Spectral characteristics of polymer optical waveguides

A study was made of the spectral characteristics of optical fiber waveguides made of styrene and of copolymers of styrene with butyl methacrylate and methyl methacrylate. Absorption-line maxima were observed in the visible and near-infrared spectral regions at wavelengths of 608 and 716 nm and in the region 863–942 nm. The absorption lines were attributed to harmonics of vibrations of the functional groups OH and CH. On lowering of the operating temperature to 77°K the absorption lines became narrower. The maximum transmission obtained for a polymer waveguide of diameter 500 μ and length 1 m was 85%.