Optical fiber assemblies for corrosive and abrasive environments

Optical fibers are sensitive to physical (abrasion) and chemical (corrosion) attack. If properly packaged, optical fibers can be installed in environments containing acids, solvents, gas, hydrocarbons, pretrochemical products, sand mud, rock or sea salt. Another alternative to silica fiber is sapphire fiber. Thanks to its extreme hardness and the inert nature of sapphire, this type of fiber can be used in extreme environments, and its crystalline structure allows transmissions over a wide spectrum (0.75 to 3.5 µm) and over a temperature range from cryogenic to + 1,000 °C. It can therefore be used without any problem in electrical insulators containing SF6 gas, or in oil wells, or in equipment in a marine environment for example.

Corrosive or abrasive chemicals can contain aggressive substances to the optical fiber and the assembly, as these products can degrade coatings (particularly polymer materials) and various components such as connectors. This can lead to failures in the optical connection, compromising both mechanical integrity and optical properties, to the point of rending the solution unusable and creating risks to the safety of people and equipment.