Numerical Calculation of Attenuation Mechanisms in Single-Mode Optical Fibres

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Published: Mar 31, 2026
DOI: https://doi.org/10.26629/uzjns.2026.03
Keywords:
Fiber optics, Rayleigh scattering, absorption, bending loss, loss coefficient

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Nesrin A Alshatwi
Department of Physics, Faculty of Science, University of Sirte, Sirte, Libya
https://orcid.org/0009-0004-3095-8911
Mariam O Madi
Department of Physics, Faculty of Science, University of Tripoli, Tripoli, Libya
https://orcid.org/0009-0001-4859-7788
Salma A Amhammed
Department of Physics, Faculty of Science, University of Sirte, Sirte, Libya
https://orcid.org/0009-0008-9464-7871

Abstract

This study presents a numerical analysis of attenuation mechanisms in single-mode silica optical fibers. The wavelength-dependent behavior of Rayleigh scattering, intrinsic and extrinsic material absorption, ultraviolet and infrared absorption, and bending losses is systematically investigated. The results show that Rayleigh scattering dominates at shorter wavelengths and decreases rapidly with increasing wavelength, consistent with its inverse fourth-power (1/λ4) dependence. Material absorption introduces pronounced loss peaks associated with hydroxyl (OH⁻) impurities, particularly near 1380 nm, which significantly limits transmission in this region. Infrared absorption increases at longer wavelengths due to vibrational modes of the silica lattice, while ultraviolet absorption decreases with wavelength and contributes negligibly within standard communication bands. Bending losses exhibit strong dependence on both bending radius and wavelength, with higher attenuation observed at smaller bend diameters and longer wavelengths. The combined attenuation profile reveals a minimum-loss transmission window in the 1300–1550 nm range, confirming its suitability for optical communication systems.

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How to Cite
[1]
N. A. Alshatwi, M. O. Madi, and S. A. Amhammed, “Numerical Calculation of Attenuation Mechanisms in Single-Mode Optical Fibres”, UZJNS, vol. 3, no. 1, pp. 19–28, Mar. 2026.
Issue
Vol. 3 No. 1 (2026): Univ Zawia J Nat Sci
Section
Physics
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