ABSTRACT
This chapter deals with the effect of irradiation on the optical properties of fibres. When optical fibre waveguides are exposed to nuclear radiation, the optical absorption of the fibre increases. Such induced absorption causes induced loss and an increase in attenuation. This radiation-induced absorption is of concern when optical communication systems are employed in radiation environments. Numerous studies have been conducted to investigate the behaviour of fibres during and after irradiation and to explain the mechanisms responsible for the radiation-induced loss. Let us consider subtraction interferometry between two samples of the same fibre; one sample acts as a reference and the other one has suffered some irradiation, the effects of which on the dimensions and refractive indices are to be detected and evaluated.
