Thermally enhanced ultraviolet photosensitivity in GeO2 and P2O5 doped optical fibers

The 248 nm UV photosensitivity of H2 loaded optical fibers is shown to be significantly enhanced by increasing the temperature during the UV exposure. Heating to 250–400 °C resulted in dramatic UV reaction rate increases in GeO2 doped fibers. Increasing the core temperature during 248 nm irradiation caused P2O5 doped fibers to become photosensitive.