Method of measuring the refractive index profile and the core diameter of optical fibers and preforms

Abstract

Shaping of the refractive index profile of an optical fiber is typically achieved by changing the concentration of an index-modifying dopant within the glassy matrix preform. To measure the profile and the core diameter of the preform, in accordance with the present disclosure, the preform (10) is illuminated with a focused beam of ultraviolet radiation (15) whose beam width (w) is small compared to the preform core diameter (d). This induces a fluorescence along a thin pencil-like region (16) of the preform core whose intensity varies in proportion to the concentration of the dopant. Inasmuch as the latter is proportional to the refractive index, the intensity profile gives the index profile directly. A similar measure can also be made on fibers using microscopes for focusing the uv and observing the induced fluorescence. Use of this technique for controlling the rate at which a fiber is drawn is also described.

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