Structural Analysis of Optical Fiber Preforms Using Raman Microprobe

We have investigated the incorporation of aluminum and phosphorus into silica based glasses using a Raman microprobe. Glass fiber preform sections were scanned across the core and cladding regions using a micro stepping stage mounted on the microscope stage of a Raman microprobe. We have identified the presence of different structural units in the glass as well as their radial distribution in the preform. These results will be compared to measurements made on bulk glasses prepared by alternate methods as well as to previously obtained NMR data from the preform samples.