Intrinsic strain and temperature characteristics of Yb-doped silica-based optical fibers

An investigation of strain and temperature characteristics of Yb-doped fibe rs has been carried out in this article. Results obtained are compared with those reported on Nd-doped fibers, showing that the lifetime variation rat e of the single mode Yb-doped fiber with increasing strain is temperature i ndependent, and within experimental error similar to that of Nd, although i n each case, the fiber modes, the dopant concentration level, and the rare earth ion itself are different. Their stable behavior may form the basis of a dual element sensor with which to obtain stress and temperature informat ion independently in so-called "smart structures.'' (C) 1999 American Insti tute of Physics. [S0034-6748(99)03402-4].