Abstract:
A process for producing long length fluoride glass preforms, by producing a fluoride glass rod of core glass, overcoating the core glass rod with fluoride cladding glass to form a core/clad unit, and overcoating the core/clad unit with an oxide glass overclad.
Abstract:
A preform for preparation of optical fibers is prepared by inserting a rod of a higher index of refraction fluoride glass into the bore of a hollow cylinder of a lower index of refraction fluoride glass fiber. This preform precursor is processed to collapse the hollow cylinder inwardly to form a composite preform having a high-refractive index core and a low-refractive index casing. The preparing of the glasses and processing to a preform are accomplished in a reactive environment that reacts and removes oxygen and hydrogen containing species from the glass, the reactive environment being, for example, Cl.sub.2, CCl.sub.4, SF.sub.6, BF.sub.3, CF.sub.4, or the decomposition products of a liquefied solid fluorocarbon. The preform is then drawn to an optical fiber.
Abstract:
Optical fibers formed by rolling crystals of infrared transmissive material, such as potassium chloride, have been made into a smooth optical fiber by rolling between smooth grooved rolls (16) and (20) in a heated, atmosphere controlled environment.The Government of the United States of America has rights in this invention pursuant to Contract Number N00014-79-0-0691 awarded by the Department of Defense.
Abstract:
A method and an apparatus for manufacturing a fluoride glass fiber preform are disclosed which preclude the step of pouring a glass melt into a mold from a crucible, and hence permit the fabrication of a long, homogeneous fluoride glass fiber preform free from foreign substances and air bubbles leading to scattering and which also allow ease in the fabrication of a preform having an elliptic core portion for drawing a polarized wave retaining fiber.
Abstract:
An improved method of rapidly forming halide glass wherein the heating and cooling schedule has two phases of heating and cooling. This improved method substantially limits the loss of volatile components because of the significantly shortened interval of time at the elevated melting temperatures. The average time under heating is about 80 minutes. Cooling is as rapid as possible. The homogenization occurs above 800.degree. C. for about 20 minutes.
Abstract:
An improved method of making carbon dioxide and chlorine free fluoride-based glass wherein the atmosphere in the furnace enclosure is sulphur hexafluoride gas at a positive over pressure.
Abstract:
A method for the manufacture of a preform of barium containing heavy metal fluoride glass comprising a core and a jacket for drawing infrared light waveguides for optical communications technology by casting molten glass onto a predetermined body of solid glass. Hitherto, such a method was executed such that molten core glass was cast into a tube of jacket glass. In order to achieve thicker preforms, one proceeds such here that a solid row of the core glass is surrounded with molten jacket glass. The boundary surface between core and jacket of the generated preform can be improved in the method disclosed herein that the surface of the solid rod is etched before being surrounded with the jacket glass. A nearly perfect boundary surface is obtained by etching with a ZrOCl.sub.2 solution.
Abstract:
Various embodiments of optical fiber designs and fabrication processes for ultra small core fibers (USCF) are disclosed. In some embodiments, the USCF includes a core that is at least partially surrounded by a region comprising first features. The USCF further includes a second region at least partially surrounding the first region. The second region includes second features. In an embodiment, the first features are smaller than the second features, and the second features have a filling fraction greater than about 90 percent. The first features and/or the second features may include air holes. Embodiments of the USCF may provide dispersion tailoring. Embodiments of the USCF may be used with nonlinear optical devices configured to provide, for example, a frequency comb or a supercontinuum.
Abstract:
A method of forming a nanowire is disclosed. In one embodiment, a primary preform is formed comprising at least one central region and a support structure. The primary preform is then drawn to a cane, which is then inserted into an outer portion, to form a secondary preform. The secondary preform is then drawn until the at least one central portion is a nanowire. The method can produce nanowires of far greater length than existing methods, and can reduce the likelihood of damaging the nanowire when handling.
Abstract:
A method of forming a nanowire is disclosed. In one embodiment, a primary preform is formed comprising at least one central region and a support structure. The primary preform is then drawn to a cane, which is then inserted into an outer portion, to form a secondary preform. The secondary preform is then drawn until the at least one central portion is a nanowire. The method can produce nanowires of far greater length than existing methods, and can reduce the likelihood of damaging the nanowire when handling.