Method for making stable optical devices employing radiation-induced index changes.

摘要

The present invention is predicated upon the discovery by applicants of a relationship describing thermal decay of radiation-induced index changes and a mechanism which permits stabilization by accelerated aging. Specifically, the induced index change decays in proportion to 1/(1 + At< alpha >) where A and alpha are functions of temperature, and the decay can be accelerated by heat treatment. As a consequence, the extent of decay can be determined for arbitrary time and temperature and, significantly, an appropriate heat treatment can be scheduled for making a device stable within predeterminable limits. <IMAGE>