Aerogel-clad optical fiber

US5684907A · kind A · utility

Assignee

• The Regents of the University of California · US

Inventors

• Gregory A. Sprehn · Livermore, US
• Lawrence W. Hrubesh · Pleasanton, US
• John F. Poco · Livermore, US
• Pamela H. Sandler · San Marino, US

Key dates

• Filing date: Oct 28, 1994
• Grant date: Nov 4, 1997
• Expiry date: Oct 28, 2014

Classification

• Technology area (CPC G): Physics
• CPC primary: G02B6/02
• WIPO field: Optics
• WIPO sector: Instruments

Abstract

An optical fiber is surrounded by an aerogel cladding. For a low density aerogel, the index of refraction of the aerogel is close to that of air, which provides a high numerical aperture to the optical fiber. Due to the high numerical aperture, the aerogel clad optical fiber has improved light collection efficiency.