Long-term optical transmittance measurements of silica nanofibers

Optical nanofibers are highly attractive tools that used in an increasing number of applications. However, at these radii typically smaller than the wavelength, optical field is sensitive to dusts rapidly degrade transmittance, which issue for their use and storage. In this work we propose characterize simple efficient solutions. The chosen nanofiber radius 500 nm. Firstly, make systematic long-term measurements (over several months) transmittance 1.5 ?m two protected environments can be easily found almost any laboratory differing by levels cleanliness. We show rate decrease very low when put a protection box ten times lower airtight box. Secondly, repetition gives mean value ?5.2 × 10?2%/day ?6.3 10?3%/day Thirdly, perform on lengths (2 cm 7 cm) there no significant difference degradation between lengths. These results also enable predict transmittances after months or even years, key parameter most applications using nanofibers.