Method for Robust Chalcogenide Glass Fibers

Abstract

Researchers at the University of Central Florida have developed a method for fabricating chalcogenide glass fiber preforms: one-step multi-material extrusion. Silica optical fibers are the industry standard for communication wavelengths due to their high optical quality and reliability, however, these fibers have a limited transmission window and cannot be used for mid-infrared (MIR) light applications. Fibers used in MIR applications can benefit from the optical functionality of chalcogenide (ChG) glasses, which are highly transparent in the infrared spectrum of interest and have attracted interest for MIR beam delivery, imaging fiber bundles, and nonlinear optics. However, the extremely brittle nature of ChG complicates handling and processing necessary to draw the material into fibers. Conventional attempts to use a polymer layer have been confined by the limited working temperature and an inability to co-draw the materials necessary for a robust ChG optical fiber.

Technical Details

The UCF invention consists of new ChG fiber with a polymer jacket harnesses the mechanical strength of the polymer without compromising the optical functionality of ChG. The optical properties of the fiber are determined by the ChG, while the mechanical properties are determined by the polymer. By separating the functionalities this way, each can be optimized independently. The new fiber is extruded under pressure, allowing the use of lower temparatures and higher viscosities compared to fiber drawing, thereby reducing glass crystallization. The polymer protects the fragile ChG from contacting the die during extrusion or subsequently with the ambient environment and allows for convenient handling and reduced aging of the fiber but does not participate in the optical functionality of the fiber, determined by the ChG alone.

Benefit

Market Application