Effect of chemical stripping on the strength and surface morphology of fused silica optical fiber

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Abstract
Examination of the surface profile of silica optical fiber using the atomic force microscope (AFM) has proved a useful technique for understanding strength degradation of the fiber upon aging in aggressive environments in terms of the production of surface roughness. However, before AFM examination it is necessary to remove the polymer protective coating and this is usually achieved by dipping the fiber sample in methylene chloride (MeCl) or hot (approximately 200 degree(s)C) sulfuric acid. This raises the possibility that the stripping technique modifies the fiber surface. In this work it is shown that hot acid stripping does not affect the fiber strength. It does, however, remove a surface layer from the aged fiber, probably of hydrated silica, which does not contribute to the strength. Therefore, treatment with hot acid is necessary in order to reveal the strength controlling surface profile, even if there is no polymer coating requiring removal. MeCl does not remove the surface layer and does not reveal the strength controlling surface.

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