Process for treating optical fibers by cryogenic tempering
AssigneeSiemens Information and Communication Networks, Inc.
InventorGeorge A. King
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Abstract
The transmission properties of an optical fiber are enhanced by cooling the fiber gradually to temperatures of at least -300.degree. Fahrenheit, maintaining the fiber at such reduced temperature for a time suitable to stabilize the transmission properties of the fiber, and then allowing the fiber gradually to return to normal room temperature. The heating of the fiber to restore it to room temperature in part is accomplished by transmitting through the fiber optical pulses of the frequency and repetition rate the fiber will experience in normal use.
Claims7
A process for cryogenically tempering a previously-formed optical fiber, comprising the steps of:
- gradually cooling the fiber to a temperature of approximately -300.degree. F. or lower;
- maintaining such fiber at such temperature for a period of time;
- and
- then gradually heating the fiber back to room temperature.
A process for cryogenically tempering a previously-formed optical fiber, comprising the steps of:
- gradually cooling the fiber to a temperature of approximately -300.degree. F. or lower at a rate of about between one and two degrees Fahrenheit per minute over most of the cooling period while applying optical pulses of the wavelength and repetition rate to be used in practice;
- maintaining such fiber at such temperature for a period of time while continuing to apply optical pulses for transmission through the fiber;
- and
- gradually heating the fiber at a rate of about between one and two degrees Fahrenheit per minute over most of the heating period while continuing to apply optical pulses for transmission through the fiber during the gradual heating.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.