Defect-related luminescent patterns in bulk silica and optical fibers stimulated by sub-band gap (248 nm) excimer laser irradiation

Abstract Spatially variant luminescence excited by 248 nm excimer laser irradiation in oxygen deficient silica optical fibers is contrasted with that in oxygen rich fibers for the for the first time in this paper. The defects responsible for the various luminescent bands are identified and correlations are made with the emission observed in the bulk form. In addition, the variation in luminescence excited at different segments along the length of the fiber during irradiation is also reported and discussed.