Ultraviolet regions glass optical fibers

The material of which the optical fiber is made determines the excitation wavelength range used. Fused silica, glass, and plastic fibers are the most common fiber materials. Silica can be used from the ultraviolet range down to 220 nm, but the fibers are expensive. Glass is suitable for use in the visible region and is lower in cost than silica. Plastic fibers are even less expensive but are limited to use above 450 nm. 

Fiber optics may be purchased that transmit radiation firom the ultraviolet (190 nm) to the infrared (>5 /x.m), but each has a limited range. Plastic and compound glass materials are used for short distances in the visible region, while silica fibers can be used from the UV through the near-IR (2.3 /rm) regions, but they are very costly. Fluoride and calcogenide glasses extend farther into the infrared. 

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