We adapt the resonant state expansion to optical fibers such as capillary and
photonic crystal fibers. As a key requirement of the resonant state expansion
and any related perturbative approach, we derive the correct analytical
normalization for all modes of these fiber structures, including leaky modes
that radiate energy perpendicular to the direction of propagation and have
fields that grow with distance from the fiber core. Based on the normalized
fiber modes, an eigenvalue equation is derived that allows for calculating the
influence of small and large perturbations such as structural disorder on the
guiding properties. This is demonstrated for two test systems: a capillary
fiber and an endlessly single mode fiber.Comment: 10 pages, 4 figure
