= Graded-index optical fiber
A <graded-index optical fiber> has an <optical fiber core> whose <refractive index> varies smoothly with distance from the <optical axis>. <Refraction> bends <light rays> through the varying medium; the straight zigzag of a <step-index optical fiber> no longer describes their paths. The local launch cone can depend on entry position.<Fiber Holders and Force Sensors for Multi-Axis Flexure Stages by Thorlabs>[Fiber Holders and Force Sensors for Multi-Axis Flexure Stages, Insights into Optical Fiber, p. 4, Is the max acceptance angle constant across the core of a multimode fiber?, Figs. 3–5; revised January 2, 2019]{ref}
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