Abstract:
Multi-core optical fibers are provided in various embodiments of the present invention which include a plurality of cores. At least two cores (602, 604) of the plurality of cores have different associated mean propagation constants at a reference wavelength. The difference between the associated mean propagation constants may be selected to reduce cross-talk between the at least two cores as compared to cores having a same associated mean propagation constant. A primary coating (614, 618) of light absorbing material may be positioned between the cores to further reduce cross-talk. Also provided are methods for manufacturing the same and wavelength division multiplexing systems using the same.
Abstract:
Methods, apparatus and precursors for producing substantially water-free silica soot, preforms and glass. The methods and apparatus make substantially water-free fused silica preforms or glass by removing water as a reaction product, removing water from the atmosphere, removing water from the transport process, or combinations thereof. In a first embodiment, substantially water-free soot, preforms or glass are achieved by using a hydrogen-free fuel, such as carbon monoxide, in the deposition process. In another embodiment, a soot producing burner has parameters that enable operation on a substantially hydrogen-free fuel. End burners, which minimize water production, are also described. Such water-free methods are useful in depositing fluorine-doped soot because of the low water present and the efficiency in which fluorine is incorporated. In another embodiment, glassy barrier layer methods and apparatus are described for minimizing dopant migration, especially fluorine. Laser and induction methods and apparatus for forming the barrier layer are depicted. A chlorine, fluorine and silica precursor, such as chlorofluorosilane, may be utilized to form fluorinated soot. Other methods and apparatus are directed to combinations of conventional and substantially water-free processes. One embodiment is directed to combustion enhancing additives for addition to the substantially hydrogen-free fuels. The methods and apparatus in accordance with the invention are particularly useful for producing photomask substrates and optical fiber preforms.
Abstract:
Disclosed are refractive index profiles for total dispersion compensating optical waveguide fibers for use in high data rate, long length telecommunications systems. The optical waveguide fibers in accord with the invention provide substantially equal compensation of total dispersion over a range of wavelengths, thus facilitating wavelength division multiplexed systems. Also disclosed are spans of optical waveguide fiber that include a length of transmission fiber together with a length of the compensating fiber. The spans are joined end to end in series arrangement to form the optical waveguide fiber part of a telecommunication system.
Abstract:
Disclosed is a dispersion compensating waveguide fiber suitable for use in high data rate, high light power telecommunications systems of intermediate length. The refractive index profile of the compensation fiber is segmented. The segment relative refractive indexes and radii are chosen to provide negative total dispersion and negative total dispersion slope over an extended wavelength range. The index profile design is flexible enough to provide compensated links having total dispersion that is positive, negative, or zero, while maintaining appropriate total dispersion slope compensation. In addition, the waveguide fiber of the invention may be cabled or otherwise buffered prior to its use in a communications system.
Abstract:
The present invention is directed to methods of producing soot used in the manufacture of optical waveguides. Both non-aqueous liquid reactants and aqueous solutions containing one or more salts are delivered through an atomizing burner assembly to form a homogenous soot stream containing the oxides of the selected elements contained within the non-aqueous liquid reactant and the aqueous solution. The resulting multi-component soot is collected by conventional methods to form preforms used in the manufacture of optical waveguide fibers. Alternatively, an aqueous solution may be atomized with a gas at a first burner assembly to form an aerosol and a reactant vaporized for delivery to a second burner assembly. Preforms produced by the methods are also disclosed. The aqueous solution is preferably one comprising a metal salt, e.g. acetate, nitrate, sulfate, carbonate, chloride, hydroxide. The metal of the metal salt is preferably an alkali metal, an alkaline earth metal, lead, lanthanum, cobalt, antimony, erbium, aluminum, neodymium, praeseodymium.
Abstract:
Disclosed is a dispersion compensating waveguide fiber suitable for use in high data rate, high light power telecommunications systems of intermediate length. The refractive index profile of the compensation fiber is segmented. The core region includes three, four, or five, a central segment (28), a fir st annular segment (30), a second annular segment (32), a third annular segment (34), and a fourth annular segment (36) having different relative refractive indexes. The segment relative refractive indexes and radii are chosen to provide negative total dispersion and negative total dispersion slope over a n extended wavelength range. The index profile design is flexible enough to provide compensated links having total dispersion that is positive, negative , or zero, while maintaining appropriate total dispersion slope compensation. In addition, the waveguide fiber of the invention may be cabled or otherwise buffered prior to its use in a communications system.
Abstract:
A method for doping silica soot with fluorine during laydown, including providing a bait rod, and providing a burner, wherein the burner emits a reactant flame. The method also including providing at least one first gas-feed separate from the burner, wherein the gas-feed supplies a first jet of fluorine-based gases, and depositing a layer of silica soot on the bait rod by vaporizing a silica producing gas within the reactant flame of the burner. The method further including supplying the first jet of fluorine-based gases to the silica soot deposited on to the bait rod via the first gas-feed subsequent to vaporizing at least a portion of the silica producing gas within the reactant flame of the burner.