Damage analysis for optical fibers aged in aggressive reagents

Silica optical fiber was severely damaged by TMSO or DMSO solutions. The fiber could be pulled out from the fiber polymer coating and then the acrylate coating appeared ineffective protection from severe chemical damage. Consequently, it does not ensure mechanical stability in extreme conditions and SEM observations were consistent with mechanical measurements. The use of hermetic optical fibers is advised. Such fibers are designed to improve aging behaviour and to avoid TMSO and DMSO diffusions through the glass surface and coating damages. Fabrication process includes in-line deposition of a thin layer of diamond like carbon, a few hundred A in thickness and firm polymer coatings.