Holey optical fiber with random pattern of holes and method for making same
US7444838B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jun 9, 2004 |
| Grant date | Nov 4, 2008 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jan 15, 2025 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC C)Chemistry; Metallurgy
- CPC primaryC03B2203/42
- WIPO fieldOptics
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
A random array of holes is created in an optical fiber by gas generated during fiber drawing. The gas forms bubbles which are drawn into long, microscopic holes. The gas is created by a gas generating material such as silicon nitride. Silicon nitride oxidizes to produce nitrogen oxides when heated. The gas generating material can alternatively be silicon carbide or other nitrides or carbides. The random holes can provide cladding for optical confinement when located around a fiber core. The random holes can also be present in the fiber core. The fibers can be made of silica. The present random hole fibers are particularly useful as pressure sensors since they experience a large wavelength dependant increase in optical loss when pressure or force is applied.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.