Abstract:
Apparatus for the multiple drawing of fibers allowing the simultaneous drawing out of a plurality of optical fibers then the multifibre cabling on line. The apparatus comprises a first drawing assembly formed by a support (2) of N preforms, an oven (4) with N containers, a coating system (8), N capstans for the drawing (12) and a second cabling assembly comprising an extruder and assembling devices. Application to the manufacturing of optical fibers.
Abstract:
A high frequency induction furnace (10) for reflowing a portion of a lightguide preform (44) in order to draw a fiber (52) therefrom. The furnace (10) has a centrally located tubular susceptor (34) therein. A high frequency coil (38) is energized to couple its elecromagnetic field to the susceptor (34) to heat and reflow a portion of the preform (44) in order to draw the fiber (52) therefrom. The susceptor has a thin coating of the preform material (e.g., silica) on at least a portion of the inside surface thereof. In a further embodiment a cylinder (62) is positioned in concentric, spaced relation about the susceptor (34) and is surrounded by an insulating grain (36). A thin coating of the preform material may be additionally provided on at least a portion of either the outer surface of the susceptor or the inner surface of the cylinder. The thin coating prevents contaminating particulates from migrating from small cracks in the inside surface of the susceptor (34) onto the preform (44) while the cylinder (62) prevents small particulate emanating from the insulating grain (36) from being drawn through larger cracks in the susceptor and onto the preform and/or the fiber (52).
Abstract:
The present invention relates to a furnace for producing an optical fibre (2) from a preform (1), wherein said furnace comprises an inner space (4) with a geometrical axis along which the preform (1) is capable of displacement. The inner space includes a region (10) which extends along said axis and in which the melting temperature of the preform (1) material can be adjusted, wherein said temperature decreases at the axial ends of the inner space (4). This invention is characterised in that the generation of heat in the furnace and/or the emission of heat outside the inner space (4) varies along the axis. This invention further relates to a method for producing optical fibres.
Abstract:
An induction furnace capable of drawing large diameter preforms of up to 130 mm is described, including top and bottom chimneys surrounding the entire preform during operation of the furnace with an inert conditioning gas; the latter is introduced into the top chimney and flows downward through the furnace body and bottom chimney without significant turbulence. A distributor ring inside the top chimney redirects flow from a circumferential direction to a downward direction. The top chimney also includes a resilient seal to releasably hold the top of the preform. The bottom chimney has a smoothly decreasing cross-sectional area preventing turbulence at the furnace exit. The furnace insulation is preferably a rigid self-supporting graphite cylinder. A method of drawing large diameter preforms either to an optical fiber or to a preform of smaller diameter using such a furnace is also claimed and disclosed.
Abstract:
A glass preform (30) for making optical waveguides has surface impurities such as silicon carbide or silicon nitride. The preform is drawn in a furnace (12) that is supplied with oxygen via a conduit (40). The oxygen causes the impurities to oxidize and not effect the strength of the fiber.