Heating and Burning of Optical Fibers and Cables by Light Scattered from Bubble Train Formed by Optical Fiber Fuse

Abstract

We investigate in detail the scattering properties and heating characteristics in various commercially available optical fibers and fiber cables when a bubble train forms in the middle of the fiber as a result of the fiber fuse phenomenon that occurs when a high power signal is launched into the fiber. We found theoretically and experimentally that almost all the optical light is scattered at the top of the bubble train. The scattered light heats UV coated fiber, nylon jacketed silica fiber, fire-retardant jacketed fiber (PVC or FRPE jacketed fiber) and fire-retardant fiber cable (PVC or FRPE fiber cable), to around 100, over 200 and over 600°C, respectively, and finally the fiber burns and is destroyed at a launched optical power of 3W. Furthermore, it is confirmed that the combustion does not spread when we use fire retardant jacketed fibers.