Influence of Ce codoping and H2 pre-loading on Er/Yb-doped fiber: Radiation response characterized by Confocal Micro-Luminescence

Confocal microscopy luminescence measurements were applied to study the X-ray radiation response ofEr/Yb-doped optical fibers in connection with H2 pre-loading and with the addition of another lanthanideelement (Cerium) in the core composition. Laser excitations at 488 nm and 325 nm allow deriving theemission and absorption pattern of Er3+, the latter derived from the dips appearing in a wide luminescenceband related to defects in silica. We found that the luminescence spectrum of the X-irradiated Er/Yb-dopedcore fiber evidences an increase in the emission intensity around 520 and 660 nm; in contrast, no changes areinduced by radiation neither after H2 pre-loading nor when the Cerium is added to the core composition. Bothtreatments reduce the generation of defects in the Er-doped fibers thus providing hardness in the radiativeenvironment.