Search

A new silica-based fiber design has been developed which exhibits improved transmission properties over a very wide spectral range. In the near infrared wavelength region, the attenuation of the new fiber is similar to standard near infrared fibers having a low -OH silica core and F-doped cladding. Simultaneously, the fiber has excellent UV transmission down to 200nm comparable to standard high -OH fibers. Additionally, the UV-defect concentrations in this low -OH fiber have been reduced significantly, such that the solarization degradation properties are close to UV optimized high -OH fibers with high radiation resistance. First results of spectral performance testing are given using different light sources, including Deuterium lamp and Tungsten-halogen lamp. In addition, the test results evaluating UV solarization are reviewed. Finally, potential applications in the medical and industrial fiber sensing field will be discussed.