What is defined as 'radiation loss' in fiber optics?

Radiation loss in fiber optics refers to the loss of optical signal energy that occurs when light escapes from the core of a fiber optic cable. This phenomenon is primarily caused by imperfections in the fiber, such as micro-bending or macro-bending, which alter the conditions necessary for total internal reflection to occur.

In well-designed fiber optics, light is supposed to remain confined within the core as it travels along the length of the cable due to high refractive index contrast between the core and the cladding. However, when these conditions are disrupted, some of the light may escape into the cladding or even outside the fiber altogether, resulting in loss of signal strength and degradation of the transmitted information.

Understanding radiation loss is crucial for engineers and technicians working with fiber optics because minimizing this type of loss can lead to improved system performance and reliability. It highlights the importance of maintaining the integrity of the fiber and ensuring that installation practices are followed to avoid unnecessary bending or physical stress that could lead to these losses.