Method of applying an amorphous boron-based protective coating to an optical fiber, and an optical fiber including such a coating
US5717808A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Apr 24, 1996 |
| Grant date | Feb 10, 1998 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Apr 24, 2016 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY10T428/2916
- WIPO fieldMaterials, metallurgy
- WIPO sectorChemistry
Abstract
A method of applying an amorphous boron-based protective coating to an optical fiber comprising an optical core enclosed in optical cladding, both made of a silica-based material, wherein the boron is applied to the surface of said optical fiber chemically from the vapor phase at a temperature lying in the range 1050.degree. C. to 1250.degree. C., by reducing boron chloride BCl.sub.3 by means of hydrogen H.sub.2. The amorphous boron protective coating imparts mechanical protection to the fiber, and enhanced abrasion resistance, enabling the fiber to be used in optical cables of high capacity and that are highly compact. The thickness of the resin coating can be about half that required when a carbon protective coating is used, and can even be eliminated. The coating further provides sealing properties comparable to those provided by a carbon coating.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.