Gamma radiation effects in Yb-doped optical fiber

B. P. Fox; Z. V. Schneider; K. Simmons-Potter; W. J. Thomes Jr.; D. C. Meister; R. P. Bambha; D. A. V. Kliner

doi:10.1117/12.712244

23 February 2007 Gamma radiation effects in Yb-doped optical fiber

B. P. Fox, Z. V. Schneider, K. Simmons-Potter, W. J. Thomes Jr., D. C. Meister, R. P. Bambha, D. A. V. Kliner

Proceedings Volume 6453, Fiber Lasers IV: Technology, Systems, and Applications; 645328 (2007) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.712244
Event: Lasers and Applications in Science and Engineering, 2007, San Jose, California, United States

Abstract

Determination of the radiation response of doped-fiber laser materials, systems and components to relevant ionizing radiation fluxes is central to the prediction of long-term fiber-based laser performance/survivability in adverse and/or space-based environments. It is well known that optical elements that are placed into orbit around the Earth experience harsh radiation environments that originate from trapped-particle belts, cosmic rays, and solar events. Of particular interest to optical materials is the continuous flux of gamma photons that the materials encounter. Such radiation exposure commonly leads to the formation of color centers in a broad range of optical materials. Such color center formation gives rise to changes in optical transmission, loss and luminescent band structure, and, thus, impacts long-term optical device performance. In this paper we will present the results of our investigation of gamma-radiation-induced photodarkening on the passive optical transmittance of a number of ytterbium- (Yb-) doped optical fibers. We will discuss the evolution of the optical response of the fiber across the 1.0 to 1.6 micron wavelength window with increasing gamma exposure. Results indicate that these fibers exhibit reasonable radiation resistance to gamma exposures typical of a 5-year, low-earth-orbit environment. Maximum transmittance losses of less than 10% were observed for total gamma exposures of 2-5 krad (Si). In this paper we will present the results of our investigation of gamma-radiation-induced photodarkening on the optical transmittance of a number of ytterbium- (Yb-) doped optical fibers. We will discuss the evolution of the optical response of the fiber across the 1.0 to 1.6 micron wavelength window with increasing gamma exposure. Results indicate that these fibers exhibit reasonable radiation resistance to gamma exposures typical of a 5-year, low-earth orbit environment. Maximum transmittance losses of less than 10% were observed for total gamma exposures of 2-5 krad (Si).

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B. P. Fox, Z. V. Schneider, K. Simmons-Potter, W. J. Thomes Jr., D. C. Meister, R. P. Bambha, and D. A. V. Kliner "Gamma radiation effects in Yb-doped optical fiber", Proc. SPIE 6453, Fiber Lasers IV: Technology, Systems, and Applications, 645328 (23 February 2007); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.712244

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