Tri-layer ceramic optical fibers and method of making

Abstract

A tri-layer optical fiber. The fiber has a core which is preferably a single crystal and outer cladding, to reduce signal loss. The cladding process begins with high porosity particles, and is known to introduce porosity in the cladding and at the core/cladding interface. The porosity increases refraction and signal loss. The invention interposes a film layer intermediate the core and cladding. The film layer is sputter coated and preferably of the of same material as the cladding. The film prevents diffusion of the porous cladding into the core, minimizing porosity and improving signal transmission.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.