SGER: Processing of Multi-Mode Optical Fiber Preforms

预计到2000年多模光纤将占世界光纤市场的15%。 这些光纤的大芯允许它们与便宜的光源一起使用，并且它们最适合于局域网中的应用。 目前，还没有合适的制造技术来制造大梯度折射率预制件。 研究人员将研究使用含有Si（但不含Cl）的有机前体与氧气反应产生大量二氧化硅的可能性。 反应的二氧化硅将撞击在旋转棒上，并且将形成二氧化硅的未烧结圆柱体。 在沉积过程中，二氧化硅将掺杂有玻璃改性剂，这将提高折射率。 这将通过计算机控制来完成，以确保折射率的平滑渐变，从而确保高带宽功能。 然后将该预成型件烧结以产生具有渐变折射率的玻璃质无孔预成型件。 据信，该工艺是环境友好的（无氯），并且大预制件将显著降低高带宽多模光纤的制造成本。

Multimode optical fibers are expected to comprise 15% of the world optical fiber market by the year 2000. The large cores of these fibers permit them to be used with inexpensive light sources, and they are best suited for applications in Local Area Networks. At the present time, there are no suitable fabrication techniques to make large graded index preforms. The investigator will research the possibility of using organic precursors containing Si (but with no Cl) that react with oxygen to produce large amounts of silicon dioxide. The reacted silicon dioxide will impinge on a rotating rod and an unsintered cylinder of the silicon dioxide will be formed. During the deposition, the silicon dioxide will be doped with a glass modifier that will raise the index of refraction. This will be done with computer control to ensure a smooth gradation of the refractive index, and thus, high bandwidth functionality. This preform is then sintered to produce a vitreous, pore free preform with graded index. It is believed that this process is environmentally friendly (no chlorine), and that the large preforms will significantly reduce the manufacturing costs of high bandwidth multimode optical fibers.