Spectral Characterization and Modeling of Wavelength-shifting Fibers

Abstract

We have constructed a detailed software model of photon transport in clear and wavelength shifting polystyrene optical fibers based on the GEANT4 framework. We validate the model with measurements obtained from several different lengths of fiber illuminated with several LEDs, using two independent acquisition systems. The simulated spectral and spatial light distributions at the end of the fiber and the resultant attenuation lengths show good agreement with measurement. We use the model to predict the fiber behaviour for several test cases and discuss potential applications.