Definitions for "Step-Index Fiber"
An optical fiber consisting of a core with a single uniform index of refraction, surrounded by a cladding with another single uniform index of refraction. The index of refraction "steps down" as light travels from the core to the cladding. When graphed as a function of distance from the fiber axis, the index of refraction has the shape of a step function. Light is trapped in a step-index fiber by total internal reflection.
An optical fiber in which the core is of a uniform refractive index with a sharp decrease in the index of refraction at the core/cladding interface.
Optical Fiber which has an abrupt change in its refractive index, due to a core and cladding that have different indices of refraction. Typically used for singlemode.