Improvement of radiation resistance of pure silica core fibers by hydrogen treatment

A pure silica core fiber with glass cladding is known to produce larger absorption in the visible wavelength region under γ-ray irradiation than a similar fiber with silicone cladding. This absorption is a serious problem, especially in image-guiding fibers used in radiation environments such as in nuclear power plants. The absorption is attributed to the formation of defect centers such as non-bridging oxygen hole centers and E' centers induced by bond scission. A new and simple method of hydrogen treatment to improve the radiation resistance of an optical fiber with a pure silica core has been proposed. Post-treatment by this method can significantly reduce existing radiation-induced absorption, while preliminary treatment can suppress the increase of the radiation-induced absorption.