Abstract:
A single plasma burner (4a) deposits soot material on multiple rotating parallel targets (2a, 2b, 2c). All of the targets are grown simultaneously. The result is multiple preforms for optical fibers.
Abstract:
A single plasma burner (4a) deposits soot material on multiple rotating parallel targets (2a, 2b, 2c). All of the targets are grown simultaneously. The result is multiple preforms for optical fibers.
Abstract:
A plurality of glass deposition targets are rotated simultaneously and a first plasma torch, having a coil diameter larger than the sum of the target diameters, deposits glass simultaneously on the plurality. After the diameter of the targets reaches a threshold a second plasma torch is used. The diameter of the second plasma torch can provide for simultaneous deposition. In a further embodiment, after the target diameter reaches a second threshold a third plasma torch is used. In a further embodiment the spacing between the axes of rotation of the targets is widened as the target diameter increases. In a still further embodiment a single plasma torch includes movable concentric tubes within its coil to selectively operate as any of a plurality of different diameter plasma torches.
Abstract:
A plurality of glass deposition targets are rotated simultaneously and a first plasma torch, having a coil diameter larger than the sum of the target diameters, deposits glass simultaneously on the plurality. After the diameter of the targets reaches a threshold a second plasma torch is used. The diameter of the second plasma torch can provide for simultaneous deposition. In a further embodiment, after the target diameter reaches a second threshold a third plasma torch is used. In a further embodiment the spacing between the axes of rotation of the targets is widened as the target diameter increases. In a still further embodiment a single plasma torch includes movable concentric tubes within its coil to selectively operate as any of a plurality of different diameter plasma torches.
Abstract:
A method and apparatus for making optical fiber preforms using modified chemical vapor deposition (MCVD) A starting tubular member is installed on a chemical vapor deposition apparatus and, using MCVD, a predetermined amount of selectively doped silica is deposited and consolidated on the inner surface to form an intermediate uncollapsed preform tube. At least a portion of the intermediate uncollapsed preform tube is removed from the chemical vapor deposition apparatus, installed in a collapsing apparatus and collapsed. The collapsing uses an oxy-hydrogen burner or a plasma torch. Optionally, additional deposition is performed during the collapsing operation. A stretching may be performed concurrent with the collapsing.
Abstract:
A method and apparatus for making optical fiber preforms using simultaneous plasma deposition on the inside and outside surface of a starting tube. A starting tubular member (12) is rotated, CFOT chemicals (22) are selectively injected into the plasma torch (16) and CFIT chemicals (24) are selectively injected to flow through the hollow of the tube (12). The plasma torch is traversed along the tubular member to simultaneously deposit soot on the inside and outside surface. The soot on one or both surfaces may be consolidated into a silica layer as it is deposited. The plasma torch (16) is traversed again to deposit additional soot, and/or consolidate previously deposited soot, on one or both surfaces. The process is repeated until a predetermined amount of silica is formed on the tubular member. The tubular member is then collapsed. Optionally, additional plasma deposition is performed during or after the collapsing.