1}(0.22)\approx 12.7^{\circ}\), and a larger NA collects more light but increases modal dispersion, which is why long-haul fibres use a small Δ.

Hence, µ1 = 1.42 and µ2 = 1.40.

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Similar Questions

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  2. The core diameter of single mode fiber is in the order of

  3. Consider the following statements :

    Losses in optical fibers are caused by

    1. Impurities in the fibre material
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Important Questions from Optical Fiber

  1. What is the relation between the refractive index of core n1 and cladding n2?

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