Interactions of hydrogen and deuterium with silica optical fibers: A review

This paper reviews all the interactions of hydrogen and deuterium with silica-based optical fibers. Included in the discussion are H 2 overtone absorption, OH formation, increased UV and IR absorption, radiation effects on H 2 -treated fibers, the gas-in-glass laser and applications, the reduction of OH absorption by isotope exchange OH → OD and other isotope-exchange related effects, and applications of isotope exchange and substitution for diagnostic purposes. Also included is a description of common sources of H 2 in materials used in fiber and cable manufacture, and countermeasures against hydrogen generation and intrusion into the fiber.