Quartz Glass Optical Fiber Preform for Shape Accuracy
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional methods for manufacturing multicore optical fibers face challenges in achieving high dimensional and shape accuracy of the clad preform without additional processing or increasing manufacturing time, particularly due to the softness and deformability of glass at high sintering temperatures.
Innovation Solution
The preform for optical fiber is made from quartz glass powder with specific properties, including opaque portions with low visible light transmittance and defined bulk density or open porosity, ensuring high dimensional and shape accuracy without additional processing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If high sintering temperature is used to obtain dense transparent glass, then densification is improved, but shape accuracy and dimensional accuracy deteriorate due to softness and deformation
Solution Approach 1:
The invention changes the sintering temperature parameter from conventional high temperatures (1600-1700°C) to a lower range (1400-1600°C), and adjusts sintering time accordingly (2-24 hours). This parameter optimization achieves sufficient densification (bulk density ≥2.1 g/cm³ or open porosity ≤3.5%) while maintaining shape accuracy and dimensional accuracy without excessive deformation
Solution Approach 2:
The invention applies partial densification rather than complete densification. By achieving bulk density of 2.1 g/cm³ or more (or open porosity of 3.5% or less) without requiring complete transparency, the patent obtains sufficient mechanical strength and dimensional stability while avoiding the need for high temperatures that cause deformation
2Manufacturing precision
If high sintering temperature is used to obtain dense glass, then densification is improved, but manufacturing time increases due to longer cooling time
Solution Approach 1:
By optimizing the sintering temperature to 1400-1600°C and sintering time to 2-24 hours, the invention achieves sufficient densification (bulk density ≥2.1 g/cm³) in a balanced time frame. The lower temperature range allows for reasonable cooling times while still achieving the required densification level for structural integrity
3Manufacturing precision
If additional processing such as machining is performed to improve shape accuracy, then shape accuracy is improved, but device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The invention performs preliminary action by optimizing the sintering process parameters (temperature: 1400-1600°C, time: 2-24 hours) to achieve the required shape accuracy and dimensional accuracy directly during sintering. This preliminary optimization eliminates or reduces the need for subsequent machining or additional processing steps
Solution Approach 2:
By changing and optimizing the sintering parameters (temperature range, time duration), the invention achieves sufficient densification and dimensional stability in the sintering step itself, making additional machining operations unnecessary
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 solution achieves optical fibers with enhanced dimensional and shape accuracy by controlling sintering conditions to achieve partial densification, maintaining structural integrity and reducing deformation, thus improving transmission characteristics.
Implementation Method 1
the molded body is dried, degreased, and sintered to obtain a clad preform having holes for inserting core rods
Data Source
AI summary
A preform for optical fiber made of a quartz glass sintered body which is made from quartz glass powder as a main raw material, in which at least a portion of the quartz glass sintered body is an opaque body, the opaque body has a visible light transmittance of 90% or less at a length of 5 mm or less in one direction, and the opaque body has a bulk density of 2.1 g/cm3 or more, or the opaque body has a visible light transmittance of 90% or less at a length of 5 mm or less in one direction, and the opaque body has an open porosity of 3.5% or less.