Fluorine-Thiol Chain Transfer Agent for Plastic Optical Fiber Loss Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Plastic optical fibers suffer from higher transmission loss compared to glass-based fibers due to residual chain transfer agents used in polymerization, limiting their application in optical communication systems, and existing solutions are limited in monomer compatibility and odor issues with thiol-based agents.
Innovation Solution
A polymerizable composition comprising a compound with a fluorine-containing thiol group as a chain transfer agent, specifically designed for producing polymethacrylates and polyacrylates, which reduces transmission loss and is effective for forming optical devices with varying refractive index profiles, including plastic optical fibers.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If a chain transfer agent is used in polymerization to control molecular weight, then the polymer becomes easier to stretch and process, but residual chain transfer agents remain in the polymer and increase transmission loss
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the chemical parameters of the chain transfer agent by using fluorine-containing compounds (such as perfluoroalkyl group-containing thiols) instead of conventional non-fluorine chain transfer agents. This parameter change reduces the residual content of chain transfer agents in the polymer, thereby reducing transmission loss while maintaining the desired molecular weight control and processability.
2Reliability
If fluorine-containing monomer is polymerized to produce polymer material for optical devices, then the optical properties are improved, but the transmission loss increases due to residual chain transfer agents
Solution Approach 1:
The patent modifies the chemical composition parameter by introducing fluorine atoms into the chain transfer agent structure. This allows the use of fluorine-containing monomers for optimal optical properties while the fluorine-containing chain transfer agent minimizes residual content, thereby maintaining low transmission loss.
3Manufacturing precision
If thiol-based chain transfer agent is used to control polymerization, then molecular weight is controlled, but odor problem arises
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the chemical structure parameter of the chain transfer agent by using fluorine-containing compounds, which have different physical and chemical properties compared to conventional thiols. The fluorine-containing chain transfer agents maintain effective molecular weight control while significantly reducing or eliminating the odor problem associated with traditional thiol-based agents.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The use of the fluorine-containing thiol group in the polymerizable composition significantly reduces transmission loss in plastic optical fibers, enhancing their light transmittability and suitability for optical communication systems, particularly in the 650 nm to 850 nm wavelength range.
Implementation Method 1
a monomer for it is polymerized with a thiol such as n-dodecanethiol serving as a chain transfer agent added thereto
Implementation Method 2
if the polymerization is carried out in the absence of a chain transfer agent, then the molecular weight of the polymer produced may be too large
Data Source
AI summary
Using a compound of the following formula (1) makes it possible to provide an optical device having a reduced transmission loss.wherein R1 is an alkyl group having from 1 to 3 carbon atoms and having at least one fluorine atom, and R2 is an alkylene group having 1 or 2 carbon atoms.