Solar hypersensitization of optical fibers

Hydrogen-loaded fibers were exposed to solar radiation for 20 days, in which time the hydrogen was allowed to out-diffuse. Gratings written in these fibers show an increased photosensitivity compared with pristine fibers. Results show the solar radiation has a similar effect on both stripped and unstripped fibers. This work agrees with the fundamental process of using low fluence, long UV sources to photosensitize hydrogen-loaded, germanium-doped fibers.