MODELING LIGHT TRANSFER THROUGH OPTICAL FIBERS FOR ILLUMINATION APPLICATIONS

A calculation model for light transfer through optical fibers was deve loped. The model comprises an analytical equation and a numericalalgor ithm. The numerical algorithm was written using a Monte Carlo ray-trac ing method. The algorithm allows the analysis of straight and bent opt ical fibers and provides losses due to critical angle and total Fresne l reflection as well as an average effective length for bound rays. A flexible format to represent bent fibers was adopted using parametric equations. This format permits several methods of representation for b ent fibers. Thus, the algorithm handles bent fibers of any shape and a ny representation. The procedure is explained in detail and a method t o calculate the efficiency of fibers is also presented.