Methods and apparatus for pulsed doping or drying a soot preform

US8037717B2 · kind B2 · utility

Assignee

• CORNING INCORPORATED · US

Inventors

• Steven Bruce Dawes · Corning, US
• Daniel Warren Hawtof · Corning, US
• Michael Murtagh · Corning, US
• John Stephen Rosettie · Corning, US
• Andrew Paul Schermerhorn · Corning, US
• Merrill F. Sproul · Big Flats, US
• John Stone, III · Corning, US
• Pushkar Tandon · Corning, US

Key dates

• Filing date: Oct 26, 2001
• Grant date: Oct 18, 2011
• Expiry date: Feb 5, 2025

Classification

• Technology area (CPC C): Chemistry; Metallurgy
• CPC primary: C03B2201/20
• WIPO field: Other special machines
• WIPO sector: Mechanical engineering

Abstract

A method of manufacturing an optical waveguide preform includes providing a first process gas atmosphere to a soot preform contained in a vessel. The first atmosphere is held in the vessel for a first reacting time sufficient to at least partially dope or dry the soot preform. The vessel is then at least partially refilled with a second doping or drying atmosphere. The second doping or drying atmosphere is held in the vessel for a second reacting time sufficient to further dope or dry the soot preform.