We propose to radically alter the method used for manufacturing optical fiber gratings. By illuminating a Ge-doped silicate glass fiber with near-UV light at 330 nm, where the polymer jacket of the fiber is transparent, we can fabricate fiber gratings without having to strip and recoat the fiber. We will investigate a new technique that also eliminates the need for high-temperature annealing of such fiber gratings. We will also investigate why fiber gratings made with 330 nm light appear to suffer no degradation in their tensile strength, making them ideal for harsh environments such as aircraft. We will investigate methods to further increase the photosensitivity of hydrogen-loaded fiber to 330 nm light. By eliminating the manufacturing steps of stripping, annealing and recoating the fiber, mechanically robust fiber gratings can be mass produced for a fraction of their present cost, and fiber grating Systems and devices will proliferate at an accelerated rate.
