<title>Effects of ionizing radiation and hydrogen on erbium-doped fiber amplifiers</title>

Abstract

Experiments to determine the effects of exposure to ionizing radiation and hydrogen on erbium fibers and erbium fiber amplifiers are described. A preliminary assignment of the radiation induced losses to components of the fiber composition is made. Both reversible and long term losses resulting from hydrogen permeation have been observed. As in other types of fibers, the presence of hydrogen modifies the response to radiation.