METHOD FOR LOWERING HYDROGEN SENSITIVITY OF OPTICAL FIBER AT 1,380-1,410 nm

摘要

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a method for reducing the hydrogen loss of an optical fiber due deterioration with age and to provide an optical fiber treated by using the method and a telecommunication cable with the optical fiber. SOLUTION: In the method for reducing the hydrogen loss of a silica optical fiber due to deterioration with age, peroxide defects are irreversibly reacted with deuterium. This method includes a step for bringing the optical fiber into contact with deuterium without further activating the optical fiber by exposing the optical fiber to a deuterium-containing gaseous mixture at an ambient temperature compatible with the optical fiber and a step for degassing the optical fiber in a neutral atmosphere. This invention relates further to a process for producing an optical fiber having a small hydrogen loss due to deterioration with age that is treated by using the method.