Fiber-optic link components for maintenance tasks in thermonuclear fusion environments

While standard single mode fibers proved their relative durability against radiation, our results indicate that specific rad-hard fibers can be mostly beneficial when exposed to doses exceeding the kGy-level. Gamma irradiations of multimode VCSELs (vertical cavity surface-emitting laser) confirmed their excellent radiation tolerance and thermal stability. However, particular care should be taken about the packaging, as severe degradation of focusing lenses can seriously limit the available optical power. Further experiments are planned and should complete these first results. (authors)