Theoretical model and experimental studies of infrared radiation propagation in hollow plastic and glass waveguides

Results on scattering, off-center coupling, and other losses that influence the shape of a beam delivered by flexible hollow waveguides are presented. The conditions for the beam shape to be near to that of the source are fou nd. A theoretical model for the radiation propagation through the hollow wa veguides and the conditions for change in the beam shape are calculated. Go od agreement between the theoretical and experimental results was obtained, (C) 2000 Society of Photo-Optical Instrumentation Engineers.