Effects of gamma radiation on Yb-doped Al–P–silicate optical fibers

Abstract

Ytterbium (Yb)-doped optical fibers are mainly used in the fiber laser resonator and amplifier systems. These systems have been widely utilized for applications in air and space, the defense industry, and the medical field. Particularly for the applications yielding operation in harsh environments consisting of radiation, it is essential to determine the radiation hardness of the Yb-doped optical fibers and their long-term performance in such environments. This study analyzed the optical properties of four different Yb-doped aluminophosphosilicate fibers before and after gamma irradiation. For each fiber, the effect of different total dose values including 0.5, 1, 10, and 50 kGy were determined at different operation wavelengths, such as 495 nm, 590 nm, 685 nm, and 730 nm, using radiation-induced attenuation (RIA) analysing curves. The total dose values of 10 kGy and 50 kGy were studied to demonstrate the results under extreme environmental conditions such as large hadron colliders (LHCs). Our findings reveal that the formation of radiation-induced color centers (e.g. AlOHC, POHC, and NBOHC) are highly dependent on the Yb-concentration, the amount of excess alumina (Al22O33) compared to the phosphorous pentoxide (P22O55), total irradiation dose and wavelength at which the respective RIA is recorded.