Optical component and method of making the same

A method of making an optical component, the method comprising:

• providing a preform having a content of OH-groups in the amount of about 0.1 to about 10.0 ppm and a content of chlorine in the amount of less than about 1000 ppm;
• drawing the preform to elongate it to form an optical component from the preform;
• and
• immersing the optical component in a hydrogen gas atmosphere at a predetermined pressure and at a predetermined temperature, the optical component being immersed in the hydrogen gas atmosphere for a predetermined time period sufficient to destroy intrinsic and impurity defects of the optical component.

An optical component comprising:

• a core including a high-purity silica glass which contains OH-groups in the amount of about 0.1 to about 10.0 ppm and chlorine in the amount of less than about 1000 ppm;
• and
• a cladding surrounding the core and including a high-purity silica glass which contains fluorine and having a refractive index less than a refractive index of the core,
• wherein prior to being used to transmit radiation, the optical component is treated by immersion in a hydrogen gas atmosphere at a predetermined pressure, at a predetermined temperature and for a predetermined time period such that intrinsic and impurity defects are destroyed.