Abstract

The development of single-longitudinal-mode lasers for optical communications makes possible the use of optical fibers at 1.5-1.6μm without being dispersion limited. The achievable loss minimum then determines the maximum transmission distance. The minimum loss occurs generally at ~1.57μm, with the major components being Rayleigh scattering which decreases as λ⁻⁴ and the exponentially increasing IR absorption edge. The IR edge is about the same for all silica-based fibers; however, the Rayleigh scattering depends on processing conditions and glass composition. Generally, the Rayleigh scattering losses decrease as the dopant concentration, especially germanium, is lowered.

© 1984 Optical Society of America