Launch numerical aperture

{{Short description|Numerical aperture of an optical system used to couple power into an optical fiber}}

{{Use dmy dates|date=March 2025}}

{{One source|date=March 2025}}

In telecommunications, launch numerical aperture (LNA) is the numerical aperture of an optical system used to couple (launch) power into an optical fiber.

LNA may differ from the stated NA of a final focusing element if, for example, that element is underfilled or the focus is other than that for which the element is specified.

LNA is one of the parameters that determine the initial distribution of power among the modes of an optical fiber.