Estimation of single-mode waveguide dispersion using an equivalent-step-index approach

In the letter, the feasibility of applying the equivalent-step-index parameters to estimate the single-mode waveguide dispersion of various radially inhomogeneous profiles is studied. The results are compared to the actual values obtained by numerical techniques and the errors estimated. The equivalent-step approach seems to be accurate only for cases where the profiles do not deviate severely from the step-index profile.