Abstract
In this paper we derived an expression that allows the determination of the thermo-optic coefficient of weakly-guiding germanium-doped silica fibers, based on the thermal behavior of optical fiber devices, such as, fiber Bragg gratings (FBGs). The calculations rely on the full knowledge of the fiber parameters and on the temperature sensitivity of FBGs. In order to validate the results, we estimated the thermo-optic coefficient of bulk GeO2 glass at 293 K and 1.55 µm to be 18.3 × 10-6 K-1. The determination of this value required to calculate a correction factor which is based on the knowledge of the thermal expansion coefficient of the fiber core, the Pockels’ coefficients (p11 = 0.125, p12 = 0.258 and p44 = -0.0662) and the Poisson ratio (? = 0.161) of the SMF-28 fiber. To achieve that goal, we estimated the temperature dependence of the thermal expansion coefficient of GeO2 and we discussed the dispersion and temperature dependence of Pockels’ coefficients. We have presented expressions for the dependence of the longitudinal and transverse acoustic velocities on the GeO2 concentration used to calculate the Poisson ratio. We have also discussed the dispersion of the photoelastic constant. An estimate for the temperature dependence of the thermo-optic coefficient of bulk GeO2 glass is presented for the 200–300 K temperature range. © 2024 by the author.

Abstract
This paper presents a thorough analysis on the temperature dependence of the thermo-optic coefficient, dn/dT, of four bulk annealed pure-silica glass samples (type I-natural quartz: Infrasil 301; type II-quartz crystal powder: Heraeus Homosil; type III-synthetic vitreous silica: Corning 7980 and Suprasil 3001) from room temperature down to 0 K. The three/four term temperature dependent Sellmeier equations and respective coefficients were considered, which results from fitting to the raw data obtained by Leviton et al. The thermo-optic coefficient was extrapolated down to zero Kelvin. We have obtained dn/dT values ranging from 8.16 x 10(-6) up to 8.53 x 10(-6) for the four samples at 293 K and for a wavelength of 1.55 & mu;m. For the Corning 7980 SiO2 glass, the thermo-optic coefficient decreases monotonically, from 8.74 x 10(-6) down to 8.16 x 10(-6), from the visible range up to the third telecommunication window, being almost constant above 1.3 & mu;m. The Ghosh's model was revisited, and it was concluded that the thermal expansion coefficient only accounts for about 2% of the thermo-optic coefficient, and we have obtained an expression for the temperature behavior of the silica excitonic bandgap. Wemple's model was also analyzed where we have also considered the material dispersion in order to determine the coefficients and respective temperature dependences. The limitations of this model were also discussed.

Abstract
In this paper, we investigated the evolution of the dispersion curves of long-period fiber gratings (LPFGs) from room temperature down to 0 K. We considered gratings arc-induced in the SMF28 fiber and in two B/Ge co-doped fibers. Computer simulations were performed based on previously published experimental data. We found that the dispersion curves belonging to the lowest-order cladding modes are the most affected by the temperature changes, but those changes are minute when considering cladding modes with dispersion turning points (DTP) in the telecommunication windows. The temperature sensitivity is higher for gratings inscribed in the B/Ge co-doped fibers near DTP and the optimum grating period can be chosen at room temperature. A temperature sensitivity as high as -850 pm/K can be obtained in the 100-200 K temperature range, while a value of -170 pm/K is reachable at 20 K.

Abstract
In this work, we reviewed the most important achievements of INESC TEC related to the fabrication of long-period fiber gratings using the electric arc technique. We focused on the fabrication setup, the type of fiber used, and the effect of the fabrication parameters on the gratings' transmission spectra. The theory was presented, as well as a discussion on the mechanisms responsible for the formation of the gratings, supported by the measurement of the temperature reached by the fiber during an electric arc discharge.

Abstract
In this work, we review the most important achievements of INESC TEC related to the properties and applications of arc-induced long-period fiber gratings. The polarization dependence loss, the spectral behavior at temperatures ranging from cryogenic up to 1200 degrees C and under exposure to ultraviolet and gamma radiation is described. The dependence of gratings sensitivity on the fabrication parameters is discussed. Several applications in optical communications and sensing domains are referred.