Non-equilibrium physical systems approach to modeling evolution of optical fiber reliability

We propose a new approach, based on physics of non-equilibrium systems, to modeling optical fiber reliability. Unlike the traditional approach to statistical modeling of fracture, the presented one describes the phenomenon in terms of its dynamics and links the thermal-fluctuation damage events with the corresponding strength deterioration, thereby establishing an evolution equation of the time-dependent strength distribution. The developed model is validated by both simulations and experimental data.