The critical sensitivity of optical fibres

Fibre Optics suffer from moisture problems.  Vapour permeability is critical as the strength of polymer coated fibres depends on it and also because the spectral shift response of optical whispering-gallery modes is due to the adsorption and desorption of water molecules.

Liquid water is relatively easy to keep out but it is physically impossible to keep water vapour out as it has the ability to permeate through any material. Optical fibres are particularly prone to problems, especially for underground, trans-continental or sensor-based applications. Versaperm’s specialist equipment can make a huge difference.

The equipment can measure both the vapour permeability of a product’s outer case or the optic fibre itself. with an accuracy well into the Parts Per Million (PPM), and sometimes PPB, ranges.   It is critically important to test optical fibres as the actual manufacturing processes can easily alter a material’s vapour permeability by a factor of four. Published permeability values do not take this into account.
The system can determine the value not just for water vapour but for almost any gas or vapour – including acidic or hydrocarbon vapours.  It can also control a wide range of physical or environmental conditions from temperature (-80 C to over +1000 C ), pressure, environment and partial pressure / humidity. 

As well as designing, manufacturing and supplying the equipment to laboratories, including standards laboratories around the world, Versaperm additionally offers both laboratory testing and consultancy services.

ENDS

Please send any sales enquiries to
Versaperm Ltd: 10 Rawcliffe House, Howarth Road, Maidenhead, Berkshire, SL6 1AP, UK,
e.mail: info@versaperm.com Web: www.versaperm.com
UK Tel: +44 (01628) 777668
USA Tel +1 (617) 855-7477

For Further Press Information please contact:
Gerry Palmer @ the Palmer & Rose Partnership
Tel +44 (0) 1494 637499
e.mail gerry@palmer-rose.co.uk