Investigation of radiation-induced photodarkening in passive erbium-, ytterbium-, and Yb/Er co-doped optical fibers

B. P. Fox, K. Simmons-Potter, J. H. Simmons, W. J. Thomes, R. P. Bambha, D. A.V. Kliner

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference contribution

3 Scopus citations

Abstract

The deployment of optical fibers in adverse radiation environments, such as those encountered in a low-Earth-orbit space setting, makes critical the development of an understanding of the effect of large accumulated ionizing-radiation doses on optical components and systems. In particular, gamma radiation is known to considerably affect the performance of optical components by inducing absorbing centers in the materials. Such radiation is present both as primary background radiation and as secondary radiation induced by proton collisions with space-craft material. This paper examines the effects of gamma radiation on erbium-, ytterbium-, and Yb/Er co-doped optical fibers by exposing a suite of such fibers to radiation from a Co-60 source over long periods of time while monitoring the temporal and spectral decrease in transmittance of a reference signal. For same total doses, results show increased photodarkening in erbium-doped fibers relative to ytterbium-doped fibers, as well as significant radiation resistance of the co-doped fibers over wavelengths of 1.0-1.6 microns. All three types of fibers were seen to exhibit dose-rate dependences.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Title of host publicationNanophotonics and Macrophotonics for Space Environments
DOIs
StatePublished - 2007
EventNanophotonics and Macrophotonics for Space Environments - San Diego, CA, United States
Duration: Aug 27 2007Aug 28 2007

Publication series

NameProceedings of SPIE - The International Society for Optical Engineering
Volume6713
ISSN (Print)0277-786X

Other

OtherNanophotonics and Macrophotonics for Space Environments
Country/TerritoryUnited States
CitySan Diego, CA
Period8/27/078/28/07

Keywords

  • Co-60
  • Gamma irradiation
  • Photodarkening
  • Radiation effects
  • Radiation-induced absorption
  • Rare-earth doped fibers
  • Yb-doped fibers

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Electronic, Optical and Magnetic Materials
  • Condensed Matter Physics
  • Computer Science Applications
  • Applied Mathematics
  • Electrical and Electronic Engineering

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