Transmission of infrared laser radiation through silver-halide optical fibers during repeated plastic deformation

The infrared transmission of polycrystalline mixed silver-halide optical fibers was studied during repeated mechanical plastic bending of the fibers. Plastic bending is useful for various applications, and is not shown by other available types of fibers. The lifetime (number of cycles to failure) of the fibers was measured and characterized both optically and mechanically. Optical failure lifetime depends on composition, going through a maximum at around AgCl_0.5Br_0.5 composition, whereas the lifetime to mechanical fracture is not very sensitive to composition. The behavior and measured values are discussed in terms of the low-cycle fatigue phenomenon