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What is a raD SM Fiber?
(Radiation-Hardened Single-Mode Fiber)
A RAD SM Fiber, or Radiation-Hardened Single-Mode Fiber, is an optical fiber designed to maintain reliable light transmission in environments exposed to high levels of ionizing radiation. Its radiation-resistant design limits radiation-induced attenuation (RIA), helping preserve optical performance and extend fiber lifetime in demanding environments.
RAD SM fibers typically use a radiation-resistant pure silica core and can be combined with different coatings, such as high-temperature acrylate, polyimide, or aluminum, depending on the required temperature and environmental resistance. They are available for applications across UV, visible, and near-infrared wavelengths.
HOW a RAD SM Fiber Works
The radiation-hardening of a single-mode fiber relies on three key characteristics:
Radiation-resistant glass
The fiber composition is optimized to reduce the formation of radiation-induced defects, limiting additional optical losses when exposed to ionizing radiation.
Single-mode transmission
A small core confines light to a single propagation mode, providing low-loss and stable signal transmission over the required wavelength range.
Environmental protection
The fiber can be combined with coatings adapted to temperature and environmental constraints, enabling operation in high-radiation and high-temperature conditions.
