Optical and mechanical properties of infrared fibers

Optical and mechanical properties have been investigated for As/sub 2/S/sub 3/ and As/sub 2/Se/sub 3/ glass fibers and a KRS-5 polycrystalline fiber. A bending effect was serious for a KRS-5 fiber but not for chalcogenide fibers. In an aging test, a KRS-5 fiber showed a deterioration of transmissivity due to adsorption of moisture as well as plastic deformation of the crystal. Optical loss spectra of chalcogenide fibers were observed to change characteristically due to environmental factors such as humidity, high temperature, and ultraviolet radiation. The potential usefulness of these fibers is discussed.>