Viscocity-reducing dopants in optical fibers
US11161767B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jan 7, 2019 |
| Grant date | Nov 2, 2021 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Nov 3, 2039 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC C)Chemistry; Metallurgy
- CPC primaryC03B2205/45
- WIPO fieldOther special machines
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
An optical preform manufacturing process is disclosed in which an alkali dopant is deposited between an optical fiber core rod and an optical fiber cladding jacket. Depositing the alkali dopant between the core rod and the cladding jacket permits diffusion of the alkali dopants into the core during fiber draw when the core and the cladding are at their respective transition (or vitrification) temperatures. Introduction of the alkali dopants between the core rod and the cladding jacket also permits decoupling of the alkali doping process from one or more of other optical preform manufacturing processes. The optical preform manufacturing process can also include placing alkali dopants between an optical fiber inner cladding jacket and an optical fiber outer cladding jacket to reduce the glass viscosity during fiber draw.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.