Pulse spreading in multimode, planar, optical fibers

General concepts of pulse transmission in multimode waveguides are reviewed and an investigation is conducted of pulse-spreading mechanisms in planar structures which ensure transverse confinement of optical beams. Particular attention is given to approaches for minimizing pulse time of flight variations, taking into account conditions in tapered dielectric slabs. It is found that very low pulse spreading values can be obtained in the case of suitably dimensioned tapered dielectric slabs.