Radiation reliability of rare earth doped optical fibers for laser communication systems (LT)

Abstract

The use of an optical communication system in a radiation environment poses unique reliability issues. These issues include the effects of radiation dose rate and total radiation exposure on optical fiber performance. For a radiation reliability study, one must investigate these effects along with mitigating effects such as thermal and optical annealing. We present results from an ongoing reliability investigation of the effects of ionizing radiation on rare earth doped optical fiber designed for use in optical fiber amplifier systems.