A finite element model is presented to simulate electrically induced refractive-index changes in optical fibers with internal electrodes. These changes are generated when an electric current flows into the electrode to induce ohmic heating, creating thermal expansion and consequently a field of compression forces to the fiber cladding and core. In this work, the theoretical basis and the mod-eling process are briefly explained. The induced effects on fiber effective birefringence are pre-sented.
Key Words: Optical fibers with internal electrods, birefringence.