Guided-mode refraction model for optical fiber sensing of surface crystal growth.

An empirical "guided-mode refraction model" has been invoked to explain the optical attenuation of radiation in an exposed core optical fiber sensor subject to heterogeneous (surface) crystal growth. Based on Fresnel reflectance values at the internal fiber-crystal and crystal-solution interfaces, the model predictions agree with experimental observations of radial loss of radiation from the fiber core through the crystals as well as attenuation of guided radiation as a function of the radiation launch angle into the fiber.