Abstract

Fibers made by the now standard vapor deposition processes have achieved performance levels limited only by the intrinsic properties of the fused silica which comprise them. Yet there is active exploration of other means of preparing optical waveguides. These are directed toward achieving ultimate economy while maintaining adequate performance. The strategy is to form silica into a waveguide configuration at low temperatures starting with submicroscopic silica particles (10-100 nm). The porous silica body once formed is then vitrified by viscous sintering like the soot formed by OVD or MCVD.

© 1989 Optical Society of America