Laser drawing of optical fibers

A system consisting of a cw CO(2) laser and an ellipsoidal reflector was developed in order to draw fused silica fibers from bulk material. The system was used to obtain unclad fused silica fibers (Suprasil 2) having a total transmission loss of less than 100 dB/km at 6328 A. Preforms (rod in tube) have also been drawn to fibers of long lengths with diameters as small as 10 microm and variations within 5%. Analysis of the fiber drawing process established relations that allow determination of the design parameters for fiber drawing systems. Experimental results are given that support these relationships.