Optical Absorption Spectra of Neutron Irradiated Optical Fibers in the 0. 7–1. 1 µm Region

Abstract

Many applications of fiber optic waveguides, especially military applications, may subject the waveguides to nuclear radiation environments of gamma rays and energetic neutrons. ¹ To date most studies of radiation induced absorption in optical waveguides have been carried out using primarily ionizing sources: electrons, gamma rays, and x-rays.^{2, 3, 4, 6} In this study we have examined six different fibers to determine their radiation induced absorption due to neutron irradiation. The fibers tested are as follows: 1) an ITT (GS-02), 55 µm core, step index fiber with Ge and P doping and low OH content (3–5 ppm). 2) an ITT (GG-02), 50 µm core, graded index fiber with Ge doping only and low OH content. 3) an ITT (GG-02, 60 µm core, graded index fiber with Ge and P doping and low OH content. 4) an ITT (PS-05), 125 µm core, plastic clad silica fiber with a high OH content. 5) a 250 µm core, step index, medium loss suprasil fiber. 6) an IRT high loss plastic fiber.

This research was supported by RADC, U.S. Air Force under contract No. F19628-77-C-0109.