Absorption Losses of Low Loss Plastic Optical Fibers

Absorption loss factors such as the high harmonics of molecular vibrational absorption and the electronic transitional absorption of plastic optical fibers are analyzed and it is quantitatively revealed that the high harmonics of the CH vibrational absorption of core material are the most significant constituents causing the loss in PMMA-core fibers. OH vibrational absorption due to contained water, on the other hand, has the most effect on loss in perdeuterated PMMA (P(MMA-d8)) core fibers. Visible wavelengths (570 and 650 nm) are preferable for optical signal transmission for PMMA- or P(MMA-d8)-core fibers.