Method of manufacturing graded index optical fibers
US4277271A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Jul 2, 1979 |
| Grant date | Jul 7, 1981 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jul 2, 1999 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC C)Chemistry; Metallurgy
- CPC primaryC03C13/04
- WIPO fieldMaterials, metallurgy
- WIPO sectorChemistry
Abstract
A process is disclosed for making an optical fiber having a graded index glass core enveloped by a cladding material. The ingredients from which the core glass is to be formed are dropped into a closed tube of the cladding material which is more refractory than the core glass. The ingredients are melted to form a glassy liquid which is fined within the tube. Fining takes place at a temperature sufficiently high to cause a relatively fast reaction between the core glass and cladding, resulting in a partial mixing of the cladding and core glasses. The mixed glasses have an index of refraction intermediate that of the core and cladding at the interface. The temperature is then elevated further and the tube and glassy liquid drawn into a fiber.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.