Synthetic fused silica on silica optical fiber is generally considered radiation resistant. For ionizing radiation, the higher -OH content fiber is far superior. From recent technical articles radiation resistance, UV, and near-IR attenuation are all inter-related with the optical fiber production parameters and buffer coating. Some of these results are presented in summary form in the table. For additional information, see the article “Influence of preform and draw conditions on UV transmission and transient radiation sensitivity of optical fiber”.⁵

In the referenced article, all of the fiber tested was drawn from the same lot of raw material by one university (Rutgers University) and one manufacturer (Polymicro Technologies). At Polymicro (PT), the draw conditions were varied to analyze the effects. Draw rates ranged from 5-30 meters per minute at a tension of 55-130 grams and 2-56m/min at 25-185 grams tension. Fiber was drawn at 1950ºC and 2100ºC at both facilities. Rutgers University (RU) used draw rates of 15-45m/min at tensions from 12 to 148 grams. Polymicro applied both polyimide and acrylate buffers while Rutgers only supplied acrylate. Portions of the results are given in the following table.

5 “Influence of preform and draw conditions on UV transmission and transient radiation sensitivity of optical fiber,” P. Lyons and L.Looney, LANL, H. Henschel, O. Kohn, H.U. Schmidt, Fraunhofer INT, K. Klein and H. Fabian, Heraeus Quarzschmeize, M. Mills, Rutgers University, G. Nelson, Polymicro Technologies

 

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