METHOD OF VARYING THE CHEMICAL COMPOSITION IN OPTICAL FIBERS

摘要

A method for forming chemical composition gratings in an optical waveguide is disclosed. The method comprises, in order, the steps of: (Step 1) loading the core of the waveguide with molecular hydrogen; (Step 2) energizing said core such that said molecular hydrogen forms hydroxyl groups in the waveguide material; (Step 3) annealing the waveguide at a predetermined annealing temperature and for a predetermined annealing time; and (Step 4) developing the grating by subjecting the waveguide to a developing temperature, which is higher than the annealing temperature and higher than a relaxation temperature for the waveguide material.