Optical properties of glassy chalcogenide semiconductor fibers

Fibers were prepared from glassy chalcogenide semiconductors and their properties investigated. It was possible to vary the refractive index over the transverse cross section of the fibers by recording on them an annular profile using radiation of wavelength λ =0.51 μ. It was discovered that optical darkening and bleaching of fibers having an As₂S₃ core occurred under the action of λ =0.63 μ laser radiation. The changes in the optical parameters of fibers under the action of radiation were attributed to transformations in the optical structure of the glassy chalcogenide semiconductor materials and a redistribution of nonequilibrium charge carriers in traps.