Laser Photochemical Synthesis and Coating of Optical Fiber.
Abstract
Disclosed is a method to prepare and coat an optical fiber with Si3N4. The Si3N4 is synthesized from SiF4 + NH3 and/or SiH4 + NF3 by laser photochemical reaction (LPR) techniques in a controlled atmosphere chamber. The silicon fiber which is a representative optical fiber is drawn from a preform at about 2000 degrees C in a standard fiber drawing furnace. Immediately after drawing of fiber, the fiber is passed through a chamber with a controlled atmosphere containing SiX4 and NX3 gases, wherein X equals hydrogen or fluorine. A laser is used to irradiate the atmosphere and the Si3N4 is coated on the optical fiber to a thickness of about 0.02-0.20 micrometer which hermetically seals the fiber and enhances and maintains the mechanical strength thereof. (Author)
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Oct 22, 1979
- Accession Number
- ADD007111
Entities
People
- James A. Merritt
Organizations
- United States Army