Method for making multiple optical core fiber
AssigneeInternational Telephone and Telegraph Corporation
InventorDeWayne A. Streng
Life of this patent
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Abstract
A multiple optical core fiber and method for manufacturing it. Two or more chemical vapor deposition type preforms are fused with a hydrogen-oxygen torch and then etched in a solution of 50% hydrofluoric and 50% nitric acid. A hollow quartz tube is subjected to internal gas pressure while a hydrogen-oxygen torch is passed along it. This expands and cleans the tube. The chemical vapor deposition preforms are inserted within the expanded tube which is again subjected to the torch to collapse it about the preforms. A nearly solid glass rod with two or more optical waveguide cores is thereby formed. This multiple core preform may then be drawn into a multiple core fiber which can be utilized for the transmission of light pulses.
Claims7
A method of producing a multiple optical core preform which can be drawn into a light-conducting fiber, comprising the steps of:
- providing a plurality of preforms having central portions of fiber core material and outer portions of fiber cladding material;
- assembling said preforms into a bundle;
- fusing said bundle of preforms;
- providing a fused silica tube having a first end and a second end;
- expanding said fused silica tube by means of internal gas pressure and heat;
- inserting said fused bundle into said expanded silica tube;
- and
- collapsing said silica tube about said bundle to form a substantially solid multiple optical core preform.
A method for producing a multiple optical core fiber, comprising the steps of:
- providing a plurality of preforms having central portions of fiber core material and outer portions of fiber cladding material;
- assembling said preforms into a bundle;
- fusing said bundle of preforms;
- providing a fused silica tube having a first end and a second end;
- extending said fused silica tube by means of internal gas pressure and heat;
- inserting said fused bundle into said expanded silica tube;
- collapsing said tube about said bundle to form a substantially solid multiple optical core preform;
- and
- drawing said preform to form a multiple optical core fiber.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.