Optical fiber containing an alkali metal oxide and methods and apparatus for manufacturing same
US8798412B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Aug 27, 2004 |
| Grant date | Aug 5, 2014 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Feb 26, 2027 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY10T428/294
- WIPO fieldOther special machines
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
Disclosed is an optical fiber having a core with an alkali metal oxide dopant in an peak amount greater than about 0.002 wt. % and less than about 0.1 wt. %. The alkali metal oxide concentration varies with a radius of the optical fiber. By appropriately selecting the concentration of alkali metal oxide dopant in the core and the cladding, a low loss optical fiber may be obtained. Also disclosed are several methods of making the optical fiber including the steps of forming an alkali metal oxide-doped rod, and adding additional glass to form a draw perform. Preferably, the draw preform has a final outer dimension (d2), wherein an outer dimension (d1) of the rod is less than or equal to 0.06 times the final outer dimension (d2). In a preferred embodiment, the alkali metal oxide-doped rod is inserted into the centerline hole of a preform to form an assembly.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.