Chemiluminescence: a promising new testing method for plastic optical fibers

The thermo-oxidative degradation of a polymeric optical cable is investigated by chemiluminescence. The results are reliable and reproducible. Two distinct processes are reported marked by a peak and a plateau behavior versus the time, respectively. Both processes are ruled by thermally activated processes. Beside the dependencies of temperature and time, the influence of absorbed water is discussed. Chemiluminescence is proposed as a promising candidate for a suitable testing method assessing the thermo-oxidative stability of plastic optical fibers and cables. It requires not more than a simple one-day testing procedure and has the advantage that it can be carried out even within the low temperature ranges of the cables' intended use.