Reliability of optical structures in harsch environments

Abstract

Networks of decades-old optical fibers created for operating optical communications are still in use today and being applied to the harsh environments of avionics and military, marine, and space systems. Consequently, an analysis of optical component reliability and a description of the aging process is called to predict the behavior of these fibers in specific areas of utilization. In this thesis, harsh environments for optical components are investigated and a methodology for the long-term monitoring of optical fiber parameters for different service conditions is presented. Furthermore, several optical systems are tested over aged optical infrastructure.