Analysis of Graded-Index Hollow Optical Fibers and Its Application to Atomic Waveguide Design

This paper presents a scalar analysis of hollow optical fiber (HOF) with a graded-index (GRIN) profile by using the modified Airy functions. A full-vectorial analysis based on finite element method is performed as well to confirm the validity of the scalar analysis results. Based on the results obtained, GRIN HOF is shown to offer a much steeper field gradient and thus a significantly stronger repulsive optical force within the hollow region compared to a conventional step-index HOF, improving the atomic guiding efficiency.