Bragg gratings in ternary SiO_2:SnO_2:Na_2O optical glass fibers

Bragg gratings have been written in an optical fiber with a core made from ternary SiO(2): SnO(2): Na(2)O glass and a SiO(2) cladding. The presence of Na(2)O allows for higher concentrations of SnO>(2) , which are believed to be responsible for the photorefractive response of this composition. In these preliminary experiments significant refractive-index modulations, up to 6.2x10(-4) , have been achieved with a 248-nm excimer laser and a phase mask to write gratings for reflectivity at ~1.5microm . The induced refractive-index changes show enhanced temperature stability, and there is no sign of any erasure up to temperatures exceeding 600 degrees C.