Cl and OH influence on the radiation response of pure silica core optical fibers

Hard Clad Silica optical fibers, drawn from preforms with different levels of Cl and OH, have been exposed to both continuous gamma-radiation and pulsed electron beam radiation to 10 krad, using the NATO-FOTP-49 protocol. The induced attenuation and subsequent recovery were measured at 20xC and -50xC employing two different light power levels at each temperature. Results will be presented and compared for the various conditions and OH/Cl content differences. Implications for mechanisms of defect growth and recovery will be presented.