Measurement of $\gamma$-Radiation Induced Refractive Index Changes in B/Ge Doped Fiber Using LPGs

We propose a novel approach to measure in-situ refractive index changes induced by gamma radiation in single mode fibers. The changes are derived from wavelength shifts of resonances of a CO
₂
laser written long period fiber grating. Using this approach, we estimate the radiation induced refractive index increase in the core of B/Ge co-doped fiber as 2.1×10
^-5
at 10 kGy and 1.85×10
^-4
at 1.54 MGy. At doses , the index changes are considered to be governed by glass polarizability changes. Numerical simulations show that saturation of the index change can be observed at doses . Irradiation has a negligible effect on the resonance dip strengths and bandwidths, with the exception of the turnaround point mode.