Comparison of cutoff wavelength measurements for single-mode waveguides

The intrinsic cutoff wavelength of the LP11 mode is investigated using three different types of measurement for an ITT single-mode fiber. Characterization of the far-field pattern of the LP01 mode gives a cutoff value approximately 660 nm, a near-field transmission experiment gives approximately 690 nm, and a refracted power measurement gives approximately 830 nm. We conclude that the refracted power technique is the best experimental method for the determination of the intrinsic cutoff wavelength of a fiber sample. The effect of the loss of coupling efficiency into the LP11 mode as cutoff is approached on the transmission and refracted power experiments is noted.