How do these processes affect the photosensitivity and stability of the fiber before and after grating inscription?
Hydrogen loading significantly increases the photosensitivity of optical fibers, which means the fiber becomes more reactive to UV light. This enhanced photosensitivity makes it much easier and more efficient to inscribe Fiber Bragg Gratings (FBGs) into the fiber core with a desired reflectivity and spectral shape.
After grating inscription, dehydrogenation treatment is performed to remove the hydrogen gas that was loaded into the fiber. This process is crucial for the long-term stability of the inscribed FBG. Residual hydrogen within the fiber can cause gradual changes in the refractive index over time, leading to drift in the FBG’s central wavelength, especially when exposed to elevated temperatures. Dehydrogenation ensures that the FBG maintains its wavelength stability and performance over its operational lifetime.
OFSCN® offers various bare Fiber Bragg Gratings that undergo these precise treatments to ensure optimal performance and stability. You can learn more about our bare FBG products here:
- OFSCN® Polyacrylate Fiber Bragg Gratings / Fiber Bragg Grating Strings (bare)
- OFSCN® Polyimide Fiber Bragg Gratings / Fiber Bragg Grating Strings (bare)
- OFSCN® Standard Femtosecond Fiber Bragg Gratings / Fiber Bragg Grating Strings (Bare)
- OFSCN Thin-Diameter Fiber Bragg Gratings / Fiber Bragg Grating Strings (Bare)
Here is an image of our bare FBG products:
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