Large increase in photosensitivity through massive hydroxyl formation

We report a large increase in photosensitivity of germanium-doped silicate fibers by rapid heat treatment of hydrogen-loaded fibers at 1000 degrees C before exposure of the fibers to 242-nm radiation. The increase in photosensitivity is compared with thermally induced absorption caused by introduction of massive amounts of hydroxyl species. The absorption loss was measured to be 0.02 dB/cm mol.% OH at 1.55 mu m. Strong gratings (Delta n > 1 x 10(-4)) in germanium-free phosphorous-doped fibers in the presence of 242-nm radiation have also been manufactured by this technique. (C) 2000 Optical Society of America OCIS codes: 060.2290, 060.2370, 060.2400, 050.1950.