Systematic investigation of composition effects on the radiation-induced attenuation mechanisms of aluminosilicate, Yb-doped silicate, Yb- and Yb,Ce-doped aluminosilicate fiber preforms [Invited]

We present an original experimental approach to the investigation of radiation-induced attenuation (RIA) mechanisms in optical fiber preforms. This protocol combines thermally stimulated luminescence (TSL) measurements with the characterization of RIA annealing during TSL readouts. It is systematically applied to compositions of increasing complexity to resolve the specific role played by each dopant. Silicate, aluminosilicate, Yb-doped silicate, Yb-doped and Yb,Ce-codoped aluminosilicate preform samples are examined. Annealing processes are described in detail as a function of temperature throughout TSL readouts. The protocol reveals the temperature ranges at which trapped-carrier states forming intrinsic or dopant-related color centers are released, thus enabling the assessment of their activation energies. Metastable Ce2+ ions are proved to be formed by electron trapping under irradiation. Along with the formation of Ce3++, they play a crucial role in the RIA mitigation. (C) 2019 Optical Society of America under the terms of the OSA Open Access Publishing Agreement