Understanding Hydroxyl Diffusion in Optical Fibers: Causes and Effects"

AI Thread Summary
Hydroxyl diffusion into optical fibers is a significant concern due to its impact on signal attenuation. High concentrations of hydroxyl can lead to increased attenuation, primarily because hydroxyl groups can absorb light at specific wavelengths, particularly around 1.54 micrometers, which is commonly used in optical fiber communication. This absorption occurs as hydroxyl groups transition into excited vibrational states, interfering with the transmission of optical signals. The overlap between optical and vibrational energy scales is crucial in understanding this phenomenon, as it explains why even small amounts of hydroxyl can dramatically affect the performance of optical fibers.
RPI_Quantum
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It seems that a major concern in the fabrication of optical fibers is hydroxyl diffusion into the fibers. I understand that a high hydroxyl concentration can lead to much higher attenuation. I don't know why though.

Can someone please explain to me why the hydroxyl concentration affects optical signal attenuation so dramatically?
 
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RPI_Quantum said:
Can someone please explain to me why the hydroxyl concentration affects optical signal attenuation so dramatically?
Well, "explain", hrmm... but it has something to do with vibration at least. But as I'm writing it seems odd to me that the optical and vibrational energy scales should overlap...
I think, however, the solution lies in that "optical" fibers actually don't use visible light (the association one, at least I, might get from optical). I think there was something with 1,54 mikrometers, which is rather a large wavelength. Probably this is where hydroxyls absorb into an excited vibration state. Yeah, this seems right. Am however not so eager to check with a calculation for the moment... :zzz:
 

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