Reliability Issues In Optical Fibers

The long term reliability of high silica glass fiber lightguides used in lightwave communications systems is a critical consideration for assuring necessary system performance over design lifetimes. Three important concerns have emerged: the long-term mechanical strength of glass fiber; radiation induced changes in optical attenuation; and hydrogen effects on optical loss. This paper will highlight the key aspects of such phenomena, with particular emphasis on current understanding of silica fiber lightguides used for telecommunications applications.