Radiation Hardness of Fiber Bragg Grating Thermometers

TL;DR

This study investigates how gamma-ray radiation affects fiber Bragg grating thermometers, revealing dose-dependent wavelength drift that impacts measurement accuracy but preserves relative temperature change detection.

Contribution

It provides the first detailed analysis of gamma-ray radiation effects on fiber Bragg gratings' temperature response, highlighting their potential for use in radiation-rich environments.

Findings

Dose-dependent wavelength drift increases measurement uncertainty.

Temperature sensitivity remains stable despite radiation exposure.

Devices can measure relative temperature changes post-irradiation.

Abstract

Photonics sensing has long been valued for its tolerance to harsh environments where traditional sensing technologies fail. As photonic components continue to evolve and find new applications, their tolerance to radiation is emerging as an important line of inquiry. Here we report on our investigation of the impact of gamma-ray exposure on the temperature response of fiber Bragg gratings. At 25 degrees C, exposures leading to an accumulated dose of up to 600 kGy result in complex dose-dependent drift in Bragg wavelength, significantly increasing the uncertainty in temperature measurements obtained if appreciable dose is delivered over the measurement interval. We note that temperature sensitivity is not severely impacted by the integrated dose, suggesting such devices could be used to measure relative changes in temperature.