Effect of Gamma-Radiation on Optical Fiber Strength

The effect of gamma-radiation on the strength of germanium doped, graded index silica core (GI) and polymer clad silica (PCS) optical fibers has been studied. 60Co gamma-ray radiation up to 108 rads was employed to see if any structural change in silica were observed. Changes of fiber tensile strength between unirradiated and heavily irradiated samples were small; degradation is caused primarily by the radiation damage to the silicone and nylon coatings. The results of the present study show that the mechanical strength of optical fibers is not significantly affected in a high gamma-radiation environment.