High Speed Coating of Optical Fibers

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ABSTRACT This proposal deals with manufacturing of coated optical fibers at high draw speed (e.g. 20 m/s). The quality of the fiber depends on the diameter and concentricity of the coating, coat layer continuity, smoothness, bubble inclusion, and uniformity. These characteristics are in turn affected by heat transfer and fluid flow that occur during the coating process. The Principal Investigators (PIs) propose a theoretical and experimental program to study the transport processes and determine the effects various operating parameters have on the aforementioned characteristics. Numerical simulations that take into account non-Newtonian effects and variable properties will be carried out. Experiments will be conducted using different coating applicator geometries, coating materials, draw speeds, and fiber materials. The experimental results will be used in conjunction with the simulation results to establish the linkage between the operating parameters and the quality of the fiber. Validation of the numerical model will also be performed. The results from this study will be useful for the design and optimization of coating dies and applications under different conditions.