Question

Why are fibers birefringent

Answer 1

Answer:

Because of the chemical makeup of the fiber.

Explanation:

The birefringence is the difference between the refractive index of a fiber in a direction at parallel to the fiber axis and in a direction at right angles. It is caused by asymmetric core shape for the two axes, and majorly one of the manufacturing imperfections. It helps in controlling polarization property inside the fiber.

Answer 2

Inevitable manufacturing imperfections in optical fiber leads to birefringence, which is one cause of pulse broadening in fiber-optic communications. Such imperfections can be geometrical (lack of circular symmetry), due to stress applied to the optical fiber and/or due to bending of the fiber.