Radiation Effects on Transmission in Optical Fiber Systems

摘要

A study was done of the effects of 14.7 Mev neutrons on transmission in optical fibers. This study was done with monochromatic light in the spectral range from 700 to 1700 nanometers. Of the fibers studied, two were high purity silica fibers, and two were Germanium doped core silica fibers. An important result of the study was that the radiation induced damage was wavelength related. The induced damage decreased rapidly as the wavelength increased from 800 to 1100 nanometers, with minimal damage noted above 1300 nanometers. This trend was due primarily to the energy levels of traps formed as the bombarding neutrons broke bonds within the silica. Several other interesting trends were noted. First, the water content of the fiber affected the amount of induced damage. Second, the method by which the fiber was made affected the damage levels. Third, the dopant used affected the damage levels. These trends deserved further study, but because the data base was so small, more specific conclusions were not possible. (Author)