Theory of linearly birefringent fibers: an alternative approach

We tackle the theory of linearly birefringent single-mode dielectric fibers in terms of magnetic fields, instead of the usual electric fields. The new approach simplifies the analysis of the minor field component as a functio n of the radial coordinate. Several previous results are reconfirmed and un ified. New closed-form expressions are found for the field in a fiber in wh ich the physical index seen by the minor component matches, in a part of th e cross section, the guided-mode equivalent index. (C) 1999 Optical Society of America.