Strength measurements of silica optical fibers under severe environment

Optical fibers are key components in telecommunication technologies. Apart from optical specifications, optical fibers are expected to keep most of their physical properties for 10–20 years in current operating conditions. The reliability and the expected lifetime of optical links are closely related to action of the chemical environment on the silica network. However, the coating also contributes largely to the mechanical properties of the fibers.The aim of this work was to study the strength and the mechanical behavior of the silica optical fibers in an acid environment and with a permanent deformation. A container with ammonium bifluoride acid salt was plunged into hot water at different temperatures (55 and 75 °C). This emitted acid vapors which attacked the optical fibers for a period of 1–18 days. An aging study was performed on silica optical fibers with standard polyacrylate coating and with hermetic carbon coating. A dynamic two-point bending bench at different faceplate velocities (100, 200, 400 and 800 μm/s) was used. For comparison, the same dynamic measurements were also carried out on non-aged fibers.After acid vapor condensation, salt crystal deposits on the fibers were displayed using an electron scanning microscope. These crystals became visible to the naked eye from the seventh day.