Optical Raman spectra of bulk and fiber silica (SiO2)

Abstract

Raman spectroscopy has been extensively used as a characterizing tool for the following: (1) semiconductor materials, (2) crystalline as well as amorphous optical materials for optical amplifier and laser applications, and (3) other materials in gas and liquid form. In this paper, we have investigated silica as a glass host for optical amplifier applications by comparing the Raman spectrum of its bulk and fiber forms. A very useful technique in characterizing glass-host materials such as silica is by looking at its vibrational Raman modes. The structural strength of the material and some of its optical properties can be deduced from the Raman spectra.