NIST researchers have developed a new method to improve optical fibers for transmitting high-power ultraviolet laser light, which is crucial for their quantum computing experiments. By treating the fibers with hydrogen gas and then curing them with ultraviolet light, the fibers can maintain stable transmission of ultraviolet light for hundreds of hours without solarization damage. This treatment also reduces light loss during transmission. The treated fibers could be used to transmit a wide range of wavelengths and help clean up misshapen beams. This development is important for NIST’s ongoing work on building blocks for quantum computers using trapped ions.
Keywords: hydrogen, fiber, ultraviolet
