Radiation Response Prediction of Single Mode Fibers
Abstract
Fiber optic transmission systems, because of their extraordinary channel capacity and decreasing cost, are rapidly becoming the preferred terrestrial transmission media of the nation's long distance, inter-city telecommunications infrastructure. Since the commercial telephone network forms the foundation for emergency communication in the event of a national crisis or emergency, additional requirements are placed on the fibers and components being installed. One of the most stressing environments for the fiber consists of fallout subsequent to a nuclear attack. The susceptibility of some of types of commercially available fiber optic cable to optical darkening (and hence increased signal loss) from exposure to ionizing radiation raises serious questions about the survivability of such systems in the reconstitution phase of a nuclear conflict. There is a large body of knowledge available on the effects of gamma radiation on the older multimode fiber cables. However, there are critically important knowledge gaps with respect to the newer single mode cables which are employed in the inter-city fiber transmission links being installed today. This document is a final report of a two year program funded by NCS at NRL, which was the first systematic study of the interrelationship of fiber fabrication parameters and radiation-induced loss. A rudimentary regression model was developed for predicting the loss induced by a fallout exposure at-35 C.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Mar 01, 1988
- Accession Number
- ADA206211
Entities
People
- E. J. Friebele
Organizations
- United States Naval Research Laboratory